Electric vehicle ownership across Cheshire is growing year on year. Whether you've just ordered your first EV or you're thinking ahead, a home wallbox charger is by far the most convenient and cost-effective way to keep it charged. But is your home ready? This guide walks through everything you need to know before booking your installation.
Step 1: Check Your Consumer Unit
A 7kW home EV charger draws significant power — typically around 32 amps. Before installing, a qualified electrician needs to assess whether your consumer unit has a spare way (breaker slot) and whether the existing supply can handle the additional load. Most modern homes in Cheshire are fine, but properties with older 60-amp supplies may need an upgrade. Our team will always carry out a survey before any EV charger installation.
Step 2: Where Will the Charger Go?
Most wallbox chargers are installed on the exterior wall of a garage or near your parking area. The cable run from your consumer unit to the charger needs to be protected — typically run through the wall and into conduit. The charger itself should be positioned no more than a metre or so from where you park. If you park on a driveway without a garage, a freestanding post installation is also an option.
Step 3: Check Grant Eligibility
The UK government's OZEV-authorised EV Chargepoint Grant currently provides up to £350 off the cost of a home charger for eligible homeowners and renters. To qualify, the charger must be installed by an OZEV-authorised installer and the vehicle must be a qualifying plug-in electric model. We are fully OZEV authorised, so our customers can claim this grant on eligible installations.
We regularly carry out installations across south Cheshire — from EV charger installation in Wilmslow to EV charger installation in Knutsford.
Step 4: Smart or Standard Charger?
All new home EV chargers installed in the UK must now be "smart" chargers — capable of communicating with the grid and allowing remote on/off control, scheduled charging, and energy monitoring via an app. This is actually great news for Cheshire homeowners: smart chargers can be set to charge overnight on cheaper tariffs, significantly reducing your running costs. Some models also integrate directly with home solar systems.
What Happens on Installation Day?
A standard home EV charger installation typically takes 2–3 hours. The electrician will run the cable, install the unit, connect it to your consumer unit, and test the full system. You'll receive an Electrical Installation Certificate and the installation will be registered with Part P Building Control. We cover the full Cheshire area — including EV charger installations in Hale and EV charger installation in Alderley Edge.
How Much Does It Cost?
After any applicable grant, a typical 7kW home wallbox installation in Cheshire costs in the region of £600–£900 depending on the complexity of the cable run. That's a one-time cost that pays for itself quickly when you factor in the savings versus using public chargers or topping up on a slow 3-pin charge overnight.
Ready to Install an EV Charger in Cheshire?
OZEV-authorised, NICEIC Approved. Fast survey and installation. Grant processing handled for you.