11 Questions to Ask Before Installing an EV Charger

A Practical Guide from Professional EV Installers

As a specialist electrical contracting company, G.E.C. Electrical Contractors Ltd have helped hundreds of homeowners, landlords, and businesses in Abingdon and across Oxfordshire make the switch to electric vehicles.

One thing’s clear: the right EV charger — properly installed — saves time, money, and future headaches. Whether you’re planning a home setup or a commercial charging point, asking the right questions can make all the difference.

Here’s our expert guide to things you should know before you install an EV charger.

HOME INSTALLATION ESSENTIALS

1. Do I Need a Dedicated Circuit for My EV Charger?

Yes. A dedicated circuit is required by UK electrical regulations and ensures your charger has a safe, stable power supply without affecting the rest of your household. Our team assesses your consumer unit during the survey and carries out any necessary upgrades or circuit protection work to keep everything compliant and future-ready.

2. Where Should I Install My EV Charger?

We recommend installing your charger near your regular parking spot — typically on a garage wall or the side of your house. Factors we assess include cable distance, aesthetics, waterproofing, and future needs (e.g. solar compatibility). A smart layout today saves on installation time and future cost.

3. Do I Need Planning Permission?

In most UK homes, no. As long as the unit is under 0.2m³ and installed on private property, you won't need permission. If you live in a listed building or conservation area, we’ll help you confirm requirements with your local council.

4. What’s the Difference Between Tethered and Untethered Chargers?

• Tethered chargers have a built-in cable — quick and convenient for daily use.

• Untethered chargers have a socket, allowing you to use different cables and vehicles. They're tidier, with no visible hanging cables.

We help you choose the best fit based on your current vehicle, future plans, and personal preferences.

PERFORMANCE & RUNNING COSTS

5. How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV at Home?

Most home chargers are 7kW units, offering a full charge in 6-12 hours — perfect for overnight charging. The actual time depends on your vehicle’s battery size and charging habits. We'll help you select a charger that matches your needs now and in the future.

6. Will It Increase My Energy Bills?

Yes — your electricity usage will increase, but your fuel costs will likely drop dramatically. EVs are cheaper per mile than petrol or diesel. To manage ongoing costs:

• Use off-peak energy tariffs (e.g. Octopus Go)

• Schedule charging when rates are lowest

• Consider solar integration - we can help with this, see our Solar & Battery information

We help customers explore these options as part of our post-installation support.

7. Can I Schedule Charging for Cheaper Times?

Absolutely. Most smart chargers allow you to automate your charging schedule to take advantage of off-peak pricing — often between midnight and 5am. We install chargers that work with energy providers and offer intuitive mobile apps, giving you full control over when and how you charge.

INSTALLATION & LIFESPAN

8. What’s Involved in the Installation Process?

Installation includes:

• A full site survey

• Electrical safety assessment

• Mounting the charger

• Routing cable from the fuse board

• Testing, certification, and DNO notification (if required)

Our team ensures everything is handled to meet the latest IET Wiring Regulations and OZEV compliance standards.

9. What’s the Average Lifespan of an EV Charger?

A quality charger will typically last 10–15 years. We only install durable, weatherproof units from trusted manufacturers with strong support and warranties. We also offer maintenance and servicing packages to keep your system performing long-term.

COMMERCIAL INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

10. What Type of Charger Should I Install at My Business?

This depends on how the charger will be used:

• 7kW units are ideal for standard workday use

• 22kW chargers suit quick turnarounds or larger fleets

• Features like smart load balancing, access control, and usage tracking are essential for shared or high-traffic environments

We design systems that align with your business goals — whether that’s staff charging, fleet electrification, or public use.

11. Can I Apply for Government Support or Grants?

Yes. Eligible customers can apply for the EV Chargepoint Grant or the Workplace Charging Scheme. These cover a portion of installation costs for:

• Landlords

• Flat owners and renters

• Businesses with dedicated parking

We’re an OZEV-approved installer for both residential and commercial installations:

• Workplace installer number WCS2558

• Domestic/residential number EVHS2558

We manage the application process as part of our service.

🔗 Learn more at gov.uk/ev-charging-grants.