Commercial EV charger installation gives your business dedicated charging infrastructure for staff, fleet vehicles, or customers installed by a qualified, OZEV-approved electrician to comply with BS 7671, Building Regulations Part S, and the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021. With more than 1.88 million EVs already on UK roads in early 2026 and projections putting that figure above 8 million by 2030, the question for most businesses is no longer whether to install charging, it’s how to do it correctly, at the right scale, and with the right funding in place.
This guide covers everything UK businesses need to know: charger types and power outputs, realistic installation costs, the Workplace Charging Scheme grant, compliance and planning requirements, and how to choose the right installer for your site.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is written for:
- Employers wanting to offer workplace charging as a staff benefit or sustainability measure
- Commercial property owners and landlords adding charging to attract and retain tenants
- Fleet operators building depot or workplace charging infrastructure for electric vans, cars, or HGVs
- Retailers, hotels, and hospitality businesses offering charging as a customer amenity
- Businesses in the public and third sector eligible for grant-funded installations
If you’re looking for a home charger rather than a commercial installation, see our home EV charger installation Page.
Why Businesses Are Installing EV Chargers Now
The business case for commercial EV charger installation has strengthened significantly in 2026, driven by a combination of regulatory pressure, employee expectations, and financial incentives.
Regulatory drivers: Approved Document S requires EV charging infrastructure in new commercial buildings and major renovations, meaning many businesses are already required to install charging as part of planning conditions. For businesses not yet affected by Part S, the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales creates a clear horizon staff and fleet vehicle charging infrastructure that is expensive to retrofit later and is significantly cheaper to plan and install now.
Employee and fleet demand: As EV adoption increases, employees who drive electric vehicles expect workplace charging as a standard benefit, particularly where home charging isn’t available. For businesses running company car schemes or fleet vehicles, workplace charging also has a straightforward financial case: electricity cost per mile is substantially lower than petrol or diesel, and the savings compound across a fleet.
Commercial opportunity: Hotels, retail parks, service stations, and leisure venues are increasingly using EV charging as both a revenue stream and a footfall driver. Commercial chargers can generate revenue through pay-per-use models priced per kWh, and indirect revenue comes from increased dwell time, higher footfall, and improved brand perception.
Available grant funding: The Workplace Charging Scheme, administered by OZEV, funds up to £500 per socket from 1 April 2026, covering up to 40 sockets per applicant a maximum of £20,000 towards your total installation cost. This funding closes 31 March 2027, making the current window the final year of the scheme. See our EV charger grants guide for the full breakdown of what’s available and how to apply.
Types of Commercial EV Charger
Choosing the right charger type is the first decision in any commercial installation, and it depends on how the chargers will be used, how long vehicles typically dwell on site, and what your electrical infrastructure can support.
AC workplace chargers (7kW and 22kW)
AC chargers are the standard choice for workplace and staff parking installations. A 7kW unit adds approximately 25–30 miles of range per hour of charging sufficient for most employees who park for a full working day and need to top up rather than fully recharge.
22kW AC chargers charge faster but require a three-phase electrical supply, which not all commercial premises have without an infrastructure upgrade. They suit sites where vehicles dwell for shorter periods, car parks with higher turnover, for example but the additional infrastructure cost needs to be weighed against actual usage patterns.
DC fast chargers (50kW–150kW+)
DC fast chargers deliver significantly more power directly to the battery, bypassing the vehicle’s on-board charger. A 50kW unit can add 100+ miles of range in around 30–45 minutes depending on the vehicle. These suit destinations where customers or fleet vehicles need meaningful charge in short window motorway service areas, retail parks, and fleet depots where vehicles turn around quickly.
DC fast charger hardware typically costs £3,000–£8,000+ per unit before installation, significantly higher than AC workplace chargers, and the infrastructure required to support high-power DC charging (three-phase supply, DNO notification, potentially a supply upgrade) adds further cost.
Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers (150kW–350kW+)
Ultra-rapid chargers are the territory of large-scale public charging hubs, motorway operators, and major fleet depots. They require substantial grid infrastructure investment and are beyond the scope of most standard commercial installations. For the majority of UK businesses, AC workplace chargers or DC fast chargers are the appropriate specification.
Charger types at a glance
| Charger type | Power output | Typical use case | Approx. hardware cost |
| AC slow | 3kW | Overnight parking, older installations | £400–£800 |
| AC fast (single-phase) | 7kW | Staff parking, workplace charging | £600–£1,200 |
| AC fast (three-phase) | 22kW | High-turnover car parks, short-stay | £1,000–£2,500 |
| DC fast | 50–150kW | Retail, hospitality, fleet depots | £3,000–£8,000+ |
| DC rapid/ultra-rapid | 150kW+ | Motorway hubs, large fleet depots | £15,000–£60,000+ |
Hardware cost is separate from installation, infrastructure, and compliance work which in commercial settings often represents the majority of the total project cost.
Commercial EV Charger Installation Costs
Installing a commercial EV charger in the UK typically costs between £1,500 and £15,000 per charging point, depending on charger type, site conditions, and electrical capacity. That range covers straightforward AC workplace charger installations at one end, and complex DC fast charger deployments requiring electrical infrastructure upgrades at the other.
Understanding what drives cost is more useful for budget planning than focusing on per-unit averages.
Per-charger cost breakdown
| Installation type | Typical cost per charger |
| Single 7kW workplace charger with back-office software | £1,400–£2,500 |
| Multiple 7kW chargers, 5–10 units on a single site | £1,200–£2,000 per unit + £3,000–£8,000 shared infrastructure |
| 22kW AC fast charger | £2,500–£4,500 per unit + infrastructure |
| DC fast charger (50–150kW) | £8,000–£25,000 per unit including installation |
What drives the cost up
Electrical infrastructure: The single biggest cost variable in most commercial installations is not the charger itself it is the state of the existing electrical infrastructure. Sites with adequate three-phase supply and sufficient capacity for additional load cost significantly less than sites requiring switchboard upgrades, cable runs across large car parks, or Distribution Network Operator (DNO) supply upgrades.
Cable runs and groundworks: A charger installed close to an existing distribution board with short cable runs costs materially less than one on the far side of a car park requiring trenching across tarmac or concrete. Groundwork costs breaking up and reinstating surfaces can add thousands to a project that looks straightforward on paper.
DNO notification and supply upgrades: For three-phase or high-power commercial installations, DNO notification and potentially a supply upgrade will be required. DNO applications take time and can delay project timelines a factor worth accounting for when planning installation dates.
Number of chargers and load management: Installing ten chargers simultaneously requires either sufficient electrical capacity for all units at full draw, or a load management system that dynamically distributes available power across sockets. Load management hardware adds cost but is often the most cost-effective solution compared to upgrading the incoming supply to support simultaneous full-power charging across multiple points.
Back-office software and network connectivity: Commercial chargers intended for staff use, fleet management, or revenue generation typically require network-connected hardware with back-office management software for access control, usage reporting, billing, and remote diagnostics. This is standard for most commercial deployments but adds to both hardware and ongoing subscription costs.
Getting an accurate quote
Fixed-price estimates for commercial EV charger installation rarely reflect the true cost of a specific project. The only reliable way to budget accurately is through a site survey, which should include an assessment of existing electrical capacity, the distance and route from the distribution board to the proposed charger locations, DNO requirements for your grid connection, and whether groundworks are needed.
EV Install Pro carries out site surveys before issuing any quote contact us here to arrange yours.
The Workplace Charging Scheme: What Businesses Need to Know
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is the primary government grant for businesses installing EV charging for staff, fleet vehicles, or a mix of both. It is administered by OZEV (the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) and applied for through an OZEV-approved installer.
Current grant value (from 1 April 2026): Up to £500 per socket, covering up to 75% of the total cost of purchase and installation including VAT, for up to 40 sockets across all sites per applicant a maximum of £20,000 in total.
Scheme end date: The Workplace Charging Scheme has been extended for a final year until 31 March 2027. OZEV has indicated this is the final extension businesses that have not yet applied should treat this deadline seriously.
Who is eligible: The scheme is open to UK businesses, charities, and public sector organisations. You must own the property or have written consent from the landlord. The proposed installation site must have dedicated off-street parking associated with the premises.
Important limitations:
- The 40-socket cap is per applicant, not per site. If you have multiple premises, your allocation of 40 sockets spans all of them plan your distribution across sites carefully before applying.
- Grant funding covers the charger hardware and installation labour. It does not typically cover infrastructure upgrades, groundworks, or DNO connection costs which on complex commercial projects can exceed the hardware and labour cost combined.
- Applications must be made through an OZEV-approved installer. Your installer completes the WCS voucher application on your behalf using your Companies House registration number or charity registration number.
For a full breakdown of the application process, eligibility criteria, and all available grants for businesses, see our dedicated EV charger grants guide.
Regulations and Compliance for Commercial Installations
Commercial EV charger installation in the UK sits within a specific regulatory framework. Non-compliant installations expose businesses to HSE scrutiny, insurer liability, and potential planning enforcement and may disqualify them from grant funding.
Key regulations that apply
BS 7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations), Section 722: Section 722 governs EV charging installations specifically, covering RCD protection requirements, means of isolation, cable sizing (EV charging is a continuous load requiring 100% load factor sizing), and PME earthing considerations. Every commercial installation must comply with Section 722.
Building Regulations Part S: Approved Document S requires new commercial buildings and buildings undergoing major renovation to provide EV charging infrastructure or cable routes for future installation. If your project involves construction or significant refurbishment, Part S compliance must be addressed as part of the broader building control process.
Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021: All new charge points sold or installed in Great Britain must be “smart” capable of time-of-use response, demand-side management, a randomised delay to prevent simultaneous charging spikes, and communication via open standards. This applies to commercial installations as well as domestic ones.
Part P (England and Wales): EV charger installation is notifiable electrical work under Part P. It must be carried out by a Part P registered electrician (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, etc.) who self-certifies, or is notified to local building control.
DNO notification: Every new EV charger must be notified to the Distribution Network Operator. For lower-power installations, this is typically a straightforward G98 notification. Higher-power commercial installations may require a G99 application, which involves a formal DNO assessment and can take several weeks. Your installer should handle DNO notification as part of the project.
PAS 1899:2022: The British Standard for EV smart charging, which sets out technical requirements for interoperability, smart functionality, and communication protocols. Compliance is required for OZEV-approved installations.
Planning permission
Most standard EV charger installations fall under Permitted Development Rights and do not require planning permission, provided the charger is wall-mounted and within specific size limits. However, installations in conservation areas, listed buildings, or on public land may require planning consent. Large-scale charging hubs particularly those involving significant groundworks, structures, or public access should be assessed against local planning requirements before work begins.
Documentation you should receive
After a compliant commercial installation, you should receive:
- Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
- Building Regulations compliance certificate (Part P, England and Wales)
- DNO notification confirmation
- OZEV grant documentation if applicable
- Any relevant equipment commissioning certificates
If an installer cannot provide these, the installation may not be compliant. Do not accept verbal assurances in place of documentation.
The Installation Process: What to Expect
Stage 1 Site survey
A professional commercial installer will not quote without a site survey. The survey assesses existing electrical infrastructure and available capacity, proposed charger locations and cable routes, DNO requirements and notification timelines, groundwork or civil engineering needs, and grant eligibility.
Stage 2 Design and specification
Based on the survey, a system design is produced covering charger specification, number and location of units, load management requirements, cable sizing and routing, and earthing arrangements. For larger projects this may involve formal electrical drawings.
Stage 3 DNO notification
Your installer submits the relevant DNO notification (G98 or G99). G98 is typically straightforward; G99 applications for higher-power installations require formal DNO assessment and should be submitted well in advance of the planned installation date.
Stage 4 Installation
Physical installation includes electrical works to BS 7671 Section 722, cable installation and routing, charger hardware mounting and connection, earthing and RCD protection, and smart charging software commissioning.
Stage 5 Testing, certification, and handover
All circuits are inspected and tested to BS 7671 requirements. Certificates are issued, grant paperwork is completed where applicable, and staff are briefed on system operation.
Choosing the Right Commercial EV Charger Installer
Not every electrician has the qualifications or experience for commercial EV charger installation. The specification for commercial projects load management, three-phase supplies, DNO applications, back-office integration goes beyond what a standard domestic installer handles.
When evaluating installers, check:
- OZEV-approved installer status required for Workplace Charging Scheme grant applications and for supplying OZEV-approved charger hardware
- NICEIC or NAPIT registration confirms Part P competence and the ability to self-certify electrical work
- Commercial installation experience specifically ask to see previous commercial projects comparable to yours in scale and complexity, not just domestic references
- EV-specific qualifications the City & Guilds 2921-34 Level 3 Award (or equivalent) is the standard EV installation qualification. From 1 October 2026, under updated EAS rules, each person physically installing a charge point is expected to hold their own Level 3 EV qualification not just the firm.
- Site survey before quoting any installer quoting without a site survey is either guessing or omitting cost items that will appear later
- Transparent DNO and infrastructure cost disclosure grant funding covers hardware and installation labour; infrastructure costs should be clearly separated in the quote
EV Install Pro is OZEV-approved and NICEIC-registered, carrying out commercial EV charger installations across London, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, West Sussex, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and North Yorkshire. Contact us to discuss your project or arrange a site survey.
Commercial EV Charging for Specific Business Types
Offices and corporate premises
Workplace charging for staff is the most common commercial use case. Most office installations use 7kW AC chargers sufficient for employees who park for a full working day with load management to distribute available power across multiple sockets without requiring a supply upgrade. Access control via RFID cards or a back-office app allows usage to be attributed to individual employees for billing or reporting purposes.
Retail parks and hospitality
Customer-facing chargers in retail and hospitality settings benefit from higher power outputs 22kW AC or DC fast chargers to provide meaningful charge during typical customer dwell times. Revenue generation through pay-per-use charging is standard in this context, requiring network-connected hardware and payment integration. Contact us for a commercial EV charger installation assessment for your site.
Fleet operators and logistics
Fleet depot charging has a different set of requirements: larger numbers of vehicles, often returning simultaneously at end of shift, requiring full or near-full charge overnight before the next working day. Depot installations typically involve a combination of load management, higher-capacity electrical infrastructure, and integration with fleet management software for tracking usage, vehicle charging status, and cost allocation.
Hotels and leisure venues
EV charging has become a standard guest expectation at many UK hotels. Installations range from a small number of destination chargers for overnight guests where 7kW units provide a full charge overnight to higher-power units for shorter-stay guests in car parks. Some hotels are also operating charging as a revenue-generating amenity, with public access managed through payment terminals or network apps.
Commercial property developers and landlords
Approved Document S requires EV charging infrastructure in new commercial buildings, meaning developers of commercial property must either install chargers or provide cable routes and electrical capacity for future installation as part of the build. Proactive installation rather than ducting-only future-proofing is increasingly common, as tenants expect operational charging at point of occupation. Contact us to discuss EV infrastructure planning for new or existing commercial developments.
Return on Investment for Commercial EV Charging
ROI varies significantly by business type and charger utilisation.
For commercial EV charging installations, ROI is typically two to five years for high-usage locations and around four to seven years for lower-utilisation sites. Revenue-generating public or semi-public chargers reach payback faster than staff-only workplace chargers, where the return is partly indirect through staff benefit value, sustainability reporting, and reduced company car fuel costs.
For fleet operators, the ROI calculation is more direct. The cost saving on fuel per mile for electric vehicles versus petrol or diesel compounds across a fleet, and depot charging at commercial electricity rates is substantially cheaper than public rapid charging. For businesses transitioning fleet vehicles to electric, the infrastructure investment typically pays back within the lifecycle of the first generation of electric fleet vehicles.
Commercial EV Charger Installation: FAQs
What is commercial EV charger installation?
Commercial EV charger installation is the design, supply, and fitting of EV charging infrastructure at business premises — including offices, car parks, retail sites, hotels, and fleet depots. It differs from domestic installation in scale, electrical complexity, regulatory requirements, and the integration of back-office management software. All commercial installations must be carried out by a qualified, OZEV-approved installer registered with a Part P competent person scheme.
How much does commercial EV charger installation cost in the UK?
Commercial EV charger installation typically costs between £1,500 and £15,000 per charging point, depending on charger type, site conditions, and electrical capacity. A single 7kW workplace charger with back-office software typically costs £1,400–£2,500. Multiple chargers on a single site benefit from shared infrastructure costs, and DC fast chargers cost significantly more. A site survey is essential before accurate figures can be quoted, as infrastructure and groundwork costs vary too widely for fixed-price estimates to be reliable. For a full breakdown of day rates and what drives labour pricing up or down, see our EV charger installation labour cost guide.
Is there a government grant for commercial EV charger installation?
Yes. The Workplace Charging Scheme provides up to £500 per socket, covering up to 75% of purchase and installation costs including VAT, for up to 40 sockets per applicant — a maximum of £20,000. The scheme runs until 31 March 2027 and must be applied for through an OZEV-approved installer. Grant funding covers hardware and installation labour but does not typically cover infrastructure upgrades or groundworks. See our EV charger installation grants guide for full eligibility details.
Do I need planning permission for a commercial EV charger?
Most standard commercial EV charger installations do not require planning permission under Permitted Development Rights. Exceptions include installations at listed buildings, in conservation areas, and large-scale charging hubs involving significant structures or public access. Your installer should advise on planning requirements as part of the site survey.
What regulations apply to commercial EV charger installation in the UK?
Commercial installations must comply with BS 7671 Section 722 (wiring regulations for EV charging), Building Regulations Part S (EV infrastructure in new and renovated commercial buildings), Part P (notifiable electrical work), the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021, and PAS 1899:2022. DNO notification is mandatory for all new chargers. Your installer handles compliance and certification.
How long does commercial EV charger installation take?
Timelines vary by project complexity. A straightforward single-charger installation at a premises with adequate electrical capacity can be completed in a day. Multi-charger installations requiring infrastructure works, groundworks, or DNO applications typically take several weeks from survey to commissioning — DNO G99 applications alone can take four to eight weeks. Plan installation timelines around DNO application windows.
Can I offer EV charging to customers and charge for it?
Yes. Pay-per-use charging at commercial premises is standard practice and requires network-connected charger hardware with integrated payment capability. Revenue is generated per kWh charged. VAT at 20% applies to the supply of electricity at commercial charge points — see our VAT on EV charger installation guide for the full rules.
What is the difference between workplace charging and commercial charging?
Workplace charging typically refers to chargers installed for staff use at a business’s own premises, often with access restricted to employees. Commercial charging is a broader term covering any business installation — including customer-facing chargers, fleet depot charging, and revenue-generating public access charging. The distinction matters for grant eligibility and for charger specification: staff chargers typically prioritise lower-cost AC units with load management, while public-access chargers often require higher power outputs and payment integration.
Ready to Install Commercial EV Chargers at Your Site?
The right commercial EV charging solution depends on your site, your vehicles, your users, and your electrical infrastructure none of which can be assessed accurately without a site survey. EV Install Pro carries out commercial EV charger installations across London, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, West Sussex, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and North Yorkshire.
Request a commercial site survey and quote we’ll assess your site, identify the right charger specification, advise on grant eligibility, and manage the entire installation from DNO notification through to commissioning and handover.
