Things to know
A consumer unit load assessment should happen before you commit to a firm price, not after the charger is on the wall. An older or already-loaded consumer unit may need an upgrade to safely handle a 7kW charger. That's a real, separately billable finding, not something to discover mid-installation and negotiate awkwardly.
Cable run distance from the consumer unit to the charging point genuinely changes the cost. Armoured cable for an outdoor run to a driveway is priced by the metre, and a longer or more obstructed route, through a wall or under a path, adds real labour. Stating a per-metre rate or a clear allowance avoids a flat price that only works for the shortest, easiest run.
All new domestic EV chargers are required to have smart functionality under current regulations. Confirming this compliance on the quote is not a nice-to-have. It is what makes the installation legal to complete. It is also worth explaining briefly what "smart" means in practice, like off-peak charging scheduling, since it is a genuine selling point most customers haven't considered.
If the customer may be eligible for a government grant or scheme discount, note it on the quote and be clear about whether the price shown is before or after that discount is applied. A quote that silently assumes a grant will land, when eligibility isn't yet confirmed, sets up an awkward final invoice if it doesn't come through.
Typical ev charger installer line items and UK prices
Indicative ranges, excluding VAT. Rates vary by region (London and the South East run higher) and by job size.
| Item | Unit | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| 7kW smart charger, standard install (≤10m cable) | per install | £850–£1,200 |
| Additional cable run | per metre | £15–£30 |
| Groundworks / trenching for armoured cable | per metre | £40–£90 |
| Earth rod / open-PEN protection device | per install | £80–£250 |
| Consumer unit upgrade (if required) | per job | £450–£850 |
| Load-balancing CT clamp | per install | £50–£120 |
| Tethered cable upgrade | per unit | £50–£150 |
Common ev charger installer jobs and how to price them
- Standard driveway installs
- Fixed price covering a defined cable length and fixings, with extras per metre.
- Long runs and detached garages
- Fixed price plus groundworks per metre and any sub-main.
- Flat and block installs
- Survey-led quote with freeholder consent and parking bay arrangements.
- Workplace chargers
- Per charge point with load management and back-office software listed.
Regulations and certificates to reference
- Electric Vehicle (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 — chargers sold for home use must have smart functionality and default off-peak charging settings. Name the compliant model on the quote.
- BS 7671 Section 722 and the IET Code of Practice for EV Charging — covers earthing, RCD protection and open-PEN fault protection. Note the earthing arrangement in your survey notes.
- Building Regulations Part P — a new dedicated circuit is notifiable — issue an EIC and notify via your scheme.
- DNO notification — EV chargers must be notified to the network operator; a looped supply or a small main fuse can need an upgrade before install. Flag it on the quote.
Payment terms ev charger installers commonly use
- Payment on completion for standard installs; deposits for chargers ordered in.
- Grant-funded installs: show the grant as a deduction and say who claims it.
Read more: Invoice payment terms explained · Payment methods to offer clients
VAT and CIS for ev charger installers
VAT
Home EV charger installation is standard-rated at 20%. Charge points are not on the energy-saving materials list, so the 0% rate for solar and heat pumps does not apply.
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
Charger installs subcontracted for a housebuilder or main contractor are electrical installation work and within CIS.
General guidance, not tax advice — check your position with HMRC or an accountant.
Read more: Do I need to charge VAT on my invoices? · What must an invoice include? (UK legal requirements)
What this template includes
- Consumer unit load assessment priced separately
- Cable run distance priced per metre
- Government grant scheme eligibility noted
- Smart-charger compliance confirmed
- PDF download or shareable tracked link
Full guide
How to Start an EV Charger Installation Business as a Sole Trader
Frequently asked questions
Yes, for some customers. The OZEV chargepoint grant covers 75% of the cost, up to a capped amount per socket, for flat owners and renters (and landlords) with private off-street parking — homeowners in houses don't qualify. Only OZEV-authorised installers can claim it, and the cap and end date change, so check gov.uk before putting an amount on a quote.
A 7kW charger draws up to 32A. On a small main fuse, or with a looped supply shared with a neighbour, the network operator may need to upgrade the supply before or after install. It affects timing and sometimes cost.
Not always. If the existing board has no spare way or lacks suitable protection, a new board or a separate enclosure is needed. Quote it as conditional on the survey.
Yes. Under the 2021 Smart Charge Points Regulations, chargers for home use must have smart functionality and default off-peak charging. State the compliant model on the quote.
An older or fully-loaded consumer unit may need an upgrade to safely support a new charger. This should be assessed and priced before a firm quote, not discovered mid-installation.
Armoured cable for outdoor or buried runs is priced by the metre, and longer or obstructed routes add real labour. A per-metre rate keeps this transparent rather than assuming the shortest possible run.
Yes — current regulations require smart functionality on new domestic EV chargers. This should be confirmed on the quote as part of what makes the installation compliant.
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