Finding a Trusted EV Charger Installer

This isn't optional. To install an EV charger at your home, the installer must be registered with OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) and their authorised installer scheme. This means they're:

• Qualified to Part P electrical regulations
• Trained specifically on EV charger installation
• Authorised to apply for the government grant on your behalf
• Insured for the work they carry out
• Required to follow the IET Code of Practice for EV charging installations

Using an unregistered installer means: no government grant, no certification, potential warranty issues with your new build, and a genuine safety risk from improperly installed high-power equipment.

OZEV doesn't register individual electricians — they approve installation companies through authorised bodies like NAPIT, NICEIC, and ELECSA. An "OZEV registered installer" is a company that has been assessed and approved through one of these bodies specifically for EV charger installation.

You can verify an installer's registration by asking for their OZEV authorisation number and checking it on the official register. Any legitimate installer will happily provide this — if they get defensive or vague, walk away.

• "Are you OZEV registered?" — the non-negotiable first question. Ask for proof.
• "Which charger brands do you supply?" — good installers offer multiple brands and can advise on the best fit for your home and car.
• "Will you handle the grant application?" — they should, automatically. If they don't mention it, ask why.
• "Do you do a site survey first?" — any reputable installer will survey your home before quoting. A quote over the phone without seeing the property is a red flag.
• "What's included in the price?" — charger, installation, cabling, testing, commissioning, and certification should all be included. Watch for "extras" that appear after the survey.
• "How long is the warranty?" — most charger manufacturers offer 3-5 years. The installation itself should be guaranteed for at least 12 months.

A good installer: surveys your home first, explains options clearly, provides a written quote with no hidden costs, handles all grant paperwork, installs to a high standard, tests thoroughly, provides full certification, and responds to follow-up questions.

A bad installer: quotes over the phone without seeing the property, pushes only one charger brand (usually whatever gives them the best margin), is vague about OZEV registration, adds costs after the survey, rushes the installation, and disappears after the job.

• No site survey: A quote without a visit is guesswork. Your installation could end up costing more or, worse, be done incorrectly.
• Pressure to decide immediately: "This price is only valid today" is a classic high-pressure tactic. A good installer gives you time to compare quotes.
• Cash only / no paperwork: Legitimate installers provide invoices, electrical certificates, and grant documentation. No paperwork = no comeback if something goes wrong.
• Unwilling to show credentials: OZEV registration, Part P qualification, and insurance should be provided without hesitation.
• Significantly cheaper than everyone else: If one quote is 40% below the others, something is being cut — often testing, certification, or proper cable sizing.

Your installer handles the OZEV grant application, but you need to provide:

• Proof of EV ownership or lease (V5C document or lease agreement)
• Proof of address (utility bill or council tax bill)
• Your vehicle registration number

Have these ready before installation day. The grant is applied to your final bill — you only pay the remaining balance. Your installer will also notify your DNO (Distribution Network Operator) as required by regulations.