Electric Car Charging Points Installation Requirements

Electric Car Charging Points Installation Requirements: A 2026 Guide

People have turned to new electric vehicles over petrol cars in recent years. This is a result of the United Kingdom government promoting lesser carbon emissions.

However, electric vehicle charging installations in commercial and residential properties isn’t the easiest task.

If you plan to install electric car charging points, comply with UK regulations. Check out this article for more information on EV charging points and their requirements.

Overview of the Benefits of EV Charging Stations

Here are the benefits of owning electric cars and their corresponding EV charge point:

• Clean Air – There is a lower level of contaminants like nitrogen oxides in the air when using an electric vehicle.
• Better Transportation – UK government transportation planners foresee a great impact on reduced carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and street safety as people move toward EVs.
• Lower Cost of Driving – Although costs will vary depending on your vehicle model, in most cases, an electric car is easier to fuel and maintain.
• An EV Charging Point Increases Property Value – If you don’t install the charging point in a listed building or within two metres of a site designated as a scheduled monument, EV chargers make your property more valuable. EV chargers in a parking space, private home, or flat appeal to the growing population of drivers using electric vehicles.
• Achieve Climate Change Goals – Many cities are implementing a planning regime where even city buses and ride-share companies must be electric. This is to achieve universal sustainability.

Types of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

There are three types of EV charging station installations. But before we dive deep into explaining each type of charging station, let’s talk about some requirements:

• Property Ownership – You must be the owner of the property. For commercial properties, make sure to get the permission of your landlord. A conservation area or listed building cannot have an electric car charger installed.
• Off-street Parking Space – You must own an off-street parking space or driveway to have an EV home charger installation.
• A Wi-Fi Connection – A Wi-fi connection is required to accept instructions and guidance, adjust charging rates, and record energy consumption.

Under Building Regulations Approved Document S (Part S), in force since 15 June 2022, any new home built with associated parking must have an electric vehicle charging point. The same requirement applies to qualifying major renovations.

Slow / 3-Pin (Granny) Charging

• Good for: Plug-in hybrids; emergency or occasional use only
• Capacity: Roughly 5-8 miles of range per hour
• Power: Around 2.3kW via a standard domestic socket (230V)

Slow charging uses a portable cable plugged into a standard 230V domestic socket. It adds only around 5-8 miles of range per hour, so it is best kept for emergencies or occasional top-ups.

It is not recommended for daily use, as a continuous high load on an ordinary socket is not ideal.

For regular charging at home, a dedicated wallbox is the safer and faster option.

Fast Home Charging (Wallbox)

• Good for: Battery EVs; the standard domestic installation
• Capacity: Roughly 20-30 miles of range per hour
• Power: Typically 7kW (single-phase, 230V at 32A); up to 22kW on a three-phase supply

A dedicated wallbox is the standard home charging solution. A typical 7kW single-phase unit (230V at 32A) gives roughly 20-30 miles of range per hour, comfortably charging most cars overnight.

Properties with a three-phase supply can support a faster unit of up to 22kW.

A wallbox must be fitted by a competent, registered electrician (see below), who will confirm whether you need planning permission and Building Regulations approval.

Rapid / Ultra-Rapid DC Charging

• Good for: Most battery EVs on long journeys
• Capacity: 80% in as little as 20-30 minutes
• Power: 50kW and above (DC)

Rapid and ultra-rapid DC chargers deliver 50kW or more and can charge a typical EV’s battery to 80% in around 20-30 minutes. They’re ideal for long-distance driving.

These units use direct current to charge the battery, bypassing the vehicle’s onboard charger.

They’re found on the public network and at motorway services, not as a domestic installation.

IMPORTANT: Not all EVs support rapid DC chargers, and charging speed depends on the vehicle. Make sure to check with your manufacturer.

Installing an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Electric vehicle charging points are necessary to power and maintain your vehicle. Know what charging equipment you need and the steps to getting one installed:

Determine Your Needs

The first thing you need to do is determine what charging equipment you need to establish your home’s charging points that suit your vehicle’s requirements.

Ask an electrician with the correct certifications for EV charger installation to do this and compute for cost. In most cases, a Level 2 EV charger installation is preferred.

Select a Charging Station

When selecting your EV charge points, consider the charging speed, location, and usage patterns to choose the appropriate level of charging station for the electric car you plan to purchase or currently own.

Choose an Installation Location

Your garage, driveway, or parking lot is a good installation location for your electric vehicle charging point.

Ensure there’s enough space to establish the power supply and that it complies with the relevant Building Regulations.

Hire a Qualified Electrician

Make sure to hire a competent, registered electrician experienced in EV installations. The work must comply with BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations), in particular Section 722, which covers EV charging installations, as well as the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation. The installer should be registered with a scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT and notify the work under Building Regulations Part P.

Get the Right Approvals

Your electrician should be familiar with BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations), Section 722, and the Building Regulations when installing charging equipment.

Ensure they also follow the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation.

Depending on your property, you may need planning permission and Building Regulations approval for the electrical work and any building modifications.

Note that BS 7671 Amendment 4:2026 (published 15 April 2026 and the sole standard once the earlier amendments are withdrawn on 15 October 2026) updates the requirements for RDC (DC residual-current) protective devices on EV charging circuits, so make sure your installer works to the current edition.

Have the Charging Station Installed

Now it’s time for the installation. This involves running electrical wires from your main panel to the charging station, mounting the charging station on a wall or pedestal, and connecting the charging cord.

Test the charging station after installation and ensure it’s outputting enough energy for your electric vehicle (EV).

Also, get the guidance of a qualified, registered electrician to inspect and certify all your electrical work to prevent any mishaps.

Advantages of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

EV charger installations have several advantages, including:

Improved Air Quality

EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, which reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Economic Benefits

EV operation is generally less expensive than petrol or diesel vehicles, and charging can be cheaper than petrol. Additionally, home charging can be done during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.

EV Chargepoint Grants

The OZEV EV chargepoint grant is no longer available to homeowners with their own driveway (the former Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme has closed). The household grant is now limited to renters, flat owners, and households that rely on on-street parking, worth up to £500 per socket from 1 April 2026, with funding confirmed until 31 March 2027. You can check eligibility and apply on GOV.UK.

Increased Convenience

With more public charging stations becoming available, EV drivers can travel longer distances with less range anxiety.

Disadvantages of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Installing EV charging equipment also has disadvantages, including:

High Installation Costs

Level 2 or DC fast-charging equipment can be costly. This can be a barrier to entry for some EV owners, particularly those with lower incomes.

Limited Range

EVs can have a shorter range than petrol or diesel vehicles, so longer journeys may need planning around the charging network.

Conclusion

With the increasing popularity of EVs, installing a charging station in your home is necessary for every EV driver.

Seek the guidance of a qualified electrician to get started on your installation soon!

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Certifications for Electric Vehicle Charging InstallerRead moreCode of Practice for Electric Vehicle ChargingRead moreHow Long to Charge an Electric VehicleRead more