Are you wondering how much it would cost you to install a charging station? The costs of installing an EV charger vary depending on several factors like the type and brand. There are also extra costs involved in the actual installation and it is important to know these as well.
Knowing these costs will help set your expectations and provide you with more options to reinforce your buying decision.
In this article, we’re going to unravel the costs of installing an EV charger – from home chargers to workplace chargers, etc. So let’s get right into it!
Electric Car Charger Installation Cost
The average cost for a home chargepoint installation is £1,000. But the entire cost may not be spent by you. EV owners such as yourself can opt for a government grant for the installation cost, along with additional funding from the EST or Energy Saving Trust. This will significantly reduce your installation costs.
The process of EV charging installation involves connecting the charger to your electric supply and attaching it to your wall. For your convenience, it will be installed close to your garage or where you park your vehicle.
Overall, the procedure may take at least three hours. If you will not always be on the premises, it is important to ask about how to install car charging point so the installer can demonstrate it to you.
Important tip: You can still install an EV chargepoint even if you reside in a flat. You’ll require a parking space in your area, direct access to an electrical supply, and written consent for the EV charger installation requirements from your landlord or owner of the residential property.
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme
Currently, you can save money on the purchase and installation of electric vehicle chargers, as the UK Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) offers a £350 grant through their Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme.
This was reduced from £500 to £350 on 1st April 2020, so further reductions may be on the horizon. If you’re in Scotland you can receive a further grant of £300 (or £400 for the most remote areas of the country) from the Energy Saving Trust (EST).
As part of the requirement, make sure to use OLEV-accredited and EST-approved installers.
Learn more about Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme.
Electric Car Charger Home Installation UK Cost
The cost for a hybrid or electric vehicle at home range from:
- 3kW EV chargepoint: £250 – £500
- 7kW EV chargepoint: £450 – £800
Only the EVC prices are mentioned above and the additional costs for installation aren’t included.
Once the charger is installed, all that’s left for you to do is use it and pay for the electricity. There is no extra monthly cost for accessing the grid. Thus, charging an electric car at home is the most cost-effective option for most owners.
If you ever wonder how often you need to charge your electric car, the best analogy would be how often you need to charge your mobile phone. If you are regularly charging your vehicle on schedule, with Adhoc charging for heavy use, you can also prepare your car for use whenever you need it.
If your main charging is set overnight, you are taking advantage of the times when the electricity use in your house is at off-peak pricing and guarantee that the vehicle is ready for use the following morning.
You can also cut your costs by opting for a more affordable energy provider. Depending on your energy tariff, you may pay as low as £5 to charge your vehicle at home. If you’re using solar panels, there will be no need for you to pay for energy.
Electric Car Charger Installation Cost Calculator
If you are looking to calculate the cost of installing an electric car charger, you will need to include not just the price of your charging point but also the labour. Other factors could increase the total expenses. These include:
- Fuse box: You may need to upgrade or replace your fuse box to consider the additional use of electricity. This may cost around £350 or more.
- New isolator switch: generally needed and costs between £100 – £200.
- Rapid charging cable: a European CSS or CHAdeMO cable may be required for rapid charging on the road. These may cost between £150 – £500 in proportion to the cable type and length you’re looking for.
- Cost of building a new driveway: If you do not have off-road parking, you will have to build one that’s close to the charging point.
- Lighting: electric vehicles will cost a bit more if you want to build a parking area that’s well-lit for additional security
How Much Does Commercial EV Charging Station Installation Cost?
If you are looking to install an electric vehicle charging station on a commercial property, then kudos to you for the initiative and for proving to be a progressive leader that caters to the needs of your customers and employees.
But before you begin this new project, you need to know the commercial EV charger installation cost.
Commercial EV chargers Types
Commercial EV charging station prices vary depending on your needs. You must know which electric power level is best suited for your business.
EV charging stations come in three power levels: Levels 1, 2, & 3. Level 3 is also known as DC fast charging.
- Level 1 uses a 120-volt wall plug and is the standard for home charging. It is the slowest EV charging equipment type.
- Level 2 chargers use 240 volts and are generally located at public charging stations.
- DC fast chargers use 480+ volts and are the most robust among the three charging types. These are also the fastest EV chargers.
Level 1 and 2 chargers provide AC or alternating current from the grid and should be converted by the electric vehicle’s battery to DC or direct current because EV batteries only accept DC.
Such a conversion makes levels 1 and 2 much slower compared to DC fast chargers.
The majority of commercial facilities use either Level 2 or Level 3 chargers. Level 1 chargers are the most affordable, although they’re also the least used. Level 2 chargers belong at the middle-range price point while Level 3 chargers are the most costly.
Office buildings or multi-family units generally use Level 2 chargers because they are less expensive than Level 3 chargers and have fairly enough charging speed. Commercial properties with heavy-duty or medium-duty EV fleets use DC fast chargers to supply their EV charging needs.
Level 1 chargers aren’t a good choice for commercial properties, because they are very slow and can overload the facility’s electrical circuits. Level 1 chargers were manufactured for residential use, not commercial use. That’s why it can cause electrical problems if utilized for big operations.
If you are thinking about installing an electric vehicle charging station, it is crucial to determine the cost as they can vary according to several factors. The general recommendation is for you to have a budget of £1600 to £7900.20 for every Level 2 EV charging station.
This includes construction and electrical work along with the charger itself. As expected, the exact cost depends on several factors like charger type and required electrical work. But you can set the most value for your money with proper planning.
Eventually, the total cost will be much lower because of incentives and rebates for commercial electric vehicle charging installations. If your current electrical infrastructure can be set up for EV charging stations, you’d be able to save even more.
Learn More: Can I Install My Own EV Chargepoint?
What Are The Additional Costs of Commercial EV Charging Installation?
To determine the cost of EV charging station installation at your commercial property, you must consider the installation costs besides the infrastructure.
Infrastructure costs are the most costly and vary according to the:
- Cost to provide power to commercial electric vehicle charging stations
- Material and labour costs for electrical wire and conduit, which require digging
- Material and labour costs for putting new concrete
- Material and labour costs for setting electrical panels (if necessary)
- Non-networked and networked (internet-connected or non-internet-connected management system)
How Much Does Commercial EV Charging Station Installation Cost?
Installation costs depend on several factors:
- Charger manufacturer
- Number of chargers
- Charger level
- Taxes
- Labor
- Location
- Permits
- Landscaping/lighting features
Financial Options For EV Charging Installation
As we’ve mentioned before, tax credits, incentives, and rebates will reduce the actual price you will pay to electrify your property. But many other options can help you reduce the cost of your initial EV charging project even more.
The following are financial options provided by WattLogic:
- Turnkey installation. You are covered for everything. An electric vehicle company that provides this option must provide product selection, design, rebate, incentive management, permitting, and installation.
- Fleet charging service or workplace charging service. In this option, you are paying a monthly subscription fee and not the upfront costs. With a subscription fee, you will get everything as though you’ve bought it upfront.
- Shared Revenue. An EV charger contractor installs your units for you and covers the cost, then acquires the revenue your charging stations receive from drivers using them. A version of this option is that the EV charging installer splits both the revenue and cost with you.
EV Charging Station Types and Their Cost
There are several charging stations out there, so it is crucial to select the unit that is right for you. We’ve discussed the most common EV charging station types for you, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each, to help you make a buying decision.
Wireless EV Charging Station
Wireless electric vehicle charging is a relatively new technology. The number of electric vehicle owners opting for home wireless charging stations is increasing because of their convenience.
These chargepoints operate using resonant magnetic induction, such that energy is conveyed from the unit to the charging vehicle.
Wireless charging pads are embedded in the ground to wallow EV owners to park on the wireless pad and receive wireless electric charging with a receiving pad set up at the bottom of the vehicle.
Prices for wireless EV charging stations at home begin at £380.
Advantages:
- No requirement for leads or cables
- Automatic charging such that you don’t have to remember to plug into the charger to charge
Disadvantages:
- Takes longer to charge
- Isn’t it as eco-friendly?
Electric Vehicle Solar Charging Station
A Solar EV charger makes use of electricity through solar panels. Solar panels are installed on your property’s roof to gather solar energy and turn it into electricity for use in the same manner as standard electrical power.
The experts assert that you will need at least 5-10 solar panels for a solar EV charging station. You get a minimum of 40 miles or range each day for 5 solar panels.
Installation for a Solar-powered EV charging station can cost around £300-£1000, in proportion to the unit’s capacity from the lowest to the highest range in the scale.
If you don’t have solar power set up in your property, the cost can go between £1500-10000 as you buy a new one.
Advantages
- It’s environmentally friendly
- It’s free
Disadvantages:
- Installation is costly
The more battery power your electric vehicle has, the more solar energy it requires to charge sufficiently.
Slow EV Charging Station Cost
Slow electric vehicle charging stations are generally utilized in UK homes. They usually charge electric vehicles at 3kW, which makes them good for long charges overnight while you are sleeping and not using them until morning.
It usually takes at least 10-14 hours for an electric vehicle to fully charge using a standard-sized battery. It may take longer for more powerful cars to fully charge.
A slow EV charging station costs around £300-£800 on average, depending on the brand.
Advantages:
- Slow charging produces less heat
- Less power output is required for slow charging
Disadvantages:
- It may take much longer for your car’s battery to fully charge
- You may not be able to fully charge your car if time is pressing.
Fast EV Charging Stations Cost
Fast electric vehicle charging stations make use of 7kW power. They’re suitable for both home installation and public charging. They work just like Slow electric vehicle chargers but generate a higher power output, so it’s crucial to double-check the capacity of your fuse box before deciding on a charger type for fast EV charging.
A Fast EV charger will cost around £400-£900 without any extra expense, depending on its features.
Advantages:
- Fully charges an EV battery after being empty in 4-6 hours
- The majority of fast chargers are untethered so you don’t have to purchase any extra charging leads
Disadvantages:
- Charging at higher power isn’t as smooth on EV batteries
- Utilizes more power and may increase your energy bill
Rapid EV Charging Station Cost
A rapid charging station would prove quite useful if you’re on the go since you can access them in service stations and other places of convenience. But rapid chargers aren’t available for residential use as their electrical power requirements are very high.
Even so, it is still great to have access to rapid EV chargers if you need them. For instance, when it comes to long journeys where you’re short on battery power or have very little left.
Rapid Chargers utilize 50kW power and can charge an EV battery from empty to 80% in just 20 minutes. The other 20% of charging may take longer, though. 22kW rapid EV charging stations may cost around £1020-£1520 to install.
Advantages:
- Great for long trips
- Some electric vehicles reach 80% battery life after 20-30 minutes of charging
Disadvantages:
- Not accessible for residential installation
- It can affect your EV battery’s lifespan
Additional Costs for EV Charging Station Installation
There may be additional costs to installing an EV charging station at home.
Firstly, be sure to have a safe and suitable place to park your electric vehicle since this is a crucial part of your party that you want to protect.
Adjustments to your property may be required to make sure an electric vehicle charger can be utilized properly. It’s always prudent to consider all possibilities before making an EV purchase.
Just some of the extra costs you must consider include:
- New garage. If you want to protect your newly installed EV charging station at home, it would be plausible to build your own garage or set up a new one. New garages come as either attached or detached, single or double, so it is important to do your homework and determine which option would benefit you. To begin with, a detached garage will cost you around £3400-£6800.
- Driveway renovation. If you’re looking to buy an electric vehicle and install an EV charging station at home, you will require a driveway. For a tarmacked driveway, expect a cost of around £2000-£2500, depending on your driveway’s size requirements.
- Security Lights. Your driveway’s security lights are a great addition to increase your home’s security and that of your EV charging station. Most security lights these days are motion-censored and will light up as you approach them. This could be useful to you during evenings and early mornings when there’s limited visibility, and you must charge your electric vehicle.
This will surely help you avoid scratches to your car while trying the plugin blindly in the dark. You can buy a security light and set it up for your new driveway at around £20-£30.
- Fuse Box. While installing an electric vehicle charging station, you must make sure that your fuse box is capable of meeting the power requirements of your EV chargepoint. There’s a maximum power capacity for every fuse box and you need to make sure it fits with your EV charging station.
EV chargepoints have varying power outputs. For instance, a slow EV charger won’t need the same power output as fast EV chargepoints.
EV charging station providers can provide advice on the suitability of your fuse box. Consult with your local electrician if ever you find that your fuse box isn’t suited for your EV charger so they can replace it. A new fuse box may cost around £350-£450.
- Complex Installations. If installing your EV charging station proves more complicated than the average, you may encounter additional costs along the way. There’s no exact number for the additional expenses when it comes to complex installations since it depends upon the situation.
The installer doing the installation can provide you with the additional costs once a complete assessment is carried out, and they’ve listed down the type of work that must be done.
- Technician Costs. The majority of consumers opting for a home EV chargepoint installation will have it installed and provided by the same installer. This covers the cost of the unit, its materials and the equipment required to correctly install it.
But should you hire an independent installer to install your unit, you must include labour costs in your estimate.
Generally, labour costs amount to at least 20% of the installation costs. For instance, if your EV charger costs £800, you may pay at least £200 for the labour.
Remember that independent installers have their price, such that they can charge higher or lower than the average. It is always better to come up with a mutual agreement on the labour cost before commencing work.
Learn more: How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car
Factors That Affect Electric Car Charger Installation Costs
Several factors affect electric car charger installation costs and they include Type, Brand, Smart Charging, Green Energy, and Grants.
Type
Your electric car will have either a Type 1 or Type 2 connector. Be sure to choose the right chargepoint type for your vehicle. Once you’ve determined that, you will need to choose between either a fast or slow charger.
Brand
Different brands of electric car charging stations cost differently. Each brand has its own speciality and charging capability. It would be in your best interest to consult with a specialist on which brand can best suit your needs.
Smart Chargers
At present, the UK government is gearing towards the manufacture and use of smart chargers. These chargers connect to the internet and give you more control of the charging procedure. You can also save money with these units since they are eligible for grants.
Green Energy
If you already have access to solar or wind power at home, you can use this green energy to charge your vehicle. To do this, you must have battery storage and an inverter between your chargepoint and energy source. You can have a specialist charging station for this purpose. Aside from saving more money, you are also relying on a 100% green energy supply.
Government Grants
An OZEV grant is the 350 quid added to the purchase price. The grant is available on lots of EV chargers if you meet certain criteria but it’s diminishing as time goes by.
The grant is currently at £350, but it used to be £500. The present grant amount won’t be around forever so expect the real cost of chargers to increase over time, but we can help you navigate our way through that.
Conclusion
How much to install an electric car charger in the UK? To review, the average cost of installing a standard EV charger at home is between £400-£800, without any additional costs. Again, you can always opt for a government grant to save you hundreds of euros on the cost of installing a home charging station.
Several factors affect the costs of installing an EV charger and these include charting station type, brand, number of chargers, taxes, location, etc. Don’t forget to consider these factors in your budget.
For commercial EV chargers, think also of the chargepoint’s potential to help you gain returns on your investment. Depending on how robust your EV charging station system is, you could see a positive cash flow.
Despite the upfront costs, you will still save more money if you switch to an electric vehicle. The best part is that you are also helping the environment and contributing to the government’s initiative to create a more sustainable future.
And since electric cars will inevitably dominate the road soon, and there will be free electric car charging points UK it only makes sense to make that shift now.
Pumpt provides quality and affordable EV chargepoints. If you choose Pumpt as your EV charging company, you will benefit from our service package which includes installing the charger at your home upon purchase. Check out our units and see how they can help you on our Products Page.
