Electric vs Petrol
Charger Install
How much does it cost to install an electric car charger?
CheckFuelPrices Editorial
Expert Written • 5 industry sources
Installing a home EV charger typically costs between £800 and £1,200 all-in, including the unit and installation labour. Eligible homeowners can reduce that cost by up to £350 through the UK government's EV chargepoint grant.
Typical Installation Costs
Standard home wallbox:
A 7kW home wallbox charger — the most common type — costs roughly £800–£1,200 fully installed, covering the unit, cabling, and a certified electrician.
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3-pin plug (granny charger):
Using a standard 3-pin plug requires no installation cost but charges much slower — typically 8–12 hours for a full charge versus 6–8 hours on a wallbox.
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Factors affecting price:
Your fuse box location, cable run distance, and whether a dedicated circuit is needed can all add to the final quote. Always get at least two quotes from OZEV-authorised installers.
Government Grants Available
EV Chargepoint Grant:
The UK government's EV Chargepoint Grant covers 75% of the cost of buying and installing a charger, up to a maximum of £350 per household.
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Who qualifies:
The grant is available to homeowners and renters in flats or rental properties who own or lease an eligible EV or plug-in hybrid. You must use an OZEV-authorised installer.
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Social housing and flats:
Separate grants exist for landlords and social housing operators to install chargepoints across multiple properties, under the EV Infrastructure Grant.
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What You Get for Your Money
Faster, safer charging:
A 7kW wallbox can add around 30 miles of range per hour, versus roughly 8 miles per hour on a 3-pin plug — a significant practical difference for daily use.
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Smart charging features:
Most modern wallboxes include smart scheduling so you can charge overnight on cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs, reducing running costs further.
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Home charging vs public network costs:
Charging at home is substantially cheaper per mile than using public rapid chargers. Understanding the full cost picture helps compare EVs against petrol or diesel running costs.
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How This Fits Into Your Overall Fuel Costs
Weigh up the full switch:
A home charger is a one-off cost. The ongoing fuel saving versus petrol or diesel depends on your mileage, electricity tariff, and local fuel prices.
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Check current petrol and diesel prices:
Use CheckFuelPrices to see live pump prices near you — useful when calculating whether switching to an EV makes financial sense for your circumstances.
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Sources
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