How Long Does EV Charger Installation Take?

For a standard new build installation — charger on the garage wall or house exterior, consumer unit nearby, standard cable run — expect 3 to 4 hours from the installer arriving to your first charge.

This includes isolating the supply, installing a dedicated circuit at the consumer unit, running the cable to the charger location, mounting the charger, earthing, testing, commissioning, and showing you how to use the app.

More complex installations (long cable runs, external trenching, consumer unit upgrades) can take 5-6 hours or may be split across two visits. But these are uncommon in new builds.

1. Initial survey (15 min): The installer checks your consumer unit, measures the cable run, and confirms the installation plan matches the quote.
2. Consumer unit work (30-45 min): A new dedicated circuit is added to your consumer unit with its own MCB (miniature circuit breaker). Your power will be off briefly during this step.
3. Cable routing (30-60 min): SWA (steel wire armoured) cable is run from the consumer unit to the charger location. In a new build, this often goes through the garage or along an internal route.
4. Charger mounting (15-30 min): The charger unit is fixed to the wall at the correct height, cables connected, and earth rod installed if required.
5. Testing and commissioning (30 min): Full electrical testing, earth fault loop impedance checks, RCD testing, and commissioning on the charger's app. The installer will test it with your car if available.
6. Paperwork (15 min): You'll receive an electrical installation certificate, the grant paperwork (if applicable), and a walkthrough of the app and charger features.

Yes — for at least part of the installation. The installer needs access to your consumer unit (usually inside the house) and will need to turn the power off briefly. You don't need to supervise the whole installation, but being available to answer questions and grant access is important.

Most installers are happy to work around your schedule. Morning installations are most common — finished by lunchtime, and you can charge your car that evening.

Before moving in: If your developer allows access before completion (many do for trades), get the charger installed before you move. You'll have charging from day one.

First few weeks: Most new build buyers book within the first month. The process from first enquiry to installation is typically 1-3 weeks — faster if the installer has stock of your chosen charger.

Charger lead times: Popular chargers (Ohme, Wallbox) are usually in stock. Premium options (Andersen, Easee) may have 1-2 week lead times. Ask your installer about availability when booking.

No — as long as the installation is done by a qualified, OZEV registered electrician. The work is covered by the installer's own certification, and a properly installed EV charger doesn't affect your NHBC warranty.

What would be a problem: getting an unqualified person to do it. Uncertified electrical work can void your warranty, invalidate your home insurance, and create genuine safety risks. Always use an OZEV registered installer — no exceptions.