With the growth in the popularity of electric cars, more and more people are installing EV charging points, whether at home, at work, or in public places. The cost of installing an electric car charger will vary depending on the location, requirements, and usage. However, a home EV charging point will make your life significantly easier if you consider going electric. All you need is dedicated off-street parking, and you are good to go. If you want to go electric and don’t have off-street parking, don’t despair, as other options are available.
If you, as a business, are encouraging your employees to be greener and consider the impact of their commute, installing workplace charging units is a step in the right direction. If you attract members of the public and want to encourage them to stay and spend money at your business, offering free EV charging stations can help you engage and retain your customers.
Factors That Impact the Cost
Various factors will impact the cost of installing an EV charger. Firstly, where are you installing your EV charger? An at-home EV charger will cost within the region of £1000 depending on the type of EV charger being installed, the existing state of your home electrics, and the construction of the property where you are installing the charging point. It is always wise to get a quote beforehand if you are looking at a home installation. Grants are no longer available for standard home charger installations. However, grants are still available for flats and those renting, so it is worth looking into.
Workplace charging points cost around £1000 to £1500 per unit to install. Again, this depends on the installation site and how much additional work is needed to make a usable charging area for employees. You may wish to offer a few charging points if you have enough interest from your employees, which will increase the overall price but may be more cost-effective per unit. It is worth checking if your business is eligible for grants, as the Workplace Charging Scheme for Electric Vehicles offers a grant of up to £350 per charger.
If you plan to build a public charging station, you will need a bespoke quote for your requirements. A public charging station will be subject to local authority planning laws and regulations, so ensure these are all in place before proceeding. The cost of installation will vary according to the type of charger you install. Home chargers vary in output, so always check how quickly your chosen home charger should charge your EV so that you can be confident that it suits your needs.
Average Cost Breakdown
While it can seem like a lot of money to spend on a home EV charger, remember that various factors contribute to this cost. Firstly, the cost of the actual charging unit. These will vary between makes but remember that this will last you for many years, and you will need it to be reliable and durable, so don’t necessarily choose the cheapest charger unit available. As a professional electrician must fit your EV charger, you must factor in their labour costs. An electrician is a skilled profession, requiring many years of training to become qualified.
Checkatrade lists an electrician’s hourly rate at £45 to £60 per hour, which will vary according to location and demand. If your home requires any additional work to install your EV charger safely, this will be included in the overall cost of the installation.
If your home electrics require upgrading or additional cabling is needed to reach your desired location, this will all add to the overall cost. Similar costs will apply if you are installing a workplace charger. If you are planning a public charging station, you will need an itemised quote for this project, and this may need to include permit and inspection fees, as these will be subject to regulations.
Grants for Installing EV Chargers
The government grant for installing EV chargers at home has now ended. However, there are a few exceptions. Under the ruling from March 2022, if you live in a flat or apartment, you could be eligible for a grant. If you rent your home or are a landlord considering putting an EV charger in your property, you could be eligible for a grant of up to £350. This is known as the EV charge point grant; more information can be found on the government website.
If you are considering workplace installation, the Workplace Charging Scheme for Electric Vehicles will also offer a grant of up to £350 per charger if you meet the criteria. If you are considering doing this, act now, as it is not known how long these grants will remain in place.
Tips for Reducing Installation Cost
If you are considering installing an EV charging point at home or at your workplace, it is always sensible to obtain a few quotes. This will give you the chance to see what each professional will charge you and help you make a good decision about who to use.
Remember, it is only sometimes best to go for the cheapest quote but choose the one that you feel will do the best job for the price. Think about where you are putting your EV charger. If it is far from the electric board, this will add to the cost, and you may be able to choose a better location.
It is always worth checking if you are eligible for any grants, as this can help reduce the installation cost. Prepare for your installation. If the area the electrician works in is cleared and ready, the job will be quicker. If the electrician has to spend hours moving your stuff to access the areas needed to do the job, you may find these additional hours on your bill. Prepare, do your research, and think ahead to help save money.
Choose a Duracell Energy Duracharger for a Long-term Investment in your Green Future
Duracell Energy products are designed to help people passionate about renewable energy create a greener future. Whether this is taking the first steps and installing a home EV charger so that you can go electric or creating an entirely green and self-sufficient home with solar panels, energy storage systems, and car chargers, all controlled by our unique Duracell Energy app, our products are designed and manufactured to be compatible across the board, robust, and simple to use so that greener living doesn’t need to be a struggle. For more details visit our EV Charger product page.
If you are looking for a home EV charger to start your green journey or want to explore the complete system, we are here to help. Simply fill in our form and power up your world today.