First job is checking there's spare capacity on your supply and earthing to take a car charger safely.
Sometimes this means a new circuit from your existing consumer unit (fuse box). Sometimes it makes more sense to fit a small extra fuse box next to your meter box, especially if that's already outside. Either way, I'll then run a cable from there to wherever you'd like the charger, whether that's on the front of your house, in a garage or on a driveway wall. I'll talk you through the best option for your property at the site visit.
Most chargers offer load balancing as an option, and I always recommend it. Load balancing monitors how much power your whole home is using, and automatically turns your charger down when everything else is running flat out, like the oven, the kettle and the heating all at once. Without load balancing, you risk overloading your supply and tripping your main fuse, which is costly to replace. If you've got solar and a battery, load balancing is essential to get the most out of your supply. Load balancing just means running an extra data cable between the charger and your supply, installed at the same time as the power cable.
Your charger will need decent internet for the smart features to work properly. If the Wi-Fi is patchy out there, I may also need to run a network cable alongside the power.
I install most brands, but I rate the myenergi Zappi and the Ohme Home Pro above the rest. If you don't already have a particular brand in mind, I'm happy to chat about what you need.
Installation and testing is a half-day job for some properties, a full day for others, depending on the length of the cable required — I'll be able to tell you which once I've seen the site. Either way, it's tested and certified before I leave.
Most installs come in between £900 and £1,500, and there's no VAT to add on top. See the pricing page, or get in touch for an exact number.
That's not something I can advise on, since it depends on your specific property and I'm not in a position to make that call for you. As general guidance: since May 2025, most driveway EV chargers in England no longer need planning permission, and this usually extends to conservation areas if you've got off-street parking, though some restrictions still apply. Listed buildings almost always need consent. If you're in Bath, B&NES has guidance on EV charging points, or check with your local planning department.
I install most brands, but I rate the myenergi Zappi and the Ohme Home Pro above the rest. Zappi's great if you've got solar, or might get it — it can divert your own generation into the car. Ohme's a little cheaper and now supports Octopus Go for smarter, cheaper overnight charging. Happy to talk through what fits your setup.
Yes, effectively. Since June 2022, every new home charger sold in Great Britain has to have smart functionality by law. The one exception is a standard socket fitted for a portable ‘granny charger’ cable, rather than a dedicated charge point. Every charger I install meets the smart requirement as standard.
The old grant for homeowners with a driveway closed in 2022. What's left offers up to £500 for renters, flat owners, landlords, or homes relying on on-street parking, but it can only be claimed through an OZEV-registered installer, which I'm not. If the grant matters to you, you'll need a registered installer for that part of the job; otherwise I'm happy to help.
Get in touch and I'll book in a site visit — quick, free, and no obligation to go ahead.
