Home charger installation
A 7kW wall charger on a drive or garage wall, with a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit.
EV Charger Installation in Reading
Got an electric car, or about to? Compare quotes from up to 3 vetted electricians in Reading to fit a home charger.
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EV charging work we can help with
Supply and board upgrades
Consumer unit upgrades, and arranging a bigger main fuse with the network operator if your supply needs it.
Moving or replacing chargers
Moving a charger to a new spot, replacing a faulty unit, and adding load management for a second car.
Most home EV chargers are 7kW wall units on their own circuit from the consumer unit. Charging at that rate adds roughly 20 to 30 miles of range an hour, which is plenty for an overnight top-up. Since 2022, new home chargers in Great Britain must be "smart", which means they can be scheduled to charge at off-peak times and respond to the grid. Ask your installer how the charger works with your energy tariff, as cheap overnight rates make a big difference to running costs.
Before quoting, an electrician will check your consumer unit, your main fuse and your earthing. A charger draws a lot of power for hours at a time, so an older board may need upgrading. If your main fuse is too small for the extra load, the installer will contact the network operator, which in Reading is Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), about upgrading it. Your installer should also notify the network operator about the new charger. Installing a charger means adding a new circuit, which is notifiable under Part P, so use an electrician registered with a scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT.
You'll need off-street parking: a drive, garage or parking space next to the house. Many of Reading's Victorian terraces have on-street parking only. Running a charging cable across the pavement isn't allowed without the council's permission, so check with Reading Borough Council before you buy a charger. Most wall chargers don't need planning permission, but if your home is listed or in a conservation area, check before installing.
If you rent or own a flat, a government grant may cover 75% of the cost of the charger and installation, up to £500. Check GOV.UK for the current eligibility rules before you book. Homeowners in houses usually aren't eligible.
Ask for a quote that covers the charger model, cable run, any board or earthing work, and the commissioning certificate. Reviews on Trade Pilot come from real, invoiced jobs, so you can see how other homeowners rated an installer.
Typical prices
| Job | Typical UK range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7kW home charger, supplied and installed | £800–£1,300 | Standard installation with a short cable run |
| Longer cable run | Add £100–£400 | Depends on distance and route |
| Consumer unit upgrade | £450–£850 | If the existing board can't take the new circuit |
| Main fuse upgrade | Varies | Arranged with the network operator; ask your installer about any charge |
| Move an existing charger | £250–£500 | Depends on the new location |
Typical UK ranges; your quotes depend on the job and access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A standard 7kW home charger usually costs £800 to £1,300 supplied and fitted. Longer cable runs, consumer unit upgrades or a main fuse upgrade can add to that.
If you rent or own a flat, a government grant may cover 75% of the cost, up to £500. Homeowners in houses usually aren't eligible. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.
Yes, in practice. You need a drive, garage or parking space next to the house. Running a cable across the pavement isn't allowed without the council's permission.
Sometimes. Older boards may not have room for a new circuit or the right protection. Your electrician will check before quoting.
Usually not, for a standard wall charger. If your home is listed or in a conservation area, check with Reading Borough Council first.
Most installations take half a day. Longer if the consumer unit needs upgrading or the cable run is complicated.
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