How to Become an EV Charger Installer in the UK
EV charger installers fit and commission electric vehicle chargepoints on driveways, in car parks and at workplaces. A typical job involves surveying the property, checking the supply and earthing, running cable from the consumer unit, mounting the charger, testing the circuit and connecting the unit to the customer's app.
This is a specialism for qualified electricians, not an entry-level job. If you are already a qualified electrician, a short EV charging course and some supervised installs can get you working within months. If not, you need to qualify as an electrician first.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £38,000 - £55,000
- Senior salary
- £60,000 - £80,000
- Work environment
- Client homes and businesses
- Time to entry
- 6 - 18 months for qualified sparks
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Green Energy and Sustainability
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers, No-degree careers, Career change.
What a EV Charger Installer does
Install home and commercial electric vehicle charging points across the UK.
- Home EV Chargers - Install 7kW chargers in homes under OZEV/EVHS.
- Commercial Charging - Install workplace and destination chargers.
- Smart Charging and V2G - Install smart load-managed and V2G systems.
- Maintenance and Fault-finding - Service charging estates under SLAs.
- OZEV-Compliant Installations - OZEV-grant compliant installs with DNO notification.
How to become an EV charger installer in the UK
First qualify as an electrician, usually through a Level 3 electrotechnical apprenticeship or NVQ, the AM2 assessment and the 18th Edition (BS 7671) wiring regulations qualification. Then take a Level 3 award in EV charging equipment installation, offered by City & Guilds and other awarding bodies, which covers the IET Code of Practice for EV charging. To self-certify domestic work under Part P, join a competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT. Fitting chargers funded by OZEV grants also requires authorised installer status.
- If you are not yet an electrician, start a Level 3 electrotechnical apprenticeship or another recognised route that leads to the AM2 assessment.
- Make sure your 18th Edition wiring regulations qualification is current and that you are confident with inspection and testing, including earthing arrangements.
- Take a Level 3 EV charging equipment installation course covering chargepoint design, PME earthing risks, load management and the IET Code of Practice.
- Join a competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT so you can notify domestic installations to building control yourself.
- Complete manufacturer training for the chargers you plan to fit, then apply to become an OZEV-authorised installer for grant-funded work.
- Get public liability insurance and a suitable van, and decide whether to subcontract for an installation company or quote directly to customers.
- Add commercial chargers, load balancing and solar or battery integration as you gain experience to move into higher-value contracts.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualified electrician plus EV charging course | A few days of training plus supervised installs | A few hundred pounds, varies by provider | Electricians adding a specialism |
| Trainee installer with an EV installation company | 6-18 months | Usually employer-funded | Qualified electricians who want steady work |
| Level 3 electrotechnical apprenticeship, then EV course | About 3-4 years | Paid by the employer | School leavers starting from scratch |
How long it takes
A qualified electrician can usually start fitting chargers within 6 to 18 months, after the EV course, scheme membership and a run of supervised installs. With no electrical qualifications, allow 3 to 4 years to qualify as an electrician first.
EV Charger Installer salary in the UK
Employed EV charger installers typically start on around £28,000 to £35,000, which reflects that you already need to be a qualified electrician. With experience, especially on commercial sites, pay usually rises to £38,000 to £55,000. Senior installers, supervisors and self-employed installers with a steady flow of work can earn £60,000 to £80,000. Pay depends on region, travel, whether you work on domestic or commercial jobs, and how many installs you complete each week.
Key skills
- Electrical installation
- OZEV scheme
- Customer comms
- Driving licence
- Health & safety
EV Charger Installer FAQs
How do I become an EV charger installer in the UK?
Qualify as an electrician first, with a Level 3 electrotechnical qualification, the AM2 and the 18th Edition. Then complete a Level 3 EV charging installation course, join a competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT, and get manufacturer training for the chargers you fit.
Can I install EV chargers without being an electrician?
No. Installing a chargepoint usually means adding a new circuit, which is notifiable electrical work under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales. It must be done by a competent electrician who can test and certify it, so EV courses are designed for people already qualified.
How much do EV charger installers earn?
Employed installers usually start on £28,000 to £35,000, experienced installers earn £38,000 to £55,000, and senior or self-employed installers can reach £60,000 to £80,000. Commercial work, travel and the number of installs you complete each week affect pay most.
What is an OZEV-authorised installer?
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles runs grants towards chargepoints in places such as flats, rented homes and workplaces. Only authorised installers can fit grant-funded chargers, and you normally need manufacturer approval and competent person scheme membership to apply.
Is EV Charger Installer right for you?
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Not sure EV charger installer is the right career for you? A good career test narrows the field before you spend money retraining.