How Much to Install a Commercial EV Charger in 2026?
In the UK, installing a commercial EV charger typically costs between £1,500 and £15,000 per charging point, depending on charger type, site conditions, and electrical capacity.
This range reflects what most organisations pay for commercial EV charger installation cost across offices, depots, hotels, retail parks, and industrial premises.
The exact figure depends on charger power, available electrical infrastructure, and whether any groundwork, grid upgrades, or compliance work is required. For businesses planning long-term EV adoption, understanding how costs are calculated is more valuable than relying on generic price examples.
How Much Does an EV Charger Cost for a Business?
For UK organisations, the hardware cost alone for EV chargers for business typically falls within these ranges:
£800-£2,000 for standard AC workplace chargers (7-22 kW)
£3,000-£8,000+ for DC fast or rapid commercial chargers (50-150+ kW)
These figures cover the charging unit only. They do not include installation, cabling, electrical upgrades, smart software, or regulatory compliance
Common Charger Types Used by Businesses
AC Chargers (7-22 kW)
Used in offices, staff parking areas, hotels, and public car parks. Vehicles charge over several hours, making them suitable for long-stay parking.
DC Fast Chargers (50-150+ kW)
Used at fleet depots, service areas, and high-turnover sites. Vehicles charge in minutes rather than hours but require more complex infrastructure.
If vehicles remain parked for extended periods, AC charging is usually sufficient. Fleets and high-traffic locations typically require DC charging.
How Much Does It Cost to Install an EV Charger Commercial?
When equipment, labour, and compliance are included, commercial EV charger installation cost in the UK generally falls into the following bands:
Charger Type | Typical Installed Cost (UK) |
7-22 kW AC charger | £1,500 – £4,000 |
Dual-socket AC charger | £2,500 – £5,000 |
50 kW DC fast charger | £8,000 – £15,000 |
150 kW+ ultra-rapid charger | £20,000 – £50,000+ |
These ranges reflect current installer frameworks, local authority procurement, and fleet infrastructure projects for commercial EV charging station installation in the UK.
What Affects the Installation Cost?
1. Electrical Supply and Grid Capacity
If your building already has sufficient capacity, installation is relatively straightforward. If not, additional work may be required, such as:
✅ Three-phase upgrades
✅ New distribution boards
✅ High-capacity cabling
✅ DNO (Distribution Network Operator) approvals
Electrical upgrades in the UK can add £1,000–£20,000+, depending on site complexity.
2. Groundworks and Civil Works
External installations may require:
✅ Trenching for underground cabling
✅ Concrete bases and protective bollards
✅ Reinstating tarmac or paving
Groundwork typically adds £500–£3,000+ per charger.
3. Smart Charging and Load Management
Most modern electric vehicle charging station systems include:
✅ Dynamic load balancing
✅ User access control (staff, fleet, or public)
✅ Usage monitoring and reporting
✅ Payment systems for public access
These features prevent electrical overload and usually add £200–£1,000+ per charger.
4. Compliance and Certification
UK commercial installations must comply with:
✅ BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)
✅ DNO approval where required
✅ MCS standards (for grant eligibility)
Professional testing and certification are included in commercial installation pricing.
Why Fixed Prices Don’t Apply to Commercial EV Installations
Unlike domestic chargers, ev chargers for business must be engineered around:
✅ Site power availability
✅ Electrical compliance standards
✅ Business usage patterns
✅ Expansion capacity
✅ Safety and access requirements
This is why reputable UK installers always conduct a site survey before issuing a quotation. Fixed pricing rarely reflects the real cost or long-term performance of a commercial system.
How Businesses Should Budget Instead
Instead of working from generic figures, organisations should budget by:
✅ Defining usage type – staff, fleet, or public access
✅ Selecting charger class – AC workplace or DC rapid
✅ Assessing infrastructure – existing power and upgrade needs
✅ Planning for growth – additional vehicles in future years
✅ Applying for grants early – such as the Workplace Charging Scheme
This ensures accurate forecasting of electric car charging points for business costs without relying on assumptions.
UK Grants and Financial Support (2026)
Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
In 2026, the government-backed Workplace Charging Scheme provides:
✅ Up to £350 per socket
✅ Capped at 40 sockets per applicant
✅ Available to businesses, charities, and public sector organisations
✅ Applies to workplace, staff, and fleet charging (not public charging networks)
✅ Covers equipment and installation costs
This continues to directly reduce commercial EV charger installation cost for eligible organisations.
Local and Regional Funding
Some councils and LEP regions offer:
✅ Installation grants
✅ Green infrastructure funding
✅ Low-interest sustainability loans
Availability varies by location.
Installation Timeframes in the UK
✅ Single AC charger: 1-2 days
✅ Multiple chargers: 3-7 days
✅ DC charging sites: 2-6 weeks (including approvals)
Grid approvals are typically the largest cause of delays rather than physical installation.
Common Cost Mistakes
✅ Installing too little capacity for future EV growth
✅ Choosing the cheapest charger instead of the correct power level
✅ Underestimating electrical upgrade requirements
✅ Skipping smart load management
✅ Applying for grants after installation
A professional site survey avoids all of these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an EV charger cost for a business?
In the UK, most electric vehicle chargers for businesses cost £800-£2,000 for AC units and £3,000-£8,000+ for DC fast chargers, excluding installation costs.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger commercial?
The total commercial EV charger installation cost typically ranges from £1,500 to £10,000 per charging point, with rapid chargers and major electrical upgrades increasing the total.
Are electric car charging points for business tax deductible?
Yes. Commercial chargers usually qualify as capital expenditure and may be eligible for UK capital allowances. Always confirm with your accountant.
Can businesses generate income from EV charging?
Yes. Many organisations charge per kWh or per session, while others use charging to increase footfall and customer dwell time, indirectly boosting revenue.
Installing a commercial EV charger in the UK generally costs between £1,500 and £10,000 per unit for most business sites, rising for rapid chargers or where grid upgrades are required. When designed correctly, commercial EV charging station installation reduces operating costs, strengthens sustainability credentials, and future-proofs your premises.
If you’re planning an installation and want a system cover to your site, Excel Energy provides expert consultation, compliant design, and full installation support across the UK helping your business invest with confidence.