How Long Does EV Charger Installation ACTUALLY Take? UK Timeline 2025

How Long Does EV Charger Installation ACTUALLY Take? UK Timeline 2025

Short Answer: The physical installation takes 2-4 hours. The complete process from first contact to charging your car takes 2-8 weeks.

This discrepancy causes immense frustration for UK homeowners expecting same-week installation. "Why does it take two months to bolt a box to my wall?" is the most common question on EV forums—and the answer involves OZEV grants, DNO notifications, electrician availability, and unexpected electrical upgrades.

This comprehensive guide breaks down every stage of the UK EV charger installation timeline, from initial inquiry to first charge, with realistic timeframes, regional variations, and expert tips to accelerate the process.

---

The Complete UK EV Charger Installation Timeline

Overview: 6 Stages, 2-8 Weeks Total

Why So Long? Most of the timeline is waiting for external approvals (OZEV, DNO) and electrician availability, not the physical work.

---

Stage 1: Initial Inquiry & Quote (1-3 Days)

What Happens

You contact EV charger installers (Pod Point, Ohme, Wallbox, local NICEIC electricians) to request quotes.

Information They'll Request:

• Property address (check service area)
• Property type (detached, semi-detached, terraced, flat)
• Parking situation (driveway, garage, off-street)
• Charger preference (7kW, 22kW, tethered, socketed)
• Photos of consumer unit (fuse box), parking area, proposed charger location

Typical Timeline

National Providers (Pod Point, Wallbox, Ohme):

• Online quote: Instant (automated based on postcode + property type)
• Detailed quote after photos: 1-2 days
• Phone consultation: Same day to 24 hours

Local NICEIC Electricians:

• Initial response: 1-3 days (smaller businesses, slower response)
• Site visit quote: 3-7 days (need to schedule visit)

Fastest Option: National providers with instant online quotes (Pod Point, Wallbox).

How to Accelerate Stage 1

✅ Prepare information upfront:

• Take photos of consumer unit before contacting installers
• Measure distance from consumer unit to proposed charger location
• Check if your property has off-street parking (OZEV grant eligibility)

✅ Contact multiple installers simultaneously (3-5 providers):

• Increases chances of finding available installer
• Allows quote comparison
• Fastest responder often wins your business

✅ Use instant online quote tools:

• Pod Point: podpoint.com/get-a-quote
• Wallbox: wallbox.com/en_uk/homeowners
• Ohme: ohme.com/quote

Time Saved: 1-2 days (instant quotes vs waiting for callbacks)

---

Stage 2: Pre-Installation Survey (3-7 Days)

What Happens

Installer assesses your property's electrical suitability:

Virtual Survey (Most Common in 2025):

• Submit photos via app/website:
  • Consumer unit (open, showing circuit breakers)
  • Electricity meter and main fuse
  • Proposed charger location
  • Cable route (interior/exterior walls)
• Installer's electrician reviews photos
• Determines if electrical upgrades needed
• Provides detailed fixed-price quote

In-Person Survey (Complex Installations):

• Electrician visits property (1-2 hour appointment)
• Opens consumer unit, tests circuits
• Measures cable run distance
• Checks earth bonding, RCD protection
• Provides quote on-site or within 24-48 hours

Typical Timeline

Virtual Survey:

• Photo submission to review: 1-3 days
• Review to quote: Same day to 2 days
• Total: 1-5 days

In-Person Survey:

• Booking appointment: 3-7 days (electrician availability)
• Survey to quote: 1-2 days
• Total: 4-9 days

Common Survey Outcomes

Scenario 1: Straightforward Installation (60-70% of Cases)

• Modern consumer unit (post-2008)
• RCD protection present
• Adequate main fuse (80-100A)
• Short cable run (<20m)
• Quote: £800-£1,200 installed (7kW charger)
• No delays

Scenario 2: Minor Upgrades Required (20-25% of Cases)

• Add RCD protection (£150-£250)
• Install surge protection device (£80-£120)
• Upgrade main tails (£200-£300)
• Quote: £1,000-£1,500 total
• Additional delay: +1-2 weeks (materials ordering)

Scenario 3: Major Upgrades Required (10-15% of Cases)

• Consumer unit replacement (£800-£1,200)
• DNO supply upgrade 60A→80A (£500-£1,500)
• Earthing upgrade (£400-£800)
• Quote: £1,800-£3,500 total
• Additional delay: +4-8 weeks (DNO supply upgrade, consumer unit ordering)

How to Accelerate Stage 2

✅ Choose virtual survey option:

• Saves 3-5 days vs in-person visit
• Available from Pod Point, Wallbox, Ohme

✅ Provide high-quality photos immediately:

• Consumer unit: open, well-lit, all labels visible
• Include photos of: main fuse, meter, cable route, parking area
• Reduces back-and-forth requests for additional photos

✅ Pre-check your consumer unit:

• If pre-2000 (old Wylex, MEM, Hager units), expect upgrade
• Budget extra £800-£1,200 and 2-4 weeks
• Consider upgrading consumer unit BEFORE booking charger installation

Time Saved: 3-5 days (virtual vs in-person)

---

Stage 3: OZEV Grant Application (2-4 Weeks)

What Happens

If claiming the £350 OZEV grant, installer submits application on your behalf:

Application Process:

1. Installer submits application via OZEV portal
2. Required information:
   • Property details, ownership proof
   • Evidence of off-street parking
   • EV ownership proof (V5C, lease agreement, or purchase order)
   • Installer's OZEV approval certificate
3. OZEV reviews application
4. Grant approved or rejected
5. Installation can proceed

Typical Timeline

Standard Processing:

• Submission to decision: 2-4 weeks (OZEV target: 3 weeks)
• Approval notification: Email to installer
• Installation scheduling: Can proceed immediately after approval

Seasonal Variations:

• September-November: Fastest (2-3 weeks average)
• December-January: Slower (3-4 weeks—Christmas holidays, high demand)
• March-April: Moderate (2.5-3.5 weeks—end of financial year rush)

Rejection Scenarios (5-8% of applications):

• Inadequate parking evidence (no clear photos of dedicated space)
• Property ineligible (no off-street parking, new-build <4 months old)
• Incorrect installer details
• Consequence: Resubmission adds 2-3 weeks

How to Accelerate Stage 3

⚠️ Limited Acceleration Options (OZEV sets timeline, no expedite available)

✅ Ensure complete application first time:

• Provide clear photos of off-street parking (show property number, dedicated space)
• Submit EV proof immediately (V5C, purchase order, lease agreement)
• Double-check property ownership documents

✅ Skip OZEV grant if urgent (Controversial but effective):

• Pay full price (£800-£1,200)
• Save 2-4 weeks
• Lose £350 grant
• Only sensible if: Urgent need (immediate EV delivery, moving house deadline)

❌ Cannot expedite OZEV processing (government-mandated timeline)

Time Saved: 0 days (unavoidable wait) OR 2-4 weeks (skip grant entirely)

---

Stage 4: DNO Notification (1-4 Weeks)

What Happens

Installer notifies your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) about planned EV charger installation.

Why Required:

• EV chargers add significant load to local grid (7kW = 32A)
• DNO needs to ensure local transformer can handle additional demand
• Required under Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (ESQCR)

Process:

1. Installer submits G100 notification form to DNO
2. DNO reviews application
3. DNO approves (7kW chargers) or requests additional information (22kW chargers)
4. Installation can proceed after approval

Typical Timeline by DNO

7kW Single-Phase Chargers (Standard Notification):

22kW Three-Phase Chargers (Approval Required):

• Timeline: 4-8 weeks (requires detailed grid capacity assessment)
• May require grid upgrade: Additional £1,000-£5,000 + 8-16 weeks
• Often rejected in areas with constrained capacity

How to Accelerate Stage 4

✅ Confirm installer submits DNO notification promptly:

• Ask: "When will you submit DNO notification—before or after OZEV approval?"
• Best practice: Submit OZEV and DNO applications simultaneously (some installers wait)

✅ Pay for priority processing (Some DNOs offer expedited service):

• UK Power Networks: £150-£200 for 5-day priority
• Availability varies by DNO and demand

✅ Choose 7kW charger over 22kW:

• 7kW notification: 1-3 weeks
• 22kW approval: 4-8 weeks
• For most homes, 7kW sufficient (30-40 miles range per hour)

✅ Installation can often proceed while DNO processes:

• Legal: DNO notification is required, but many installers proceed before formal approval
• Risk: DNO may request charger modifications post-installation (rare: <2% of cases)
• Discuss with installer: Some proceed, others wait for DNO confirmation

Time Saved: 1-3 weeks (install before DNO approval) OR 1-2 weeks (priority processing)

---

Stage 5: Booking Installation Slot (1-3 Weeks)

What Happens

Once OZEV grant and DNO notification approved, you book installation appointment.

Installer Availability Factors:

• Season: Summer (May-August) busiest, Winter (Nov-Feb) quieter
• Region: London/SE England 2-3 week wait, Scotland/NI 1-2 weeks
• Installer size: National providers (Pod Point) 2-3 weeks, local electricians 1-2 weeks
• Your flexibility: Weekday mornings = quickest, weekend slots = 2-4 week wait

Typical Timeline by Installer Type

National Providers (Pod Point, Wallbox, Ohme):

• Booking to installation: 2-3 weeks (high demand, large service areas)
• Weekday availability: Better (1.5-2.5 weeks)
• Weekend availability: Limited (3-4 weeks)

Regional Installers (Calder Electrical, Duravault, We Power Your Car):

• Booking to installation: 1-2 weeks (smaller customer base)
• Flexibility: Often can accommodate urgent requests

Local NICEIC Electricians:

• Booking to installation: 1-3 weeks (varies widely by electrician workload)
• Rural areas: Faster (less competition)
• Urban areas: Slower (high demand)

Seasonal Demand Variations

Peak Demand Periods (3-4 week waits):

• March-April: End of OZEV grant financial year (rush before potential changes)
• May-August: EV purchase peak (spring/summer car buying season)
• September: New registration plate month (70-plate)

Low Demand Periods (1-2 week waits):

• November-February: Quieter months (Christmas, winter weather)
• Best time to book: January-February (fastest turnaround)

How to Accelerate Stage 5

✅ Be flexible with dates/times:

• Weekday mornings (Mon-Thu 8am-12pm): Shortest wait
• Weekend/evening slots: 2-3x longer wait

✅ Book during off-peak months:

• November-February: 1-2 weeks vs 3-4 weeks (summer)

✅ Contact multiple installers:

• Some may have cancellations or immediate availability
• Accept first available slot

✅ Ask for cancellation list:

• Request to be notified of last-minute cancellations
• Potential same-week installation

✅ Pay for priority booking (Some installers offer):

• £50-£100 premium for next-available slot
• Not universally available, but worth asking

Time Saved: 1-2 weeks (flexible scheduling)

---

Stage 6: Physical Installation (2-4 Hours)

What Happens

Electrician arrives and completes physical installation.

Standard Installation Process:

1. Preparation (15-30 min):

   • Unload equipment, tools
   • Final location confirmation with homeowner
   • Turn off mains electricity

2. Consumer Unit Work (30-60 min):

   • Install RCBO (Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent protection)
   • Install surge protection device (if specified)
   • Label new circuit

3. Cable Run (30-90 min):

   • Drill holes through walls (interior/exterior)
   • Run cable from consumer unit to charger location
   • Install cable in conduit/trunking or bury SWA cable
   • Seal all entry points

4. Charger Mounting (20-40 min):

   • Mark and drill wall fixings
   • Mount charger backplate
   • Connect cables to charger
   • Attach charger cover

5. Testing & Commissioning (30-45 min):

   • Electrical safety tests (earth continuity, insulation resistance, RCD trip time)
   • Power on charger
   • Configure WiFi settings
   • Test charge with customer's vehicle
   • Demonstrate app and controls

6. Documentation (15-30 min):

   • Complete Electrical Installation Certificate
   • Issue Building Regulations Compliance Certificate
   • Provide user guide and warranty documents
   • Clean up site

Total: 2-4 hours (simple installations) to 4-6 hours (complex cable runs)

Installation Duration by Scenario

Complications That Extend Installation Time

Common Issues:

❌ Unexpected asbestos discovered (+0-∞ days):

• Installer stops work immediately (Health & Safety)
• Requires licensed asbestos removal (£500-£2,000)
• Installation rescheduled after removal (2-4 weeks)
• Frequency: 2-3% of pre-1999 homes

❌ Concealed obstacles during cable run (+1-3 hours):

• Steel joists, existing pipes, hidden cables
• Requires alternative cable route
• Frequency: 8-12% of installations

❌ WiFi connectivity issues (+30-60 min):

• Smart charger won't connect to home WiFi
• Troubleshooting, WiFi extender setup
• May require return visit
• Frequency: 5-8% of smart charger installations

❌ Vehicle charging compatibility issues (+15-45 min):

• Rare: charger and vehicle communication problems
• Firmware updates, settings adjustments
• Frequency: 1-2% of installations

How to Accelerate Stage 6

❌ Cannot meaningfully accelerate physical installation

• Electrical work requires testing, certification (legally mandated)
• Rushing increases error risk

✅ Prepare property to minimize complications:

• Clear access to consumer unit (remove stored items)
• Clear cable route (move furniture, potted plants)
• Ensure WiFi router accessible (for smart charger configuration)
• Have vehicle available for test charge

✅ Be present during installation:

• Answer questions immediately (avoids callback delays)
• Approve minor route/location changes on-spot

Time Saved: 0-1 hour (preparation minimizes complications)

---

Real-World Timeline Examples (UK Homeowners)

Example 1: Fast-Track Installation (2 Weeks Total)

Scenario: London homeowner, modern property, flexible schedule, skipped OZEV grant

• Day 1: Online quote submitted (Pod Point)
• Day 2: Virtual survey approved, quote accepted
• Day 3: Paid in full (skipped OZEV grant—urgent need)
• Day 4: DNO notification submitted (UK Power Networks)
• Day 7: Installation slot booked (weekday morning)
• Day 14: Installation completed (2.5 hours)

Total: 2 weeks (£450 premium for skipping grant, but gained 2-3 weeks)

Example 2: Standard Installation (6 Weeks Total)

Scenario: Birmingham homeowner, OZEV grant claimed, consumer unit compliant

• Week 1, Day 1: Quote requested (Ohme)
• Week 1, Day 3: Virtual survey completed, quote accepted
• Week 1, Day 5: OZEV grant application submitted
• Week 1, Day 5: DNO notification submitted (National Grid)
• Week 4, Day 2: OZEV grant approved (3 weeks processing)
• Week 5, Day 1: DNO approval received (2.5 weeks processing)
• Week 5, Day 3: Installation slot booked
• Week 6, Day 4: Installation completed (3 hours)

Total: 6 weeks (saved £350 with grant, accepted longer timeline)

Example 3: Complicated Installation (11 Weeks Total)

Scenario: Manchester homeowner, consumer unit replacement needed, OZEV grant claimed

• Week 1, Day 1: Quote requested (local NICEIC electrician)
• Week 1, Day 7: In-person survey completed
• Week 2, Day 2: Survey reveals consumer unit needs replacement
• Week 2, Day 3: Consumer unit upgrade quote accepted (£1,200 additional)
• Week 3: Consumer unit upgrade completed
• Week 3, Day 5: OZEV grant application submitted (for charger)
• Week 3, Day 5: DNO notification submitted
• Week 6, Day 3: OZEV grant approved
• Week 7, Day 1: DNO approval received
• Week 8: Installation slot booked
• Week 11, Day 2: Charger installation completed (3.5 hours)

Total: 11 weeks (consumer unit upgrade added 3 weeks)

---

Regional Variations: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

England

Average Timeline: 4-6 weeks

Fastest Regions: London, Manchester, Birmingham (abundant installers, fast response) Slowest Regions: Rural areas (limited installers, longer travel times)

DNO Speed: UK Power Networks (London/SE) and Northern Powergrid (NE) fastest (2-3 weeks)

Scotland

Average Timeline: 5-7 weeks

Challenges:

• Slower DNO processing (SSE Networks 2-4 weeks)
• Fewer OZEV-approved installers (limited choice)
• Weather delays (winter installations can face postponements)

Advantages:

• Lower installer demand (booking slots faster)
• Some councils offer additional grants (Aberdeen, Edinburgh)

Wales

Average Timeline: 5-7 weeks

Challenges:

• Slower DNO processing (National Grid WPD 2-3 weeks)
• Rural areas have very limited installer choice
• Longer travel times for installers (impacts scheduling)

Advantages:

• Lower demand (off-peak months = 1-2 week booking)

Northern Ireland

Average Timeline: 6-8 weeks

Challenges:

• Slowest DNO processing (NIE Networks 3-4 weeks)
• Fewest OZEV-approved installers UK-wide
• Limited competition (higher prices, longer waits)

Advantages:

• Emerging market (less seasonal variation)

---

How to Minimize Total Installation Time: Expert Strategies

Strategy 1: Parallel Processing (Save 2-3 Weeks)

Standard Approach (Sequential): Quote → Survey → OZEV application → Wait 3 weeks → DNO notification → Wait 2 weeks → Book → Install

Optimized Approach (Parallel): Quote → Survey → Submit OZEV + DNO simultaneously → Wait 3 weeks (both process concurrently) → Book → Install

Time Saved: 2-3 weeks (DNO and OZEV overlap instead of sequential)

How: Confirm installer submits both applications at once.

Strategy 2: Off-Peak Booking (Save 1-2 Weeks)

Book during:

• November-February (quietest months)
• Weekday mornings (fastest availability)

Avoid:

• March-April (financial year-end rush)
• Weekends (2-3 week longer wait)

Time Saved: 1-2 weeks

Strategy 3: Pre-Upgrade Consumer Unit (Save 2-4 Weeks)

If survey reveals consumer unit needs replacement:

Standard approach: Upgrade consumer unit → then install charger (adds 2-4 weeks)

Optimized approach: Upgrade consumer unit BEFORE booking charger survey (separate project)

How:

1. If your property is pre-2000, proactively upgrade consumer unit (£800-£1,200)
2. Then book charger installation (no surprises, no delays)

Time Saved: 2-4 weeks (removes bottleneck from critical path)

Strategy 4: Skip OZEV Grant (Controversial, Save 2-4 Weeks)

Only sensible if:

• Urgent deadline (immediate EV delivery, house move)
• High income (£350 less significant)
• Want fastest possible installation

Cost: £350 lost grant vs 2-4 weeks saved

Time Saved: 2-4 weeks

Strategy 5: Choose Fast-Response Installer (Save 3-7 Days)

National providers (Pod Point, Wallbox, Ohme):

• Instant online quotes
• Virtual surveys (1-2 days)
• Streamlined process

vs Local electricians:

• 1-3 day quote response
• In-person surveys (3-7 days to schedule)

Time Saved: 3-7 days

Strategy 6: Install Before DNO Approval (Save 1-3 Weeks, Risky)

Some installers proceed with installation before DNO formally approves:

Rationale: DNO rarely rejects 7kW chargers, approval is formality

Risk: DNO may request modifications (<2% of cases)

Discuss with installer: Some proceed, others wait

Time Saved: 1-3 weeks

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I get same-week EV charger installation in the UK?

Very rare (1-2% of cases), requires:

• Skip OZEV grant (lose £350)
• Installer with immediate availability
• Modern consumer unit (no upgrades)
• Flexible scheduling (weekday mornings)
• Installer willing to install before DNO approval

Realistic: 2-3 weeks is fastest for most homeowners.

2. Why does OZEV grant take so long to process?

Government bureaucracy:

• Manual review of applications
• Fraud prevention checks (verify property ownership, parking, EV ownership)
• High volume (100,000+ applications annually)
• Small OZEV team processing applications

No expedite option available (government sets timeline).

3. What's the single biggest cause of installation delays?

Consumer unit upgrades (10-15% of installations):

• Adds 2-4 weeks for parts ordering, electrician scheduling
• Costs £800-£1,200 additional
• Often discovered during survey (homeowners didn't anticipate)

Prevention: Pre-check consumer unit age (pre-2000 = likely needs replacement).

4. Can the installer start work before OZEV grant is approved?

No. OZEV rules require:

• Grant approval BEFORE installation
• Installer submits post-installation evidence (photos, certificates)
• Installing before approval = grant rejected

Exception: If you're not claiming the grant, no waiting required.

5. Do I need to be home during the installation?

Yes, recommended:

• Electrician needs property access (consumer unit inside home)
• May have questions about charger location
• Test charge requires your vehicle
• Sign off on Electrical Installation Certificate

Alternative: Trusted representative (family member, friend) can be present.

6. What happens if it rains on installation day?

Most installations proceed:

• Outdoor work (cable mounting, charger fitting) done in rain
• Electricians equipped with weatherproof gear

Postponed if:

• Severe weather (high winds, heavy rain preventing safe ladder work)
• Ground too saturated (for buried cable runs)

Typical delay: 1-3 days (rescheduled to next available slot).

7. How long before I can actually charge my car after installation?

Immediately (if installation successful):

• Electrician tests charger with your vehicle before leaving
• You can start charging as soon as electrician departs

Delayed if:

• WiFi connectivity issues (smart charger won't connect)
• Vehicle compatibility problems (rare: 1-2% of cases)
• May require follow-up visit (3-7 days)

8. Can I cancel or reschedule my installation appointment?

Yes, but policies vary:

National providers:

• Reschedule up to 48 hours before (no fee)
• Cancel up to 7 days before (no fee, deposit refunded)
• Late cancellation (<48 hours): £50-£100 fee

Local electricians:

• Policies vary (ask before booking)
• Typically more flexible (small businesses)

---

Summary: Timeline Optimization Checklist

To achieve fastest installation (2-3 weeks):

✅ Week 0: Prepare consumer unit photos, property photos before contacting installers

✅ Day 1: Submit quotes to 3-5 installers simultaneously (choose fastest responder)

✅ Day 2-3: Complete virtual survey (avoid in-person delays)

✅ Day 3-4: Accept quote, confirm installer submits OZEV + DNO applications simultaneously

✅ Week 2-4: Wait for OZEV approval (unavoidable, but DNO processes in parallel)

✅ Week 3-4: Book earliest weekday morning slot

✅ Week 2-3: Installation completed

To achieve standard installation (4-6 weeks):

✅ Follow above, accept slower installer response, weekend/evening slots

To avoid extended delays (6-12 weeks):

❌ Don't skip pre-installation survey ❌ Don't assume your consumer unit is compliant (check age first) ❌ Don't book during peak seasons without flexibility ❌ Don't wait for DNO approval before starting OZEV application

---

Bottom Line: While the physical EV charger installation takes just 2-4 hours, the complete process requires 4-7 weeks on average due to OZEV grant processing, DNO notifications, and installer availability. By understanding each stage and applying the optimization strategies in this guide, you can minimize delays and get charging as quickly as possible.

Realistic expectations: Plan for 6-8 weeks from first contact to charging your car. Anything faster is a bonus.

---

Related Resources:

• OZEV Grant Application Guide
• 10 EV Charger Installation Mistakes to Avoid
• UK EV Charger Brands Compared 2025
• Finding OZEV-Approved Installers

Last updated: February 2025