How Much Does It Cost to Install an EV Charging Station?
Vehicle Charging Station | Electric vehicles are becoming incredibly popular in recent times because more and more people are searching for green vehicles. With increasing demand for electric vehicles is a demand for electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Customers are eager to make it easier for charge their cars using the convenience of a home-based charging station for electric vehicles.
The cost for installing a basic EV charge at your home ranges from £400 to £800 with no additional charges.
The government is rewarding those who use greener methods with grants for electric vehicles as well as home charging stations for EVs therefore it is worth considering if you are looking to save cost!
EV Charging Station Prices
The table below will provide an outline of typical expenses of installing an electric vehicle charger:
| Location | Type of Ev charging system | New fuse box needed | Solar system needed to be installed? | Total price |
| North-West England | Solar Charging System | No | Yes | £2000-11000 |
| London | Solar Charging System | No | Yes | £4000-£13000 |
| North-West England | Slow EV Charging Station | Yes | No | £650-£1150 |
| London | Slow EV Charging Station | Yes | No | £750-£1250 |
| North-West England | Fast EV Charging Station | No | No | £400-£900 |
| London | Fast EV Charging Station | No | No | £600-£1100 |
What are the Additional Costs of Installing an EV Charging Station?
There are many extra costs that could result from installing an at-home electric charging station.
The first thing to do is ensure you have a suitable and secure place where your EV can be kept since it is a valuable piece property you’ll need to secure.
There might also be modifications that you need to make to your house to ensure that the EV charger is utilised without issue. It’s best to think about all the possibilities prior to making your first purchase of an electric vehicle!
The extra costs you might have to think about are outlined below:
New Garage
If you’ve installed a brand new EV home-based charging station you might want to secure it to the maximum extent you can by building a garage that will protect your electric vehicle as well as the charger that goes with it.
Garages are now available in detached and attached types, as well as single and double garages, so it’s worthwhile to conduct some investigation to find out which choices you’ll be able to.
For a start for a garage that is detached, one will cost you anything from £3400-£6800.
Driveway renovation
If you own an electric vehicle and want to get an electric vehicle charging station at home, you’re likely to require an outdoor driveway.
For a straightforward driveway with a tarmacked surface, you can anticipate the price to range from £2000 to £2500 based on the dimensions of the driveway you need.
Security Lights
Security lights for your driveway are an excellent way to increase your home’s security as well as your brand new electric vehicle charging station.
Most security lights are motion-sensored and will turn on when you are near the light. This can also help those who are in dark mornings and evenings when visibility is a bit limited and you’ll need to connect the charging cables into the EV.
This will ensure that you don’t cause any unnecessary damage to your car when trying to plug it in blindly to the vehicle in the dark!
You can get the security light you need for your driveway at around £20-£30.
Fuse Box
To set up an EV charging station you must ensure that the power capacity of your existing fuse box is in line with the specifications of the charging station that is to be installed. Fuse Boxes are designed to have the maximum capacity for the use of power and, therefore, must be able to fulfil their intended purpose in conjunction with the charging station for EVs.
EV charging stations require different power outputs. For instance the slow electric vehicle charger will not need the same amount of power than a high-speed electric vehicle charging station.
The company that operates your EV charging station might be able to provide guidance on whether the fuse box you currently have is compatible. If you discover that it’s not, you might need to speak with an electrician in your area to have the fuse box changed to meet your needs.
The cost of buying a new fuse box ranges between £350 and £450.
Complex Installations
If the setup of the electric vehicle charging system is more difficult than the typical installation you could find there is an additional charge for this. There isn’t a specific price to offer in terms of extra charges for installations that are complex since it is going to depend on the specific circumstances.
However, the person who will be performing the work is likely to be able to give an estimate after a thorough assessment is done and they’re aware of precisely what work must be done.
Tradesman Costs for Fitting an EV Charging Station
Many consumers who decide to purchase an at-home electric vehicle charging station will have it provided as well installed by the same firm. The cost includes materials, the charging device as well as the equipment required to properly install.
If you choose to employ an individual tradesman to install your electric vehicle charger, make sure to take the cost of labour into consideration.
The average cost of labour typically amounts to 20% of installation cost If your EV charger costs £800 then you should expect to pay around £200 for the installation.
Be aware that independent tradespeople determine their own pricing, which means they are free to charge whatever they think is appropriate. Therefore, it’s recommended to settle on a price prior to when the work starts!
How Long Does It Take to Install an Electric Vehicle Charging Station?
When you schedule the appointment for your brand new EV charging station, the service provider will request details about your home and will also require photos of the location in which the station will be placed. This will enable them to determine how long the installation will take and whether there are any additional tasks needed.
As long as the process is simple and there aren’t any unforeseen problems or issues the typical installation can be completed in about 2 hours.
If there are any issues during the installation, that could dramatically extend the duration of installation the tradesman could need to schedule the installation to a different date.
If the installation of the unit is more difficult, like the wireless charging station with a charging plate that has to be attached onto the floor, installation could take longer than the typical 2 to 3 hours.
Types of EV Charging Station
There are a variety of charging stations on the market, so it’s crucial to pick the one that is right for your needs.
Below, we’ve included a few of the most popular kinds of electric charging stations and the advantages and disadvantages of each one, to aid you make the best choice.
Wireless EV Charging Station Cost
Wireless charging for electric vehicles is a brand new idea when it comes to the length of time electric vehicles have been in the market for. There’s an increasing number of owners of electric vehicles who are choosing to use wireless charging stations at home, primarily due to their convenience!
The charging stations operate through the process of resonant magnetic induction. This just means the energy flows from the charger to a vehicle receiving it.
Wireless charging pads are fixed to the ground, meaning that the owner of the vehicle has to simply park their vehicle over the pad to get the electric charge via the receiving pad that is located at the lower part of the vehicle.
Wireless at-home EV charging stations begin at £380.
Pros:
- There is no need for leads or cables
- There is no need to be reminded to plug the charger to charge your EV.
Cons:
- It takes a long time to bill
- It’s not as eco sustainable
EV Solar Charging Station Cost
The Solar EV charger draws the power of solar panels. In simple terms, Solar Panels are usually located in the roofing of your house that capture solar energy and transform the energy into electricity, which can then use in the same manner as you would normally use electricity.
Experts suggest that you require approximately 5-10 solar panels in order to charge an EV Solar charging station, with a minimum of five allowing you to get as much as 40 miles each day.
The price of the installation of an EV charger that is powered by Solar energy can range from £300 to around £1000, based on whether or not you select a less powerful model at the bottom end of the spectrum or a higher-powered unit which is top of the line.
If you don’t have a solar energy system on your home, this could be anywhere from £1500-10000 on the total price.
Pros:
- It’s also more eco-friendly.
- Solar energy is cost-free
Cons:
- Costly installation
- The greater the battery capacity of your vehicle is, the more solar energy will be required to adequately recharge it.
Slow EV Charging Station Cost
Slow charging stations for EVs are the most popular choice for UK homes. They usually charge electric vehicles at 3kWs and are ideal for charging overnight, especially if you do not be using your car for an extended period of time.
It can take between 10 and 14 minutes to charge fully an EV that has a standard-sized battery. For cars with more power charging to full capacity, it could be longer than this.
The cost of an EV charging station that is slow is between £300 and £800, based on how modern you like and your equipment to look at!
Pros:
- A slow charge produces less heat
- Slow charging demands lower power output
Cons:
- It may take a lot longer to charge your car’s batteries from empty until fully charged
- It is possible that you are not fully charging your battery if you’re being pressured for time
Fast EV Charging Station
Fast charging stations for electric vehicles consume seven kW power. They can be installed in your home and can also be found in public spaces.
They function exactly the same way as slower EV chargers but with an increased power output so, before choosing this kind that you can use for charging your electric vehicle you should make sure that the present fuse box can accommodate fast EV charging stations.
The cost for an efficient EV charger with no extra costs ranges from £400 to £900 depending on the specification.
Pros:
- The battery can be charged from empty to fully charged within 4 to 6 hours
- The majority of fast chargers are not tethered and therefore, you shouldn’t need to purchase extra chargers
Cons:
- Higher power charging isn’t as gentle on batteries from EVs
- Utilises more power, so it could make your electricity bill go up
Rapid EV Charging Station Cost
The rapid charging station is perfect to take on the go and are often found in convenience stores like service stations. Unfortunately, these chargers aren’t available for residential use because the amount of electricity they consume is too large.
It’s essential to be aware of fast EV chargers in case you’ll need these. For instance, during long drives, you could run out of power and only have a little battery juice left.
Rapid Chargers utilize 50kW of power, and can charge a battery that is empty up to 80% within 20 minutes. In the remainder, charging will take longer but.
The cost for installing a rapid EV 22kW charging station is between £1020-£1520.
Pros:
- Ideal for long-distance travel
- Certain EVs are able to get as high as the 80% battery lifespan from just 20-30 minutes of charging
Cons:
- Not available for residential use
- If they are used regularly, they will reduce the life of an EV battery.
Benefits of an At-Home EV Charging Station
If you are considering investing in an at-home electric vehicle charging station, you’ll like to make sure it’s worth the time! We’ve compiled a list of only a few advantages of having an at-home electric vehicle charger.
Cost-Effectiveness
We’ve already mentioned that EVs are more affordable than conventional dual-powered vehicles in the long-term. However, by having your personal EV charging station set up at home, you’re saving even more money as opposed to having to depend on charging stations that are accessible to the public all over the world.
Public EV charging stations demand payments on a per hour’ basis. However, the EV charging station at home is charged based on the local electricity rates. It is even more efficient if you are able to schedule off-peak charging times with your energy supplier!
Quick Charging
Public charging stations for EVs operate on the mains power source; this means they’re not as efficient than an at-home EV charging station. An EV charger at home will take your car from empty to fully charged within 1-7 hours, based on the specs of the charger.
While public EV charging stations (aside from the expensive “rapid” charging stations) will take anywhere up to 6 hours or more for charging your EV.
Increase House Value
Most people don’t consider this yet, having an electric charger can actually boost its value to your house! The demand for electric vehicles are increasing, so too is the need for home charging stations.
In the event that you decide to sell your home you might find this is an attractive feature which could increase the price of selling your property because you’ll save the buyer from having to add another thing to their list of things to do!
How Much Does It Cost to Remove an EV Charging Station?
In the near future you might find you’ll need to cover the cost of elimination of your home-based electric vehicle charging station, whether it’s because you don’t have an electric car or would prefer to stick to the way you’ve always known using a diesel or petrol-powered vehicle.
If you’re buying a new EV and want to upgrade your current EV charger, you’ll need to take down the previous one.
Naturally it is a procedure that will be charged an additional fee and must be performed by an experienced electrician with the necessary skills to safely and securely remove the charging device. For a typical removal service, you’re likely to pay around £220-£350.
If you’re upgrading and would like to install an additional EV charging device connected at the same time, the service will be charged in addition to the cost of removal.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?
A: The time it takes to charge your EV depends on the type of charger you are using. For example, wireless EV charging stations take longer to charge the vehicle as some energy is lost during the wireless transmission. The most efficient way of charging an EV is through a wired connection.
Typically, an EV can receive a full charge in around 7-8 hours. However, when using a rapid EV charger, 30 minutes charging time can get you around an extra 100 miles of range.
Q: Do I need a property survey before installing a home EV charger?
A: Yes. When ordering your EV charging station and arranging installation, the provider will ask you for evidence of your most recent property survey. Be prepared to provide this or your installation may be delayed.
Q: How much does it cost per charge?
A: At-Home EV charging is far less costly than using EV charging stations in public, which are charged at higher rates than standard residential charging stations. Even more so in places of convenience, such as service stations and city-centres.
At-Home EV charging is hard to put an exact price on as we have to allow consideration to the chosen rates of your energy provider as well as the battery size and charging time of your EV. EV charging will show on your electricity bill and is charged by kWh. On average, it will be between 10-15 pence per kWh.
Off-peak charging tariffs are often a more cost-effective way to charge your EV, with some energy providers charging as little as 5 pence per kWh.
Q: How can I charge my car if my at-home charging station breaks?
A: Public EV charging stations are becoming increasingly more available. You may have seen them in the car park of your local supermarket or even on streets around the city centre.
Although for most it is preferable and cheaper to charge your EV at home, in times of crisis, such as running low on charge on a long journey or if you have an issue with your At-Home EV charging station, you should be able to charge your vehicle at your nearest public charging station.
Q: Is it cheaper to charge an EV than it is to fuel a standard car with petrol or diesel?
A: Yes. An independent company researched the price difference in running a standard fuel-powered car against an electric-powered car and found that EV vehicle users can expect to save over half the money they would spend on petrol or diesel, by switching to an EV.
EV’s are also more cost-effective in the long run as they are exempt from paying road tax and can be entitled to free parking in some areas.
There are also government grants available to put towards the purchase of an EV and an at-home EV charger, meaning that you can save on spending from the get-go.
