The short answer
A straightforward home EV charger installation takes 3–4 hours on the day for a qualified electrician — including the cable run, mounting, wiring, testing and commissioning. Longer cable runs, outbuilding supplies or a consumer unit upgrade can extend this. See the cost guide for how complexity affects price, and installation requirements for the technical rules.
Most homeowners want to know two things before booking an EV charger installation: how much will it cost, and how long will the installer be at the house? For a standard job — a 7 kW wall box on an outside wall near the consumer unit — the answer is typically half a day. This guide breaks down what happens during that time, what takes longer, and what to do to make the day run smoothly.
Installation timeline at a glance
- Standard installation 3–4 hours on the day
- Long cable run (15 m+) 4–6 hours
- Detached garage or outbuilding Full day or two visits
- Consumer unit upgrade (same day) Add 2–4 hours
- Site survey Usually 30–60 minutes, sometimes remote
- Time from enquiry to installation Typically 1–4 weeks for a booked slot
What happens during a standard installation
A standard EV charger installation by a qualified, OZEV-approved electrician covers the following steps, typically in this order:
- Arrival and survey (15–30 min): the installer confirms the agreed location, checks the consumer unit has capacity and the correct fuse type, identifies the cable route and confirms earthing arrangements.
- Cable route preparation (30–60 min): the cable run is planned and trunking or conduit is fitted where required. Surface-run trunking is faster than chasing into walls or running underground.
- Consumer unit connection (20–30 min): the new radial circuit breaker (and Type A or B RCD if not already present) is installed in the consumer unit. The mains supply must be isolated for this work.
- Charge point mounting and wiring (30–45 min): the wall box is fixed to the wall and connected to the incoming cable.
- Testing and commissioning (30–60 min): the electrician runs the required installation tests under BS 7671 (insulation resistance, continuity, earth fault loop impedance, RCD trip time) and then commissions the charge point — connecting it to your Wi-Fi and the app, and checking it communicates with the car.
- Certificate and handover (15 min): the Electrical Installation Certificate is issued; the installer explains how to use the smart features and app.
| Job type | Typical time on site |
|---|---|
| Standard (short run, modern CU, outdoor wall) | 3–4 hours |
| Longer cable run (10–20 m surface or buried) | 4–6 hours |
| Detached garage — overhead cable | Half to full day |
| Detached garage — underground cable | Full day or two visits (groundworks) |
| Consumer unit upgrade (if required) | +2–4 hours additional |
What extends the installation time
The biggest variable is the cable route. A charge point on the outside wall directly behind the consumer unit needs only a short, simple run. A charge point at the far end of a garage, or on a back wall reached via a long run under the floor or through brick, takes significantly more time. Underground cable to a detached garage involves either trenching (which may require reinstatement) or threading through an existing duct. If the consumer unit needs upgrading — because it has no spare ways or is an older fuse-board type — that work is usually done on the same visit but adds time.
How long until your installation date?
OZEV-approved installers typically book 1–4 weeks ahead, depending on their workload and your area. Some larger national installers have shorter lead times with dedicated EV teams; smaller local electricians may have longer waits but can sometimes offer more flexibility. Booking promptly after choosing your unit and confirming the OZEV grant eligibility is the best way to get an early slot. Get quotes from at least three OZEV-approved installers to find the best combination of price, timeline and availability. This page is general information; installation times vary with property and installer.
Book your installation
Get quotes from OZEV-approved installers and find the earliest slot for your home. Most standard jobs take just half a day and the £350 grant is applied automatically.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a 7 kW EV charger installation take?
A straightforward 7 kW wall box installation typically takes 3–4 hours on the day, covering cable run, mounting, CU connection, testing and commissioning.
Does the installer need to switch off my mains power?
Yes, briefly — connecting the new circuit breaker to the consumer unit requires isolating the mains supply for around 15–20 minutes. Plan accordingly.
Can an EV charger be installed in one visit?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. Standard jobs are completed in a single visit. Only complex outbuilding supplies or situations requiring groundworks or additional trades may need a second visit.
How long does it take from enquiry to having a working charger?
Typically 2–6 weeks from first enquiry to a working charger — allowing time for quotes, choosing an installer, booking the slot and the installation day.
Sources & further reading
- OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) — Approved installer scheme and installation process
- IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) — Testing and commissioning requirements for EV charge installations
- Energy Saving Trust — Home EV charging installation guidance and typical timelines
- GOV.UK — Building Regulations Part P and EV chargepoint installation requirements
This is general information about home EV charging in the UK, not electrical, planning or installation advice for your specific property. Costs, timescales and specifications vary with your home’s supply, parking arrangement and chosen installer. Always obtain written quotes from OZEV-approved installers and check grant eligibility at GOV.UK before committing.