What to look for in an ev charger installer
- OZEV-approved installer status — To install an EV charger under the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) or Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), the installer must be OZEV-approved (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles). Without this approval, you cannot claim grant funding towards the installation cost.
- NAPIT or NICEIC Part P registration — EV charger installation is notifiable electrical work under Part P of the Building Regulations. The installer must be registered with a competent-person scheme (NAPIT, NICEIC, ELECSA, or equivalent) to self-certify the work. Without this, you will need a separate Building Control inspection.
- Knowledge of OLEV/EVHS grant eligibility — Grant rules change regularly. A good installer will know the current grant amounts, eligibility criteria (e.g., whether you need an eligible vehicle), and documentation requirements. They should handle the grant application as part of their service.
- Cable routing and consumer unit assessment — Before quoting, the installer should survey your property to assess the cable route from the consumer unit (fuse board) to the charger location. They should check whether your consumer unit has capacity for a new high-current circuit (typically 32A) and whether an upgrade is needed.
- DNO notification knowledge — Installing an EV charger may require notification to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) under G98/G99 regulations, particularly for higher-powered units or properties with solar panels. The installer should handle this notification as part of the installation process.
- Charger brand partnerships — Many installers partner with specific charger brands (Pod Point, Ohme, Andersen, Zappi, Easee). Ask which brands they install and whether they are an authorised installer, which may affect the charger warranty and after-sales support.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Are you OZEV-approved, and will you handle the grant application? OZEV approval is mandatory for grant-funded installations. A good installer will manage the entire grant application process, including documentation and submission. Ask whether the grant amount will be deducted from your invoice or claimed separately.
- What is the cable route from the consumer unit to the charger? The installer should have surveyed this before quoting. A long cable run adds cost. Ask about the route, the cable size (typically 6mm² or 10mm² depending on length and load), and whether any walls or floors need to be drilled through.
- Does my consumer unit have capacity for a 32A circuit? Many older consumer units are full or lack spare ways. The installer should assess whether a new way is available, whether the main fuse (service head) can handle the additional load, and whether the consumer unit needs upgrading. This should be part of the survey, not a surprise on installation day.
- Which charger brands do you install, and are you an authorised installer? Authorised installers typically provide better warranty terms and direct support from the manufacturer. Ask whether they recommend a specific charger for your vehicle and electricity tariff (e.g., smart chargers for off-peak charging).
- Will you handle the DNO notification? For most domestic installations, the installer should notify the DNO on your behalf. Ask whether this is included in the quote and how long the process takes. In some areas, DNO approval is needed before installation can proceed.
Red flags to watch for
- Not OZEV-approved but claims you can still get the grant. Grant funding is only available through OZEV-approved installers. If an installer is not approved, you will not receive the grant — regardless of what they claim. Verify their approval status on the OZEV website.
- Skips the property survey. Any installer who quotes without visiting your property to assess the cable route, consumer unit, and charger location is guessing. This leads to unexpected costs on installation day.
- Does not mention DNO notification. Failing to notify the DNO can cause problems with your electricity supply and may violate the connection agreement. If the installer does not raise this topic, they may not understand the regulatory requirements.
- Recommends a non-smart charger for grant-funded installations. Current OZEV grant rules require the charger to be smart (capable of being remotely controlled and scheduling charging). A non-smart charger will not qualify for grant funding.
- Cannot explain load management. If your property has limited electrical capacity, the charger may need load management to prevent overloading the supply. Ask how they handle this. If they do not mention it, they may not understand the technical requirements.
Find rated ev charger installers in Kent
- EV Charger Installers in Kent — county-level directory
- EV Charger Installers in Maidstone
- EV Charger Installers in Canterbury
- EV Charger Installers in Dartford
- EV Charger Installers in Tunbridge Wells
- EV Charger Installers in Ashford
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