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30 Jan, 2026
Posted by Kaine O'keeffe
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How to Get an EV Charger Installed in Bournemouth (Easy 2026 Guide)

Thinking about getting an EV charger installed at your Bournemouth home? You're not alone. With electric vehicles now outselling petrol cars and the 2028 mileage tax on the horizon, more homeowners across Dorset are making the switch. The good news? Getting a home charger fitted is simpler than you might think.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, charger types, the installation process, costs, grants, and why choosing a local City & Guilds qualified electrician in Bournemouth makes all the difference.

Why Install a Home EV Charger?

Relying on public charging points gets old fast. Queues, inconsistent pricing, and the hassle of planning routes around chargers, it's not ideal. A home charger means you wake up every morning with a full battery, charged overnight when electricity rates are cheapest.

Most EV owners do 80% of their charging at home. It's convenient, cost-effective, and adds value to your property. Plus, with smart chargers, you can schedule charging sessions through an app to take advantage of off-peak tariffs.

Dorset Electrical Solutions Home EV Charger Installation

Types of EV Chargers: What Are Your Options?

Before booking an installation, you'll need to decide which charger suits your needs. Here's the breakdown:

3kW Slow Chargers

These are the most basic option. A 3kW charger will fully charge most EVs in around 12-14 hours. They're cheaper to buy (£250–£500 for the unit) but aren't practical if you drive a lot or have a larger battery.

Best for: Second cars, plug-in hybrids, or very light usage.

7kW Fast Chargers

This is the sweet spot for most homeowners. A 7kW charger will top up a typical EV in 6-8 hours, perfect for overnight charging. Most homes in Bournemouth and Poole have single-phase electricity supplies, which support up to 7kW.

Unit costs sit around £450–£800 before installation.

Best for: Daily drivers, families with one EV, most residential setups.

22kW Chargers

These require a three-phase electricity supply, which most UK homes don't have. Unless you've had an upgrade or live in a newer property with commercial-grade power, this isn't an option.

Best for: Commercial premises, businesses with fleet vehicles.

Our recommendation? For most Bournemouth residents, a 7kW smart charger hits the right balance of speed, cost, and practicality. Popular brands include Hypervolt, Zappi, and Pod Point.

The Installation Process: Step by Step

Here's what to expect when you book an EV charger installation with a qualified electrician in Bournemouth:

Step 1: Site Survey

A proper installation starts with an assessment. Your electrician will check your consumer unit (fuse box), available electrical capacity, and the best route to run cables from your board to where the charger will be mounted.

They'll also check whether you need a DNO (Distribution Network Operator) notification. For most standard 7kW installations, this is straightforward paperwork that your installer handles.

Step 2: Charger Selection

If you haven't already chosen a charger, your electrician can advise. Factors include smart features (app control, solar integration), cable length, and whether you want a tethered unit (cable attached) or socketed (bring your own cable).

Qualified electrician conducting EV charger site survey at a Bournemouth home, examining consumer unit

Step 3: Installation Day

For a standard installation, expect the work to take 2-4 hours. This involves:

  • Mounting the charger unit on an exterior wall (usually near your parking space)
  • Running cables back to your consumer unit
  • Installing any necessary circuit protection
  • Testing and commissioning the system
  • Setting up the charger app on your phone

More complex jobs, like longer cable runs, trenching across driveways, or consumer unit upgrades, may take longer.

Step 4: Handover and Registration

Your electrician will walk you through how to use the charger and app. They'll also handle OZEV grant paperwork if you're eligible (more on that below) and provide certification for the work completed.

Costs: What Will You Pay?

Let's talk numbers. Here's what Bournemouth homeowners typically pay in 2026:

Item Cost Range
7kW charger unit £450–£800
Standard installation £300–£500
Total (without grant) £750–£1,300
Total (with OZEV grant) £400–£950

Additional costs may apply for:

  • Longer cable runs: If your fuse box is far from your parking spot
  • Trenching: Around £30 per metre for soft ground, more for concrete or tarmac
  • Consumer unit upgrades: Older boards may need replacing to meet current regulations
  • DNO applications: Usually included, but worth confirming

Get a fixed-price quote upfront. A good electrician in Bournemouth won't hit you with surprise charges after the job's done.

Dorset Electrical Solutions EV Charger Promo

Government Grants: Can You Get Help With Costs?

Yes: if you're eligible. The OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) grant offers:

  • Up to £350 off or 75% of purchase and installation costs for home chargers
  • Up to £500 per socket for workplace charging points

Eligibility depends on your property type and parking situation. Renters, leaseholders, and flat-owners often qualify. Homeowners with off-street parking are generally eligible too.

Your installer should handle the grant application as part of the service. At Dorset Electrical Solutions, we sort the paperwork so you don't have to chase it.

Why Use a Local City & Guilds Qualified Electrician?

Here's where it matters who does the work. EV charger installation isn't a DIY job, and not every electrician is qualified for it.

Proper Certifications Matter

Look for an electrician who is:

  • City & Guilds qualified (specifically for EV charging installations)
  • NICEIC or NAPIT registered (competent person scheme membership)
  • OZEV approved (required to apply for government grants on your behalf)

Without these credentials, you won't get the grant, your installation may not meet regulations, and you could have issues with your home insurance.

Local Knowledge Counts

An electrician in Bournemouth who works across Poole, Christchurch, and the wider Dorset area knows the local housing stock. Victorian terraces in Boscombe have different wiring challenges than new-builds in Canford Cliffs. Local experience means fewer surprises.

We've installed chargers across Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown, Ringwood, and throughout Dorset. Our team knows what to expect and how to solve problems quickly.

Dorset Electrical Solutions Services

Warranty and Aftercare

A reputable local electrician stands behind their work. You should receive:

  • Warranty on the charger (typically 3 years from manufacturer)
  • Warranty on installation workmanship
  • Electrical certification (BS 7671 compliance)
  • Ongoing support if anything goes wrong

Choosing a local company means you're not waiting days for someone to drive down from Birmingham if there's an issue.

Ready to Get Started?

Installing an EV charger at your Bournemouth home is straightforward when you work with qualified professionals. Pick the right charger for your needs, get a proper survey done, and make sure your electrician handles the grant paperwork.

Most installations take just a few hours, and you'll be charging at home the same day.

If you're looking for a reliable electrician in Bournemouth or electrician in Poole, Dorset, our City & Guilds qualified team is ready to help. We handle everything from the initial survey through to commissioning and grant applications: no hassle, no hidden costs.

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