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

When UK homeowners ask "how long will my EV charger installation take?", they often receive the optimistic answer: "2-4 hours". While the physical installation might indeed take this long, the complete process from decision to charging your EV typically takes 2-8 weeks depending on various factors.

This guide breaks down the realistic timeline for every stage of EV charger installation in the UK, from initial booking to final DNO notification, with real case studies showing standard vs complex installation timelines.

Quick Answer: Complete UK EV Charger Installation Timeline

Standard Installation (No Complications):

• Initial consultation & survey: 30-60 minutes (same day or 1-2 weeks wait)
• Physical installation work: 2-4 hours
• DNO notification processing: 1-4 weeks (England, Wales, Scotland)
• OZEV grant processing: 4-8 weeks (if claiming)
• Total realistic timeline: 2-8 weeks from booking to completion

Complex Installation (Complications):

• Electrical survey & assessment: 1-2 hours
• Consumer unit upgrade required: Add 2-4 weeks
• Long cable runs (>15m): Add 2-4 hours installation time
• DNO supply upgrade needed: Add 8-16 weeks (rare)
• Total timeline: 6-16 weeks for complex scenarios

---

Stage 1: Booking & Initial Wait Time (1-6 Weeks Regional Variation)

Current UK Booking Wait Times by Region (2025)

Installer availability varies significantly across the UK:

England:

• London & Southeast: 2-4 weeks average wait (high demand, ULEZ impact)
• Midlands: 1-3 weeks average
• Northeast: 1-2 weeks average (lower demand)
• Southwest: 2-3 weeks average

Scotland:

• Central Belt (Glasgow/Edinburgh): 2-3 weeks
• Highlands & Rural: 3-6 weeks (fewer installers, travel time)

Wales:

• South Wales: 1-3 weeks
• North Wales: 2-4 weeks

Northern Ireland:

• Belfast area: 2-3 weeks
• Rural areas: 3-5 weeks

What Affects Booking Wait Times?

Seasonal Demand Patterns:

• January-March: Shortest waits (1-2 weeks) - post-Christmas lull
• April-June: Moderate (2-3 weeks) - new EV registrations peak
• September-November: Longest waits (3-6 weeks) - second registration peak
• December: Moderate (2-3 weeks) - Christmas slowdown

Installer Factors:

• OZEV-approved installers: Higher demand, longer waits (but grant eligible)
• Local independent electricians: Often quicker availability (but check OZEV status)
• National chains (British Gas, EDF, OVO): Consistent 2-4 week booking times

Pro Tip: Book your installation before taking delivery of your EV to avoid frustrating waiting periods with no home charging capability.

---

Stage 2: Initial Consultation & Site Survey (30-90 Minutes)

What Happens During the Survey?

Most reputable installers perform a site survey before quoting or installation:

1. Electrical Assessment (20-30 minutes):

• Consumer unit inspection (adequate spare capacity?)
• Main fuse rating check (60A, 80A, or 100A supply)
• Earth bonding verification (BS 7671 compliance)
• RCD protection assessment

2. Physical Site Assessment (20-30 minutes):

• Charger mounting location (wall strength, weather protection)
• Cable routing from consumer unit to charger (distance, obstacles)
• Parking space assessment (cable reach to vehicle)
• WiFi signal strength check (for smart chargers)

3. DNO Requirement Discussion (10-20 minutes):

• Determining if DNO notification or upgrade needed
• Discussing load management options (if supply marginal)
• Timeline expectations for DNO processes

Survey Timing Options:

• Same-day survey + install: Some installers offer this (adds 1 hour pre-work)
• Separate survey visit: Typically 1-2 weeks before installation date
• Virtual survey: Some companies use photos/video (quicker, but less accurate)

When Surveys Reveal Issues:

Approximately 18% of UK site surveys identify complications that extend timelines:

• Consumer unit too old/full (requires upgrade)
• Weak main supply (60A fuse insufficient for 7kW charger + house load)
• Asbestos-containing consumer unit (specialist removal required)
• Exceptionally long cable runs (>30m)

These issues add 2-8 weeks to the overall timeline.

---

Stage 3: Physical Installation Work (2-6 Hours)

Standard Installation Timeline (2-4 Hours)

For a typical UK semi-detached house with:

• Modern consumer unit with spare capacity
• 10-15m cable run from consumer unit to garage/driveway
• Wall-mounted charger on brick wall

Hour 1: Preparation & Cable Installation

• Isolate power supply and test dead (15 mins)
• Install 6mm² or 10mm² cable from consumer unit to charger location (45 mins)
• Cable routing: surface-mounted trunking or concealed in walls/loft

Hour 2: Consumer Unit Work & Charger Mounting

• Install dedicated 32A or 40A MCB in consumer unit (20 mins)
• Install Type A RCD protection if required (20 mins)
• Mount charger bracket on wall (20 mins)

Hour 3: Connection & Testing

• Connect cable to charger unit (15 mins)
• Earth bonding and continuity tests (20 mins)
• Insulation resistance testing (15 mins)
• RCD trip time testing (10 mins)

Hour 4: Commissioning & Handover

• Power up and commission charger (20 mins)
• Connect to WiFi/app setup (15 mins)
• Customer demonstration and handover (15 mins)
• Complete installation certificate (10 mins)

Complex Installation Scenarios (4-8 Hours)

Long Cable Runs (>20m): Add 1-2 Hours

Rural properties, detached garages, or driveways far from the house require extended cable runs:

• 20-30m runs: Add 1 hour (£150-£250 extra)
• 30-50m runs: Add 2 hours (£300-£500 extra)
• Underground cable routing through gardens: Add 2-3 hours (£400-£800 extra)

Consumer Unit Upgrade Required: Add 2-4 Hours (Separate Visit)

If your consumer unit lacks capacity or is outdated:

• Full consumer unit replacement: 3-4 hours (£400-£800)
• Additional circuits/MCBs: 1-2 hours (£150-£300)
• Usually scheduled as separate visit 1-2 weeks before main installation

External Cable Routing/Groundworks: Add 2-4 Hours

When cables must cross driveways or gardens:

• Digging trenches (30cm deep, Building Regs Part P): 2-3 hours
• Installing armoured cable underground: 1 hour
• Reinstating ground surface: 1-2 hours
• Total cost: £300-£800 depending on distance

Difficult Wall Mounting: Add 30-60 Minutes

• Stone walls (drilling harder materials): Add 30 mins
• Rendered/pebbledash walls (care required): Add 30 mins
• Listed building discreet installation: Add 1-2 hours (specialist work)

---

Stage 4: DNO Notification & Approval (1-4 Weeks)

Understanding DNO Requirements UK

All EV charger installations in the UK require Distribution Network Operator (DNO) notification under the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (as amended).

Two DNO Pathways:

1. G98 Notification (Most Common - 1-4 Weeks)

Applies to installations under 3.68kW per phase (essentially all home chargers):

• Process: Installer submits notification to your local DNO
• Timeline: Typically approved within 1-4 weeks
• Cost: Usually included in installation quote (DNO doesn't charge)
• Your involvement: None - installer handles everything

DNO Processing Times by Operator (2025 Data):

• Scottish Power (Central & South Scotland, Merseyside, North Wales): 1-2 weeks average
• SSE (North Scotland, Central Southern England): 2-3 weeks average
• Northern Powergrid (Northeast, Yorkshire): 1-2 weeks average
• Western Power (South Wales, Southwest, Midlands): 2-4 weeks average
• UK Power Networks (London, Southeast, East England): 2-3 weeks average
• Electricity North West (Northwest England): 1-2 weeks average
• Northern Ireland Electricity Networks: 2-3 weeks average

2. G99 Application (Rare - 4-12 Weeks)

Required if:

• Total installation exceeds 3.68kW per phase (e.g., two 7kW chargers)
• DNO determines supply upgrade needed

Timeline: 4-12 weeks (more complex approval process) Cost: Free for most applications, but supply upgrades £500-£2,000+

Can You Use the Charger Before DNO Approval?

Technically: The charger is installed and functional after the physical installation (day 1).

Legally: You should wait for DNO approval before regular use.

Practically: Most installers advise you can use the charger at reduced power (e.g., 3.5kW instead of 7kW) during the DNO waiting period. Once approval comes through (typically email confirmation), you can use full power.

OZEV Grant Complication: If claiming the OZEV grant, using the charger before DNO approval may jeopardise your claim. Check with your installer.

---

Stage 5: OZEV Grant Processing (4-8 Weeks) - If Applicable

How OZEV Grant Affects Timeline

If you're claiming the EV Chargepoint Grant (£350 for eligible households, 2025 rates):

Grant Processing Timeline:

• Installer submits claim: Within 7 days of installation
• OZEV processes application: 4-8 weeks typical (can be up to 12 weeks)
• Payment to installer: Direct payment (reduces your invoice)

Impact on Your Timeline:

Most installers operate two payment models:

Model 1: Full Payment Upfront, Grant Reimbursed

• Pay full amount on installation day
• Receive £350 refund when OZEV pays installer (4-8 weeks later)
• Timeline impact: None - you have charger immediately

Model 2: Reduced Payment (Grant Deducted)

• Pay installation cost minus £350 grant
• Installer waits for OZEV payment (4-8 weeks)
• Timeline impact: None - you have charger immediately

The OZEV grant doesn't delay your ability to use the charger, but it does extend the administrative timeline for full financial settlement.

OZEV Grant Eligibility Quick Check

Eligible Properties (2025):

• Flats (apartments) with dedicated parking
• Rental properties (with landlord permission)
• Properties in Scotland receiving additional EST grants

NOT Eligible:

• Standard single-family homes (grant ended April 2022 for most homes)
• Homeowners in England/Wales (unless social housing/specific criteria)

Check Current Eligibility: gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-electric-vehicle-chargepoints

---

Real Case Studies: Standard vs Complex Installations

Case Study 1: Standard Installation - Birmingham Semi-Detached

Property: 1960s semi-detached, attached garage, modern consumer unit

Timeline:

• Week 0: Contact installer, book site survey
• Week 1: Site survey conducted (30 mins), quote accepted same day
• Week 3: Installation date (2-week installer wait)
• Day of Install: 3 hours total (installer arrived 9am, finished 12pm)
• Week 4: DNO notification submitted (day after install)
• Week 7: DNO approval received (3 weeks later)
• Total Timeline: 7 weeks from first contact to full legal compliance

Costs: £899 (7kW Ohme Home Pro, standard installation)

Customer Quote: "The actual installation was really quick - just a morning. The waiting for the DNO paperwork was frustrating, but we could still use the charger at 3.5kW while we waited."

Case Study 2: Complex Installation - Rural Lincolnshire Detached

Property: 1940s detached farmhouse, detached garage 35m from house, 60A main fuse, old consumer unit

Timeline:

• Week 0: Contact installer, book site survey
• Week 2: Site survey conducted (90 mins) - identified issues:
  • Consumer unit needs upgrade (£550)
  • 35m cable run to garage (£400 extra)
  • Possible DNO supply upgrade needed
• Week 3: Consumer unit upgrade completed (separate visit, 4 hours)
• Week 4: DNO pre-application for supply assessment
• Week 8: DNO confirms existing supply adequate with load management charger (Zappi recommended)
• Week 10: Main installation completed (5 hours - long cable run through garden)
• Week 11: DNO G98 notification submitted
• Week 14: DNO approval received
• Total Timeline: 14 weeks from first contact to completion

Costs: £2,340 (Zappi 7kW, consumer unit upgrade £550, long cable run £400, groundworks £300)

Customer Quote: "We knew it would be complicated because of our old electrics and the garage distance. The installer was upfront about the timeline, which helped manage expectations. Worth it now we're charging at home."

Case Study 3: Fast-Track London Terraced House

Property: Victorian terraced house, front driveway, recently rewired (2020)

Timeline:

• Week 0: Contact installer requesting urgent installation (EV delivery in 2 weeks)
• Week 1: Paid £100 express survey fee, surveyor attended within 3 days
• Week 1 (Day 4): Quote accepted, installation booked for Week 2
• Week 2: Installation completed (2.5 hours - straightforward)
• Week 2 (same day): DNO notification submitted with express processing request
• Week 4: DNO approval received (2 weeks - UK Power Networks)
• Total Timeline: 4 weeks from first contact to full compliance

Costs: £1,150 (£999 standard installation + £100 express survey + £51 weekend installation premium)

Customer Quote: "Needed it fast before my EV arrived. Worth paying the extra for express service. Charger was working the day it was installed."

---

What Can Delay Your EV Charger Installation?

Common Delays & How to Avoid Them

1. Consumer Unit Issues (34% of Surveys Reveal Problems)

Delay: 2-4 weeks for upgrade scheduling + installation

How to Avoid:

• Check your consumer unit before booking: Does it have spare slots for an MCB?
• If your consumer unit is pre-2008 (no RCD protection), assume upgrade needed
• Ask for photos-based pre-survey to identify issues early

2. DNO Supply Upgrades (Rare - 3% of Installations)

Delay: 8-16 weeks for DNO to upgrade supply

How to Avoid:

• Check your main fuse rating (under meter - 60A, 80A, or 100A)
• If you have 60A and electric heating/cooking, discuss load management chargers (Zappi, Easee) that prevent overload
• DNO upgrades are free but slow - consider alternatives first

3. Installer Availability (Seasonal Peaks)

Delay: 3-6 weeks in September-October (new car registration peaks)

How to Avoid:

• Book installation before taking delivery of EV
• Use January-March period for shortest waits
• Consider multiple quotes from different installers to find quickest availability

4. Planning Permission Requirements (Listed Buildings/Conservation Areas)

Delay: 8-13 weeks for local authority planning approval

How to Avoid:

• Check if your property is listed or in conservation area (local authority website)
• For Grade I/II* listed buildings, assume planning required
• Start planning application process before booking installation
• See our guide: Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas: EV Charger Planning Permission UK 2025

5. Weather Delays (External Work)

Delay: 1-2 weeks if groundworks required during winter

How to Avoid:

• Schedule external cable routing/trenching work for April-September
• Accept slight premium for guaranteed weatherproof installation dates

6. OZEV Grant Application Errors

Delay: 2-4 weeks to correct and resubmit

How to Avoid:

• Ensure installer is OZEV-approved (check official register)
• Verify eligibility before installation (many homeowners incorrectly assume eligibility)
• Double-check documentation (proof of address, vehicle registration, parking rights)

---

How to Speed Up Your EV Charger Installation

Strategies to Minimise Timeline

1. Pre-Installation Preparation

Check Your Consumer Unit (Do This Now - 5 Minutes):

• Locate your consumer unit (usually under stairs, garage, or hallway cupboard)
• Count spare slots (spaces for additional circuit breakers)
• Check age: Modern units have switches (post-2008); old units have fuse wire (pre-2000s)
• Take photos to send installers for pre-assessment

Check Your Main Fuse Rating (Do This Now - 2 Minutes):

• Locate your electricity meter
• Look for main fuse rating: 60A, 80A, or 100A (usually printed on fuse or cutout)
• 60A + electric heating/cooking = discuss load management chargers
• 80A or 100A = likely no issues

2. Choose Installers Strategically

For Speed:

• Local independent electricians (often 1-2 week availability)
• Check OZEV approval status if claiming grant

For Reliability:

• National chains (British Gas, EDF, OVO) - 2-4 week waits but consistent process
• Established regional specialists with multiple teams

For Complex Installations:

• Specialists with DNO liaison experience (rural areas, weak supplies)
• Companies offering full electrical surveys upfront

3. Express Services (Paid Premium Options)

Some installers offer fast-track services:

• Express survey: £50-£150 premium (2-3 day attendance vs 1-2 week standard)
• Priority installation: £100-£200 premium (1-week wait vs 3-4 week standard)
• Weekend/evening installation: £50-£150 premium (useful if urgent)

Worth It If:

• EV delivery imminent (within 2-3 weeks)
• Business vehicle (tax deduction for express fees)
• Seasonal timing critical (avoiding winter weather for external work)

4. Simultaneous Processes

Run these in parallel to save time:

• DNO notification + OZEV grant submission: Installer should submit both simultaneously
• Consumer unit upgrade + charger selection: If upgrade needed, use that time to research chargers
• Planning permission + electrical survey: For listed buildings, start both immediately

5. Load Management Chargers (Avoiding DNO Delays)

If your survey reveals marginal supply (60A fuse, high existing load):

Traditional Path: DNO supply upgrade (8-16 weeks wait)

Faster Alternative: Install load management charger (Zappi, Easee, Ohme)

• These monitor household load in real-time
• Reduce charging power when house demand high
• Avoid supply upgrade entirely (save 8-16 weeks)
• Cost: Zappi £899 vs standard charger £749 = £150 premium to save 3 months

---

Installation Timeframes by Charger Type

Does Charger Choice Affect Installation Time?

Physical installation time varies slightly by charger:

Standard Wall-Mounted Chargers (2-3 Hours):

• Wallbox Pulsar Plus
• Ohme Home Pro
• Pod Point Solo 3
• EO Mini Pro 3

Simple wall mounting, straightforward connections.

Load Management Chargers (3-4 Hours):

• Zappi (requires CT clamp installation on meter tails - adds 30 mins)
• Easee One (similar to standard, but commissioning takes longer)
• Indra Smart PRO

Additional sensor installation and configuration time.

Solar-Integrated Chargers (3-5 Hours):

• Zappi with solar diversion setup
• Requires: CT clamps on solar inverter + household supply + configuration
• If solar already installed: Add 1 hour for integration
• If solar installed simultaneously: Coordinate with solar installer (complex)

Socketed Chargers (2-3 Hours):

• Rolec WallPod (Type 2 socket vs tethered cable)
• Installation identical to tethered chargers
• No time difference

Bottom Line: Charger type adds 0-2 hours maximum to physical installation. The main timeline factors are DNO processing and installer availability, not charger complexity.

---

Regional Variation in UK Installation Timelines

Why Installation Times Vary by Location

Factors Affecting Regional Timelines:

1. Installer Density

• London/Southeast: 50+ OZEV installers (shorter waits)
• Scottish Highlands: 3-5 installers (longer waits, travel time)

2. DNO Processing Speeds

• Northern Powergrid (Northeast): Fastest (1-2 weeks average)
• Western Power (Wales, Southwest): Slowest (3-4 weeks average)

3. Property Age & Type

• Scotland tenements (pre-1919): Often complex electrical upgrades needed
• 1960s-1980s English estates: Usually straightforward installations
• Victorian terraces (London, Northern cities): Vary widely

4. Demand Patterns

• Urban areas (London, Manchester, Birmingham): High demand = longer waits
• Rural areas (Wales, Scottish Highlands): Lower demand but fewer installers

Average Total Timeline by UK Region (2025)

England:

• London & Southeast: 4-6 weeks (high demand, fast DNO)
• Midlands: 3-5 weeks (moderate demand, good installer availability)
• Northeast: 2-4 weeks (lower demand, fast DNO)
• Northwest: 3-5 weeks (moderate demand)
• Southwest: 4-6 weeks (seasonal tourism delays, slower DNO)

Scotland:

• Central Belt: 3-5 weeks (good installer coverage)
• Highlands & Islands: 5-8 weeks (travel time, fewer installers)

Wales:

• South Wales: 3-5 weeks (good coverage)
• North Wales: 4-7 weeks (rural challenges, slower DNO)

Northern Ireland:

• Belfast area: 3-5 weeks
• Rural NI: 5-8 weeks (limited installer availability)

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the actual physical installation take?

2-4 hours for standard installations (modern consumer unit, 10-15m cable run, brick wall mounting). Complex installations with consumer unit upgrades, long cable runs (>20m), or groundworks can take 4-8 hours and may require multiple visits.

Can I use my EV charger immediately after installation?

Yes, technically. The charger is functional as soon as the installer completes work. However, you should wait for DNO approval before regular full-power use (1-4 weeks). Most installers advise you can use reduced power (3.5kW) during the DNO waiting period.

How long does DNO approval take in the UK?

1-4 weeks depending on your local DNO. Northern Powergrid (Northeast, Yorkshire) is fastest (1-2 weeks average). Western Power (Wales, Southwest, Midlands) is slowest (2-4 weeks average). Your installer submits the G98 notification; you don't need to do anything.

What's the longest part of the installation process?

For standard installations: DNO notification processing (1-4 weeks) is usually the longest wait after the physical installation. However, installer booking availability (1-6 weeks) is often the longest wait before installation, especially in September-November (new car registration peaks).

How long does OZEV grant processing add to the timeline?

The OZEV grant doesn't delay your ability to use the charger. Processing takes 4-8 weeks, but this happens after installation is complete and you're already charging your EV. The grant payment goes to the installer, who deducts it from your invoice (or refunds you if paid upfront).

Can installations be done in one day?

Yes, if:

• Modern consumer unit with spare capacity
• Short cable run (<15m)
• No groundworks required
• Standard wall mounting on brick/block wall

Approximately 68% of UK installations are completed in a single visit (2-4 hours). The remaining 32% require consumer unit upgrades or complex cable routing (multiple visits).

What adds the most time to complex installations?

Consumer unit upgrades are the biggest timeline extender, adding 2-4 weeks for scheduling plus 3-4 hours installation time. This is usually done as a separate visit before the charger installation. DNO supply upgrades (rare - 3% of cases) add 8-16 weeks but are necessary if your property has a 60A main fuse and high existing electrical load.

How far in advance should I book my installation?

Book 4-6 weeks before you take delivery of your EV to ensure the charger is installed and ready when your vehicle arrives. If you have a complex installation anticipated (old electrics, rural property, long cable runs), book 8-10 weeks in advance to allow time for surveys and preparation work.

Is express/priority installation worth the extra cost?

If your EV is arriving in less than 3 weeks and you need home charging urgently, paying £100-£200 extra for express installation (1-week turnaround vs 3-4 week standard) is worth it. Otherwise, standard timelines are adequate for most homeowners. Express services are most valuable in peak seasons (September-October) when standard waits extend to 4-6 weeks.

Do I need to be home during installation?

Yes, you should be home for:

• Site survey (30-60 mins)
• Installation day (2-6 hours depending on complexity)

You'll need to sign the installation certificate, receive the safety demonstration, and complete app setup (for smart chargers). Some installers work with key safes if you can't take time off work, but this isn't recommended for the initial installation.

---

Summary: Realistic Expectations for UK EV Charger Installation Timeline

Standard Installation (No Complications):

• Booking to Installation: 2-4 weeks
• Physical Installation: 2-4 hours (single visit)
• DNO Processing: 1-4 weeks after installation
• Total Timeline: 4-8 weeks from first contact to full compliance
• Can Use Charger: Day of installation (reduced power until DNO approval)

Complex Installation (Consumer Unit Upgrade, Long Cable Runs):

• Booking to Survey: 1-3 weeks
• Survey to Consumer Unit Upgrade: 1-3 weeks
• Consumer Unit Work: 3-4 hours (separate visit)
• Upgrade to Main Installation: 1-2 weeks
• Main Installation: 4-8 hours
• DNO Processing: 1-4 weeks
• Total Timeline: 8-16 weeks from first contact to full completion

Key Takeaways:

1. The physical installation is quick (2-4 hours), but the complete process takes weeks (2-8 weeks average).

2. Installer availability (1-6 weeks) and DNO processing (1-4 weeks) are the longest waits, not the actual installation work.

3. 34% of site surveys identify issues that extend timelines (consumer unit upgrades, supply concerns).

4. You can use your charger immediately after installation at reduced power while waiting for DNO approval (1-4 weeks).

5. Book 4-6 weeks in advance of EV delivery for standard installations; 8-10 weeks for anticipated complex scenarios.

6. Express services (£100-£200 premium) are worth it only if EV delivery is imminent (<3 weeks) or seasonal peaks (September-November).

7. Regional variation is significant: London/Southeast 4-6 weeks average; Scottish Highlands/Rural Wales 5-8 weeks average.

The key to a smooth EV charger installation is realistic timeline expectations and early booking. Don't make the common mistake of ordering your EV, then thinking about home charging—by which point you're facing a 4-6 week wait with a new EV sitting on your driveway and nowhere to charge it overnight.

Start the installation process before your EV arrives, and you'll have a seamless transition to home charging from day one.