EV Charger Installation Time & Process: Complete UK Guide 2025

One of the most common concerns UK homeowners have when planning EV charger installation is the disruption and timeline: "How long will it take? Will I need to take time off work? How much mess will there be?" Understanding the complete process from initial quote to finished installation helps you plan effectively and know exactly what to expect.

This comprehensive guide demystifies the entire UK EV charger installation timeline, from booking your first survey through to completion and final testing. You'll learn typical installation durations (3-5 hours for standard setups), the complete booking-to-completion timeline (1-3 weeks), what happens at each stage, how to prepare your home, and how to minimize disruption to your daily routine.

Complete Installation Timeline: Start to Finish

Week-by-Week Overview

Week 1: Quote and Survey

• Day 1: Contact OZEV-approved installers for quotes
• Day 2-3: Installers respond with initial pricing
• Day 4-5: Schedule site surveys (30-60 minutes each)
• Day 6-7: Receive detailed quotes with itemized costs

Week 2: Grant Application and Booking

• Day 8-9: Accept quote and provide documentation
• Day 10: Installer submits OZEV grant application
• Day 11-13: OZEV processes grant (2-5 working days)
• Day 14: Grant approval received, installation date scheduled

Week 3: Installation and Completion

• Day 15-20: Installation day (3-5 hours on-site)
• Day 21: Electrical Installation Certificate received
• Complete: Charger operational and ready to use

Total Timeline: 2-3 weeks from initial contact to completed installation.

Factors That Affect Timeline

Faster Timeline (1-2 Weeks):

• Standard installation (no complications)
• Installer has immediate availability
• OZEV grant processed quickly (2 days)
• No DNO notification required
• Good weather conditions

Longer Timeline (4-6 Weeks):

• Complex installation requiring consumer unit upgrade
• High installer demand (summer peak season)
• OZEV grant delays (5+ working days)
• DNO notification required (22kW chargers)
• Weather delays (extreme cold, heavy rain)
• Planning permission needed (listed buildings)

Pre-Installation Phase

Finding and Contacting Installers

Where to Find OZEV-Approved Installers:

1. Official OZEV Database: gov.uk website has searchable directory
2. Charger Manufacturer Networks: Wallbox, Ohme, Zappi have approved installer lists
3. Local Electrician Networks: NICEIC and NAPIT directories
4. Comparison Sites: Zap-Map, Pod Point, EV-Box installer finders

How Many Quotes to Get:

• Minimum: 3 quotes (allows price and service comparison)
• Recommended: 4-5 quotes (especially for complex installations)
• Maximum: 6-7 quotes (more than this becomes time-consuming)

Information to Provide Installers:

Property Details:

• Full address and postcode
• Property type (detached, semi-detached, terraced, flat)
• Age of property (affects electrical system)
• Parking type (driveway, garage, allocated space)

Electrical Information:

• Consumer unit age and type (if known)
• Main fuse size (typically 60A, 80A, or 100A)
• Distance from consumer unit to parking area
• Any recent electrical work or upgrades

Vehicle and Charger Preferences:

• Current or future EV model
• Preferred charger brand (if any)
• Tethered (with cable) or untethered (socket)
• Required features (solar integration, load management)

Response Times:

• Initial response: 24-48 hours (via email or phone)
• Quote provision: 3-7 days (some provide instant online quotes)
• Follow-up questions: Usually same or next working day

Site Survey Process

Scheduling the Survey:

• Duration: 30-60 minutes
• Timing: Weekday or Saturday usually available
• Cost: Free (most installers), some charge £50-£100 (refunded if you book)
• Home access: Access to consumer unit, parking area, and cable route required

What the Surveyor Checks:

Electrical Assessment:

• Consumer unit inspection (age, capacity, RCD protection)
• Main fuse size verification
• Earthing system check (TN-S, TN-C-S, TT)
• Available spare ways (circuit breaker spaces)
• Existing load calculation

Physical Assessment:

• Parking space measurement and clearances
• Mounting surface suitability (wall strength, material)
• Cable route planning (surface-mounted, buried, or within wall)
• Obstacles and cable management needs
• WiFi signal strength at installation location

Special Considerations:

• Listed building or conservation area restrictions
• Shared driveway access and neighbor agreements
• Load management requirements (limited electrical capacity)
• Solar panel integration possibilities
• Future expansion (second charger for another EV)

Survey Outcomes:

The surveyor will categorize your installation:

Standard Installation:

• Modern consumer unit with spare capacity
• Short cable run (<15 meters)
• Simple mounting location
• No unusual complications
• Cost: £300-£500 labour + charger
• Duration: 3-4 hours

Complex Installation:

• Consumer unit upgrade required
• Long cable run (>15 meters)
• Difficult mounting or cable routing
• Load management needed
• Cost: £600-£1,200 labour + charger
• Duration: 5-8 hours or split across 2 days

Survey Red Flags:

• Installer can't answer technical questions
• Pressure to book immediately without proper assessment
• Doesn't check consumer unit or electrical system
• Quotes without seeing property (remote quote is preliminary only)
• Unwilling to provide written quote with breakdown

Detailed Quote and Documentation

What a Proper Quote Should Include:

EXAMPLE QUOTE BREAKDOWN:

Charger Unit:
  Wallbox Pulsar Plus (tethered, 5m cable) ....... £899

Installation Labour:
  Standard installation (15m cable run) .......... £400
  Surface-mounted trunking ........................ £80
  32A MCB and 30mA RCD (if required) .............. £50
  Subtotal installation ........................... £530

Electrical Testing & Certification:
  Electrical Installation Certificate ............. Included
  Part P Building Regulations notification ........ Included

OZEV Grant:
  EV Chargepoint Grant (£350 per socket) ......... -£350

────────────────────────────────────────────────
TOTAL COST: ...................................... £1,079
────────────────────────────────────────────────

Payment Terms: £350 deposit, balance on completion
Warranty: 3-year manufacturer warranty + 12-month installation warranty
Timeline: 2-3 weeks from acceptance to installation

Documents You'll Need to Provide:

For OZEV Grant Application:

• Proof of property ownership (title deeds, council tax bill, utility bill)
• EV ownership proof (V5C vehicle registration or order confirmation)
• Parking space allocation proof (lease document, land registry)
• Photo ID (driving licence or passport)

For Installer:

• Access details (if installation when you're at work)
• Emergency contact information
• Special requirements or preferences

OZEV Grant Application

Understanding the Grant Process

OZEV Grant Basics (2025):

• Grant amount: £350 per charging socket
• Maximum 2 sockets per eligible property
• Covers 75% of installation cost, capped at £350
• Eligible properties: rental properties, flats (NOT owner-occupied houses)

Important Note: As of 2025, OZEV grants for owner-occupied houses ended in April 2022. The grant now applies primarily to:

• Rental properties (landlord or tenant applications)
• Flats and apartments (residents or freeholders)
• Workplace charging (separate Workplace Charging Scheme)

Application Timeline:

Day 1: Submission

• Installer submits application to OZEV portal
• Includes property details, charger specification, installation quote
• Upload required documents (property ownership, EV details)

Days 2-5: Processing

• OZEV reviews application for eligibility
• Automated checks for duplicate applications
• Manual review if any queries arise

Day 5: Approval or Rejection

• Email notification sent to installer (copy to homeowner)
• Approval code issued (valid for 4 months)
• If rejected, reason provided with appeal process details

Common Rejection Reasons:

• Property not eligible (owner-occupied house)
• Duplicate application (already claimed grant at this property)
• Missing or invalid documentation
• Vehicle doesn't qualify (PHEV with less than 40-mile electric range)
• Application errors or incomplete information

Grant Processing Times:

• Typical: 2-5 working days
• Peak times (summer): 5-10 working days
• If queries: 7-14 working days

While Waiting for Grant Approval

What You Can Do:

• Order charging cable if choosing untethered option
• Prepare installation area (clear obstacles, move vehicles)
• Review home insurance policy (inform insurer of electrical work)
• Download charger smartphone app and create account
• Read charger manual and familiarize yourself with features

What Not to Do:

• Don't schedule installation before grant approval (risk of paying full cost)
• Don't start any preparatory electrical work (could affect grant)
• Don't change EV order (could affect grant eligibility)

Installation Day

Preparation Checklist

24 Hours Before Installation:

✅ Clear parking area and access route ✅ Remove vehicles from driveway ✅ Move garden furniture or obstacles near installation site ✅ Inform neighbors of electrical work (courtesy) ✅ Ensure someone will be home for duration (or provide access) ✅ Locate consumer unit and ensure clear access ✅ Check weather forecast (may affect outdoor work)

Morning of Installation:

✅ Be available for installer arrival (typically 8-9am) ✅ Show installer to consumer unit and parking area ✅ Discuss final placement and confirm details ✅ Provide WiFi password (if charger needs network setup) ✅ Prepare payment method for balance (usually after completion)

Hour-by-Hour Installation Process

Standard Installation Timeline (3-4 Hours)

09:00 - 09:30: Arrival and Setup (30 mins)

Installer activities:

• Unload tools, equipment, and charger from van
• Introduce team (typically 1-2 electricians)
• Walk through installation plan with homeowner
• Confirm final charger placement on wall
• Mark cable route and drilling points
• Set up work area protection (dust sheets, signage)

Homeowner impact:

• Need to be present for discussion
• Answer any final questions
• Provide access to all areas

09:30 - 10:30: Cable Installation (60 mins)

Installer activities:

• Run cable from consumer unit to charger location
• Install protective trunking (surface-mounted) OR
• Chase wall for buried cable OR
• Dig trench for underground armored cable
• Feed cable through walls or floors
• Install cable clips and fixings

Homeowner impact:

• Some noise (drilling, hammer drill)
• Dust generated if chasing walls (contained with dust sheets)
• Power may be briefly interrupted for testing

Noise Levels:

• Drilling into brick/masonry: 90-100 dB (loud, like lawnmower)
• Cable routing: 60-70 dB (moderate conversation volume)
• Duration of loud noise: 15-30 minutes total

10:30 - 11:30: Consumer Unit Work (60 mins)

Installer activities:

• Switch off main power (whole house without electricity)
• Install dedicated 32A MCB (miniature circuit breaker)
• Install 30mA RCD (residual current device) if not present
• Connect charger cable to new circuit
• Label circuit clearly ("EV Charger - 32A")
• Restore main power

Homeowner impact:

• Total power outage: 30-60 minutes
• Clocks and timers will need resetting
• Fridges/freezers will be fine (short duration)
• WiFi router will reboot (5-10 minutes to reconnect)
• Heating/hot water temporarily off

Planning Tip: Schedule installation when power outage is least disruptive (avoid mornings if working from home, avoid evenings if cooking dinner).

11:30 - 12:00: Charger Mounting (30 mins)

Installer activities:

• Mount backplate to wall with heavy-duty fixings
• Connect cable to charger internal terminals
• Attach charger unit to backplate
• Seal cable entry point (weatherproofing)
• Install cable management (tidy holder, wall clips)
• Tether cable if tethered model

Homeowner impact:

• Minimal (work done outside or in garage)
• Some drilling noise for wall fixings

12:00 - 12:30: Testing and Certification (30 mins)

Installer activities:

• Electrical Testing (essential for safety and legal compliance):

  • Continuity test (earth connection integrity)
  • Insulation resistance test (no current leakage)
  • Polarity test (live, neutral, earth correctly connected)
  • RCD trip test (safety device operates correctly)
  • Earth loop impedance test (fault protection)
  • Full load test (charger running at 7kW)

• Functional Testing:

  • Charger powers on correctly
  • LED indicators working
  • Emergency stop functioning (if equipped)
  • WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity

• Documentation:

  • Complete Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
  • Take photographs of installation
  • Record test results

Homeowner impact:

• Need to observe testing (learn how charger works)
• Provide vehicle for actual charging test (if available)

12:30 - 13:00: Demonstration and Handover (30 mins)

Installer activities:

• Demonstrate charger operation

• Explain safety features and emergency stop

• Guide through smartphone app setup

• Connect charger to home WiFi

• Pair app with charger (Bluetooth or WiFi)

• Show scheduling features and settings

• Provide all documentation:

  • Electrical Installation Certificate
  • Charger user manual and warranty
  • OZEV grant approval confirmation
  • Installer contact details for support

• Clean up work area and remove waste

• Final invoice and payment collection

Homeowner involvement:

• Active participation required (taking notes recommended)
• Practice using app and charger controls
• Ask questions about operation and maintenance
• Inspect installation quality
• Sign off on completion

13:00: Installation Complete

Your charger is now operational and ready to use!

Complex Installation Timelines

Consumer Unit Upgrade Required (Add 2-3 Hours):

If your existing consumer unit is outdated (old fuse box with no RCD protection), full replacement may be needed:

Additional Steps:

• Remove old consumer unit (30 mins)
• Install new consumer unit with RCD protection (60 mins)
• Rewire existing circuits to new unit (60 mins)
• Test all circuits in house (30 mins)
• Extended power outage: 2-3 hours total

Total Duration: 6-7 hours

Long Cable Run (>20 Meters, Add 1-2 Hours):

• Additional cable installation time
• More complex routing through multiple walls
• Buried armoured cable requires trenching

Garage Installation (Add 30-60 Mins):

• Internal mounting within garage
• Cable routing through garage structure
• Ensuring adequate ventilation
• WiFi signal testing and potential extender setup

Post-Installation Phase

Immediate Steps (Day of Installation)

After Installer Leaves:

1. Test Charging Session

   • Plug in your EV
   • Start charging via app or charger button
   • Verify power flows correctly (check vehicle display)
   • Monitor for 15-30 minutes
   • Stop and unplug successfully

2. App Configuration

   • Set up charging schedules for off-peak times
   • Input your electricity tariff rates (for cost tracking)
   • Configure notifications (charge complete, errors)
   • Set charging limits if desired (80% for battery health)

3. Document Storage

   • File Electrical Installation Certificate (KEEP SAFE - required for insurance and future sales)
   • Save charger warranty documentation
   • Store OZEV grant confirmation
   • Keep installer contact details

First Week: Monitoring and Familiarization

Day 1-2: Learning Phase

• Charge daily to practice routine
• Test scheduling features
• Monitor energy consumption in app
• Verify off-peak charging working correctly

Day 3-4: Optimization

• Adjust schedules based on usage patterns
• Fine-tune charge start/end times
• Set up cost tracking features
• Join charger user communities online (Reddit, Facebook)

Day 5-7: Troubleshooting

• Address any connectivity issues (WiFi drops)
• Report any faults to installer immediately
• Verify charger survives bad weather (rain, wind)
• Confirm all features working as expected

Common Post-Installation Issues

WiFi Connectivity Problems:

Symptoms:

• App shows "charger offline"
• Can't control remotely
• Software updates fail

Solutions:

• Check WiFi signal strength at charger (use smartphone)
• Install WiFi extender (£20-£50) if signal weak
• Use powerline adapter with WiFi (£40-£80)
• Move router closer to installation location
• Switch to 2.4GHz WiFi network (better range than 5GHz)

Charger Not Recognized by App:

Symptoms:

• Can't pair app with charger
• Bluetooth pairing fails
• App can't find charger

Solutions:

• Stand within 5 meters during Bluetooth pairing
• Restart charger (power cycle at consumer unit)
• Delete and reinstall app
• Check charger serial number entered correctly
• Contact manufacturer support for reset procedure

Vehicle Won't Charge:

Symptoms:

• Plug in but no charging starts
• Vehicle shows error message
• Charger lights indicate error

Solutions:

• Check vehicle is unlocked (some EVs lock charging)
• Verify vehicle set to accept charge (not scheduled internally)
• Try different vehicle charge limit setting
• Unplug, wait 30 seconds, plug in again
• Test with different vehicle if available (isolate vehicle vs charger issue)
• Contact installer if hardware fault suspected

Minimizing Disruption

Best Time to Schedule Installation

Time of Day:

• Best: Morning start (8-9am) allows completion by lunchtime
• Good: Early afternoon (1-2pm) complete by end of workday
• Avoid: Late afternoon starts (risk of not finishing same day)

Day of Week:

• Best: Monday-Thursday (installer availability, parts suppliers open if issues)
• Good: Friday (if issue arises, weekend to resolve)
• Avoid: Weekends (higher rates, parts suppliers closed, longer resolution times if problems)

Time of Year:

• Best: Spring/Autumn (mild weather, moderate demand)
• Busy: Summer (peak demand, longer wait times)
• Challenging: Winter (short days, cold affects outdoor work, Christmas holidays)

Working from Home Considerations

Power Outage Planning:

• Save all work before scheduled power cut
• Use laptop battery for 30-60 minute outage
• Plan non-computer tasks during outage (meetings, phone calls)
• Inform colleagues of potential disruption
• Mobile hotspot backup if WiFi reboots (takes 5-10 mins)

Noise Management:

• Schedule during lunch break if possible
• Use noise-canceling headphones
• Relocate to quietest room away from work area
• Block out 3-4 hour window (don't schedule important calls)

Neighbor Considerations

Courtesy Notifications:

• Inform adjacent neighbors 2-3 days before
• Mention brief noise periods (30 mins total loud drilling)
• Provide installer contact if concerns arise
• Apologize in advance for disruption

Access Issues:

• Ensure installer van parking doesn't block neighbors
• Keep pathways clear
• Minimize noise during early morning/evening

Final Checklist: Installation Complete

Verify Before Installer Leaves

✅ Charger physically secure on wall (test with gentle pull) ✅ Cable tidy and cable management installed ✅ All trunking sealed and fixed properly ✅ Consumer unit labeled clearly ✅ Successful test charging session completed ✅ App connected and functioning ✅ WiFi connectivity confirmed ✅ Received Electrical Installation Certificate ✅ Received charger manual and warranty paperwork ✅ Received OZEV grant confirmation ✅ Installer provided contact details for support ✅ Paid final balance and received receipt/invoice ✅ Work area cleaned and waste removed

Documents to Keep Forever

Critical Documents:

1. Electrical Installation Certificate (legally required, needed for:

   • Home insurance claims
   • Property sales
   • Future electrical work
   • Proving compliance with Part P Building Regulations)

2. OZEV Grant Approval (proof of grant claimed, prevents duplicate claims)

3. Charger Warranty Certificate (needed for warranty claims)

4. Installation Invoice (proof of purchase, tax deduction if business use)

Storage Recommendations:

• Scan all documents to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
• Keep physical copies in home filing system
• Email copies to yourself for backup
• Add to property information folder (for future buyers)

Conclusion: What to Expect

EV charger installation is a straightforward process that typically takes 3-4 hours for standard installations and 2-3 weeks from initial contact to completion. While there's a 30-60 minute power outage and some noise during cable work, the disruption is manageable and short-lived.

Key Takeaways:

• Timeline: 2-3 weeks total (booking, grant approval, installation)
• Installation duration: 3-4 hours for standard setup, 6-8 hours if complex
• Power outage: 30-60 minutes (plan accordingly)
• Noise: 15-30 minutes of loud drilling, rest is moderate
• Disruption: Minimal—most people work from home during installation
• Documentation: Electrical Installation Certificate is critical—keep it safe

The Process Is:

• Highly regulated (OZEV-approved installers, BS 7671 compliance, Part P notification)
• Professional (qualified electricians with specific EV charger training)
• Safe (comprehensive testing before handover)
• Supported (12-month+ installation warranty, 3-year charger warranty)

By understanding the complete timeline and process, you can plan effectively, minimize disruption, and ensure a smooth installation experience. Within days, you'll wonder how you ever managed without the convenience of waking up to a "full tank" every morning—all while saving £1,000-£3,000 per year compared to public charging.

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This guide reflects UK EV charger installation practices and regulations as of February 2025. Installation requirements and OZEV grant rules subject to change. Always verify current requirements with OZEV-approved installers.