The Complete Guide to EV Charger Installation for Hampshire Homeowners

Electric vehicle ownership in Hampshire is growing rapidly. If you've recently purchased an EV or are considering one, installing a dedicated home charger is one of the best investments you can make. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Install a Home EV Charger?

While you can charge an electric car from a standard 3-pin domestic socket, it's slow (typically 8-12 hours for a full charge) and not designed for the sustained high current draw that regular EV charging requires. A dedicated 7kW home charger can fully charge most EVs overnight and is specifically designed for safe, regular use.

Choosing the Right Charger

The most common home charger is a 7kW unit, which runs on a single-phase supply — the standard electrical supply for most UK homes. Key features to consider include smart charging capability (allowing you to schedule charging during cheaper off-peak tariffs), built-in cable management, weather resistance rating, and compatibility with your vehicle.

The Installation Process

A qualified electrician will first carry out a survey of your property to assess your existing electrical supply. This includes checking your consumer unit has capacity for an additional circuit, confirming your earthing arrangement is suitable (TN-S or TN-C-S), and planning the cable route from your consumer unit to the charging location.

Most installations are straightforward and completed within half a day. The charger is typically mounted on an exterior wall near your parking space, with a dedicated circuit run from your consumer unit.

Costs and Grants

Installation costs vary depending on the charger chosen and the complexity of the installation. Factors that affect cost include the distance from your consumer unit to the charger location, whether your consumer unit needs upgrading, and any groundwork required for cable routing.

The government's OZEV grant scheme has undergone several changes. Your installer should be able to advise on any current incentives available at the time of your enquiry.

Planning Permission

In most cases, home EV charger installation falls under permitted development and doesn't require planning permission. However, if your property is listed or in a conservation area, you may need to check with your local planning authority.

For a free survey and estimate for EV charger installation at your Hampshire home, contact Orsidaen Electrical Services on 07801 201783.