EV charger installation: what to expect
From the initial survey to commissioning your charger, we explain the installation process, what can affect the cost and what you can expect from Nexus on installation day.
Domestic or commercial?
The underlying government support is similar in structure, but the eligibility rules and customer journey are different. Choose the route that matches your project.
Home, flats & residential landlords
For homeowners, renters, flat owners and eligible residential landlords.
View domestic grants →Workplaces, fleets & education
For businesses, workplaces, fleets and eligible state-funded education sites.
View commercial grants →From enquiry to charging
We keep the process straightforward and explain what we're doing at each stage.
Initial enquiry
Tell us about your vehicle, property and where you'd like the charger installed. If you have solar panels or a battery, tell us about those too.
- Vehicle and charger requirements
- Property and parking arrangements
- Existing solar or battery system
- Any preferences for charger location
Survey & assessment
We assess the proposed charger location and the electrical route back to the supply. Depending on the installation, this may be done remotely, on site or as part of a more detailed survey.
- Consumer unit and electrical supply
- Proposed cable route
- Earthing and protection requirements
- Charger location and access
Quote & charger choice
We explain the recommended solution and any options that could affect the price. Where relevant, we'll also consider solar integration, battery storage and smart charging.
- Charger model and specification
- Cable route and installation method
- Electrical upgrades if required
- Smart charging and energy options
Installation day
We'll install the charger, run and secure the cabling, complete the required electrical work and leave the installation neat and ready to commission.
- Install and secure the charger
- Install the cable route
- Complete protection and connections
- Test the installation
Commissioning
We commission the charger and, where applicable, help connect the manufacturer's app or smart charging controls.
- Charger configuration
- Connectivity checks
- App setup where supported
- Charging demonstration
Handover & certification
Once the installation is complete, we provide the relevant electrical documentation and explain how to use the system.
- Electrical certification
- Manufacturer warranty information
- System demonstration
- Aftercare guidance
Not every EV charger installation is the same
The charger itself is only part of the installation. The electrical infrastructure and cable route can make a significant difference to the work involved.
- Cable distance: longer runs can require more cable, containment and labour.
- Cable route: internal, external, underground and surface routes each have different requirements.
- Consumer unit: additional protection or an upgrade may be needed.
- Electrical supply: the available capacity and existing installation need to be assessed.
- Earthing: the property's earthing arrangement can affect the recommended installation method.
- Charger location: access, mounting surface and cable routing all matter.
"A good EV installation starts with the property and electrical system — not just the charger."
What should you expect?
For a straightforward installation, the physical installation can often be completed within a few hours. More complex installations can take longer, particularly where additional electrical work or difficult cable routes are involved.
Make the day easy
- Confirm the preferred charger position
- Make sure we can access the consumer unit
- Keep the parking and installation area accessible
- Have Wi-Fi details available if your charger needs them
- Tell us about solar, batteries or other electrical equipment
We'll keep you informed
- Protect the work area and property
- Install the cable and charger
- Complete the electrical connections
- Test and configure the charger
- Explain anything that has changed from the original plan
Ready to charge
- Commission the charger
- Set up the app where applicable
- Demonstrate the charger
- Provide relevant certification
- Explain warranty and aftercare
EV charging, solar & battery storage
If you're considering solar panels or battery storage as well as an EV charger, it makes sense to look at the systems together. Nexus can assess how your generation, storage, charging and household electricity use can work as one energy system.
- Use solar generation to support EV charging
- Coordinate charging with battery storage
- Consider smart charging and time-of-use tariffs
- Assess the electrical capacity of the property
- Plan future energy requirements rather than installing in isolation
"If you're buying an EV today and considering solar or a battery tomorrow, tell us now. It can influence the right charger and electrical design."
Could you qualify for an EV charging grant?
Current UK chargepoint grants differ between domestic, workplace and education projects. Nexus has separate guidance for each route.
Common questions
How long does an EV charger installation take?
A straightforward installation can often be completed within a few hours. More complex installations can take longer depending on cable length, cable route, electrical upgrades and other site requirements.
Do I need a site survey?
Every installation needs an assessment of the property and electrical installation. Depending on the project, this may be handled remotely, on site or through a combination of both.
Will my consumer unit need upgrading?
Not necessarily. We assess the existing installation and protection requirements before recommending the installation method. If additional work is needed, we'll explain why before proceeding.
Can an EV charger work with solar panels?
Yes. The right charger and energy-management setup can allow EV charging to work alongside solar generation. If you also have a battery, we can consider how the systems should be coordinated.
What paperwork will I receive?
You'll receive the relevant electrical certification and manufacturer information for the installed equipment, together with guidance on using the charger and any associated app.
Can Nexus help with the EV grant?
Where a grant applies, we'll explain the relevant process and what needs to happen before installation. Some schemes require the customer to receive approval before work starts, so a grant should not be assumed until the relevant approval has been received.
Ready to install an EV charger?
Tell us about your vehicle, property and existing energy system. We'll assess the installation and recommend the right solution.