EV Charger Installation: What to Expect

Getting a home EV charger installed is not complicated. It's also not as simple as plugging something in. There's an electrician, a consumer unit, a cable run, building regulations, and a notification to the grid operator. None of it is difficult, but knowing what happens at each stage means nothing catches you off guard.

Here's the full process, step by step.

Timeline overview

That's for a straightforward installation. If your consumer unit needs upgrading or your DNO needs advance notice (rare for standard chargers), add time accordingly.

Step 1: The survey

Most installers offer a pre installation survey, either in person or virtual (you walk around with your phone). They're checking five things:

1. Where your consumer unit is and how far it is from where you want the charger
2. Whether your consumer unit has capacity. It needs a spare way (slot) for the new circuit breaker. If the board is full or very old, it needs replacing.
3. The cable route. From consumer unit to charger: through walls, along surfaces, possibly underground. The simpler the route, the cheaper the job.
4. Earthing and bonding. Must comply with BS 7671 (the wiring regulations). The installer checks this during the survey.
5. Your supply capacity. A 7kW charger draws 32 amps. Combined with your normal household load, the total needs to stay within your supply limits.

The survey takes 15 to 30 minutes. Some installers include it in the quote. Some charge a small fee that's refunded if you go ahead.

Step 2: The quote

A good quote breaks down the charger cost, installation labour, materials, and any additional work. Ask specifically:

• Is consumer unit work included, or quoted separately?
• What length of cable run is included in the price?
• Does the price include the Part P compliance certificate?
• Does it include the DNO notification?

If the quote is suspiciously low, it may exclude one of these. A complete installation quote for a standard setup should be £800 to £1,300 depending on the charger model.

Step 3: DNO notification

The DNO (Distribution Network Operator) manages the electricity grid in your area. They need to know you're adding a new load to the network. There are two types of notification, and which one applies determines whether you wait or proceed.

G98 (the common one)

For a standard 7kW charger where the total household demand stays within normal limits. The installer proceeds with the installation first, then notifies the DNO within 28 days. No advance approval needed. The DNO acknowledges within 10 to 15 working days. This is a formality.

This covers the vast majority of installations.

G99 (the rare one)

Required when the charger would push total household demand above the supply threshold, for 22kW installations, or for vehicle to grid (V2G) setups. The DNO must approve the installation before work begins. This can take 30 to 60 working days.

Your installer will tell you during the survey which notification applies. If it's G99, factor the waiting time into your plans.

Step 4: Installation day

The installer arrives. Here's what happens, roughly in order:

1. Mark the cable route from consumer unit to charger location
2. Install a dedicated circuit breaker in the consumer unit (typically a 40A MCB with RCD protection)
3. Run the cable. Twin and earth or armoured cable, depending on the route. Most quotes include up to 15 metres. Longer runs cost more.
4. Mount the charger bracket on the wall
5. Connect, commission, and test. The charger is wired in, powered on, and tested to make sure it's delivering the right power and all safety features are working
6. Issue the certificate. Part P compliance certificate, proving the work meets building regulations

Duration: 2 to 4 hours for a straightforward job. If the consumer unit needs replacing, that alone can add 2 to 3 hours, making it a full day.

You don't need to be there for the entire installation, but someone needs to be home to let the electrician in and give access to the consumer unit (usually indoors).

Step 5: Building regulations

Installing a new electrical circuit is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. This is non negotiable. The installer must either:

• Self certify through a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, Stroma, etc.). Most registered electricians do this automatically.
• Or notify building control separately, which costs more and takes longer.

If your installer is on a competent person scheme (and they should be), they handle this. You receive a compliance certificate. Keep it with your house documents. Conveyancing solicitors ask for it when you sell.

Step 6: Start charging

Once the installer finishes and the charger passes testing, you plug in your car and charge. There's no waiting period. The DNO notification happens in the background.

Most chargers need you to download an app and create an account to access smart features (scheduling, tariff integration, energy monitoring). This takes a few minutes. The charger will work without the app, but you'd miss the features you're paying for.

What can go wrong

Your consumer unit is old or full

The most common complication. If there's no spare way for the new circuit, or the board is too old to safely accept one, it needs replacing. Cost: £300 to £600 on top of the charger installation. The installer should flag this during the survey, not on the day.

Your supply is too small

If your main fuse is 60A and adding a 32A charger would push you over (accounting for existing household load), you may need a fuse upgrade from the DNO. This is a separate application and can add weeks. The installer checks this during the survey.

The cable run is longer than quoted

If the survey was virtual and the actual route turns out to be more complex than expected (a wall is thicker, a duct is blocked, the route needs to change), the cable run extends and the cost increases. In person surveys reduce this risk.

Listed building issues

You don't need planning permission for an EV charger in most cases. But listed buildings still require listed building consent, which is a separate process. If you live in a listed property, apply for consent before booking the installer.

How to choose an installer

• Registered on a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, or equivalent). Non negotiable.
• OZEV approved if you're claiming the government grant.
• Insured. Ask for proof of public liability insurance.
• Transparent quoting. The quote should specify what's included and what's extra. No surprises.
• Reviews. Google reviews, Trustpilot, or recommendations from friends with EVs.

Comparison services like Rightcharge and Smart Home Charge vet their installer networks, which removes some of the guesswork.