EV Charger Installation Costs & Pricing Guide Derby & Derbyshire

Cost of Smart Chargers

Smart EV chargers offer far more control and convenience than basic models, and their prices vary depending on features, brand and build quality. Below is a clear, realistic guide to what you can expect to pay for the charger unit itself.

1. Standard Smart Chargers (£450–£650)

These models include essential smart features such as:

• App control
• Scheduled charging
• Basic energy monitoring
• Load balancing (sometimes optional)
• Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity

They’re ideal for most homes and offer excellent value.

2. Solar-Compatible Smart Chargers (£550–£850)

Designed to work with solar panels and/or battery storage, these chargers support:

• Solar-only mode
• Mixed grid + solar charging
• Real-time surplus tracking
• More advanced energy management

Perfect for customers with — or planning — solar installations.

3. Premium Smart Chargers (£700–£1,000+)

Higher-end chargers typically offer:

• Stronger build quality
• Enhanced connectivity
• Better long-term reliability
• More advanced app features
• Dynamic load balancing
• Stylish design options
• Faster processors for smart features

These chargers often deliver the most seamless day-to-day experience.

4. Tethered vs Untethered Models

Most chargers are available in two versions:

• Tethered – built-in charging cable included
• Untethered – you plug in your own cable

Tethered models usually cost £50–£100 more, but many homeowners prefer the convenience.

5. Commercial Smart Chargers (£1,000–£2,000)

Business-grade chargers are more robust and may include:

• RFID access control
• OCPP compatibility
• Built-in load management
• Multiple user profiles
• Commercial warranties

These are designed for workplaces, fleets and public charging locations.

What’s Included With Our Installations

All installations include:

• Professional fitting
• Load and safety checks
• App setup and demonstration
• Full certification
• Ongoing support if you need help later

This ensures your charger performs exactly as it should, with no hidden extras.

Commercial EV Charger Costs

Workplace and commercial EV charging installations vary much more than domestic setups because every business has different electrical demands, parking layouts and operational needs. Below is a clear guide to help you understand typical costs and what influences them.

1. Cost of Commercial Chargers (£1,000–£2,000 per unit)

Commercial-grade chargers cost more than domestic models because they include features such as:

• RFID access control
• OCPP compatibility
• More robust housings
• Built-in load management
• Longer warranties
• Higher durability for public or fleet use

These chargers are designed for offices, warehouses, retail sites, hospitality venues and fleet vehicles.

2. Installation Costs (£600–£1,500 per charger)

The installation price depends on:

• Cable routes across car parks or buildings
• Trenching or ducting (if required)
• Distance from distribution board
• Civil works or protection posts
• Mounting pedestals or backplates
• Number of chargers installed

Installing multiple chargers in one visit reduces the cost per charger.

3. Load Management Systems (£300–£2,000 depending on scale)

Businesses often need dynamic load balancing to protect their electrical system and avoid expensive supply upgrades. Costs vary depending on whether the site needs:

• Single-phase or three-phase load management
• Multi-bay balancing
• Centralised smart control systems
• Integration with existing infrastructure

4. Distribution Board Upgrades (£300–£2,000+)

Commercial boards often need:

• Additional breakers
• New distribution enclosures
• Upgraded capacity
• Extended sub-mains

This ensures the system can safely support multiple EV chargers.

5. Optional OCPP Management Software (£100–£500 per year)

Businesses that want detailed usage data, staff billing, remote monitoring or multi-site control may choose OCPP software. Packages vary based on user numbers and features.

6. Signage, Bay Markings & Protection Posts (£50–£300 per bay)

For workplaces or public charging areas, we can install:

• Line markings
• Wheel stops
• Protective bollards
• Signage

These improve safety and help enforce EV-only parking. Commercial EV charging costs are always tailored to the business, and we provide clear quotes based on a site survey — with no hidden extras.

Example Pricing Scenarios

To make EV charger pricing clearer, here are realistic examples of what different customers across Derbyshire might expect to pay. These scenarios cover simple installations, more complex jobs and typical commercial setups.

Example 1: Standard Home Installation

Property: Modern 3-bed home in Littleover
Charger: 7kW smart charger
Cable run: 6 metres
Consumer unit: Modern with RCBOs and SPD
Wi-Fi: Strong signal at the installation point

Estimated cost: £900–£1,050
A simple, straightforward installation with no additional upgrades.

Example 2: Driveway Installation with Long Cable Run

Property: 1970s semi-detached in Mickleover
Charger: 7kW smart charger (tethered)
Cable run: 18 metres around the side of the property
Consumer unit: Suitable but needed an additional RCBO
Extra work: Outdoor trunking and cable protection

Estimated cost: £1,150–£1,350
Longer cable routes and extra materials increase the total slightly.

Example 3: Older Home Requiring Consumer Unit Upgrade

Property: Victorian terrace in Derby city centre
Charger: Solar-compatible smart charger
Cable run: 8 metres
Consumer unit: Outdated fuse box with no RCD protection
Extra work: Full consumer unit replacement with SPD

Estimated cost:

• Charger installation: £900–£1,050

Fuse box upgrade: £500–£700
Total: £1,400–£1,750

Upgrading the electrical system ensures long-term safety and compliance.

Example 4: Business with Two Chargers & Load Management

Property: Office building in Pride Park
Chargers: 2× commercial 22kW three-phase units
Cable run: 20–30 metres across car park
Extra work:

• Load balancing system
• OCPP setup
• Protective bollards
• Extended distribution board

Estimated cost: £4,000–£6,500
Commercial installations involve heavier cabling, more labour and advanced control systems.

Example 5: Solar-Integrated Charger in a Home with Battery Storage

Property: Detached home in Allestree
Charger: Solar-compatible smart charger
Solar: 6kWp array
Battery: 10kWh storage
Extra work: CT clamps + energy management module

Estimated cost: £1,100–£1,350
A popular choice for homeowners looking to reduce running costs.

These examples give you a realistic sense of what to expect. We always provide a clear, tailored quote before any work begins.

Why Our Pricing Is Fair, Clear & Transparent

When it comes to EV charger installation, clarity matters. Many homeowners and businesses worry about hidden extras, unexpected electrical upgrades or unclear pricing. We take a completely transparent approach so you always know exactly what you’re paying for — and why.

1. Clear Explanations Before Any Work Starts

We explain every part of the installation in plain English, including:

• What’s included
• What isn’t
• Any upgrades required
• Why those upgrades are recommended
• How each cost is calculated

There’s no jargon and no guesswork.

2. No Hidden Extras

The price we quote is the price you pay unless you specifically request extra work.
We don’t add:

• surprise materials
• unexpected labour
• additional call-out fees

You’re fully informed throughout the process.

3. Fair Pricing for All Properties

We price installations based on the actual work required — not your postcode or the value of your home. Whether you own a small terrace or a large detached property, your quote is based on:

• materials
• labour
• complexity
• safety requirements

Nothing more.

4. Full Safety Checks & Certification Included

Some companies charge extra for testing or certification.
We include:

• Load testing
• RCD/RCBO checks
• Earth verification
• Full BS 7671 compliance testing
• Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)

Safety is part of the job — not an add-on.

5. Honest Advice About Repairs or Upgrades

If your consumer unit needs upgrading or your wiring isn’t suitable, we’ll show you exactly why — backed up with photos and test results.
We never recommend work that isn’t necessary.

6. The Derbyshire Specialists Group Advantage

Because we’re part of the Derbyshire Specialists Group, we can handle:

• electrical upgrades
• making good
• minor repairs
• additional property work

This keeps your costs down and ensures a tidy finish with no need for third-party contractors.

7. Long-Term Value, Not Shortcuts

We don’t fit chargers cheaply just to get the job done. We install them properly, safely and neatly — making sure they last for years.

Fair, clear pricing is part of how we work. It’s why so many customers in Derby and Derbyshire trust us with their EV charger installations.

Get a Fast, Accurate Quote

If you’re ready to install an EV charger — or you’d simply like to know how much it will cost for your home or business — we can provide a clear, accurate quote quickly. There’s no jargon, no pressure and no hidden extras. Just straightforward advice from qualified electricians who install chargers across Derby and Derbyshire every day.

What We Need to Provide a Quote

To give you an accurate price, simply send us:

• A photo of your consumer unit (fuse box)
• A photo of the preferred charger location
• The distance between the two (rough estimate is fine)
• Your postcode
• Whether you have solar panels or battery storage
• Whether the charger will be for home or workplace use
• Your preferred charger (if you already have one in mind)

This allows us to assess the work required and identify any electrical upgrades you may need — without an unnecessary visit.

Fast Turnaround

Most quotes are provided the same day, and for more complex installations we can arrange a short site survey to plan everything properly.



Book Your Quote or Ask a Question

Whether you’re comparing costs, planning your first EV charger or looking to upgrade an older unit, we’re here to help.

Get in touch today to request your EV charger installation quote.