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What happens when you order and get a home EV charger installed?
Here we cover what to expect when you start the Shell Recharge charge point ordering process, what the installation process looks like and how you can prepare for the day.
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What to expect from the installation process
Step 1.
Complete the survey
One of the first things we will ask you to do is fill out the online home installation survey. We ask you to do this online to make it as convenient as possible for you.
Step 2.
Expert review
Next, keep an eye on your inbox, we will be sending an email to you with a personalised quote based on the online home installation survey.
Step 3.
Accept your quote
We ask you to review the quote, and if you’re happy with it, go ahead and accept it via the link in the email.
Step 4.
Charge card delivery
After you accept our personalised quote, we will also ship your charge card. This will arrive in 5 working days.
Step 5.
Schedule installation
Once the charge point has been delivered to the installation partner, they will be in contact to schedule a convenient time to come and install it.
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Filling this out can take a little bit of time and has some fairly technical questions. The information you provide will help us determine your exact needs, so that we can tailor a more accurate quote. We know this can initially be quite daunting, but we hope to simplify it as much as possible. We have a home installation survey checklist, to help with this.
We really do need this to paint a better picture of your home setup. It helps us to understand the kind of electricity supply you have and whether you need additional work. It also means we can advise you, if you have questions, about the best place to install it. The good news is, most homes qualify for standard installation.
Once you receive the email with the link, we ask if you can kindly complete the survey in two weeks.
One of our experts will review the information from your survey and may reach out if we have any questions or to clarify some information. If you are organising your charge point through your employer, we will send the quote directly to them.
We aim to send the tailor-made quote over within two weeks.
Once you receive the quote, we kindly ask that you review it, check it over and, if you’re happy (we hope you will be), please go ahead and approve it.
If purchasing your charge point through your employer, they will review the tailor-made quote, check if everything is in order, and ensure it meets the expectations. If so, your employer will approve it on your behalf.
This quote will include the cost of installation. If you, like the majority of UK homes, are eligible for the standard home installation, there will be no extra costs. If you require a non-standard installation, it is here we will inform you of this cost. We never ask you to pay until your installation is complete, and you have a fully functioning charge point.
If for any reason you would like to chat about the quote, you can call us on +44 (0)20 3868 1036. We will happily answer any questions and give more details on anything you are unsure on, remember we are here to help.
When you accept the quote, we will also ship your charge card. You’ll need this to charge with, so put it somewhere safe when it arrives.
To get ahead, you can download the Shell Recharge app and create an account. When your card arrives, activate it in the “Charge card” section of your account.
When your charge point arrives, you’ll need to register it in your Shell Recharge account. Whilst you wait, please make use of public charge points. You can use the Shell Recharge app and activated charge card for both home and on-the-go.
Do not worry if you do not hear from us for a while between confirmation of your charge point order and scheduling of the installation. This next part of the process can take some time. There are a few moving parts, including liaising with the installation partners and speaking with the DNO. More on this below.
What to expect: In the interests of transparency, we must make you aware that, in some cases, charge point delivery have been longer than usual. The delivery timeline for new charge points is currently anywhere between 6 and 8 weeks. However, if you have purchased through your lease company, this is considerably less. Read our dedicated FAQs for more detailed answers.
Where to install my charge point?
Choosing where to put your new EV charge point is mostly common sense and personal preference. The main requisite is that you need to have off-road parking next to your home, a driveway or garage. You should also check where the charging port of the car is located. This could be at the front, rear or side of the vehicle.
Should I install my EV charger inside or outside?
Shell Recharge charge points are fully weatherproof, designed to brave the elements. You can choose to install it inside or out. The most important thing is convenience. It is worth checking which side your tank is on, it’s just like filling up with petrol, you need to know which pump to use. Have a look and check, it may not, but it could affect where you want to have the charge point installed.
Consider the length of the charging cable, too. If it's a tethered charger, it will be 7.5 or 5m for the Advanced and 7.2 or 4.7m for the Advanced Flex. If you’re going for a socketed charger, these are usually slightly longer, but it’s always safer to check. You can find more on cables by reading everything you need to know before your EV charge point installation.
Shell Recharge top tip
- Measure the distance from where you want the charge point to be installed to roughly where the charge port on the car would be.
What height should I install my charge point?
To follow the guidance from the Institute of Engineering and Technology, our advice is to have the socket outlet on the charge point sitting between 0.75 m and 1.2 m from the Finished Floor Level. The socket should be sited at this height to ensure the charge point is visible to drivers. This way it is easily accessible and can prevent any unwanted collisions or damage to the charge point.
We will ask you questions about all this, and ask you to provide photos in the online home installation survey. But don’t worry if you are unsure, during the survey process, we will be able to give professional help. We can advise you on the best place to install your charge point.
There is flexibility to change the location after you have filled out the survey, but we need to know this in advance. If significant changes to the location are made on the day of installation, further charges may apply.
Get familiar with your metre cupboard
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Every home is connected to the electrical grid. The current, used to power your appliances, flows from the grid to your home. This is why it is important to understand the condition of your home electrical set-up.
These components will play a vital role in transmitting current from the grid and into your home, so you can charge your EV. We recommend getting familiar with your electrics beforehand, so you know what to expect.
Below we break down exactly what each element is.
Your home electrical set-up explained
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Main service fuse
Controls the flow of current (electrons) from the mains grid to your home.
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Electricity meter
Measures how much current is used.
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Meter tails
The cables that connect the meter to the main service fuse.
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Isolator switch
A key safety measure that shut the flow of electricity off.
Safety first
- When inspecting electrical equipment, please take care and do not remove any covers or touch live wires.
Getting your home electrical set up ready for installation
So above we mentioned some standard elements of home electrical set ups. When you start the process of getting a charge point installed, you will need to check yours.There may be some upgrades needed in order to equip your house properly for the installation. We always think it’s better to discuss these upfront, so you know exactly what you are dealing with.
Elements of your home electrical set up and why they may need updating
You shouldn’t need to change your meter cupboard, but it is worth highlighting, so you know where to look for the key electrical components. Most homes have a meter cupboard, this is where the main service fuse, electricity meter and isolator switch are stored.
Meter cupboards are often located on the outside wall of a home, often close to the front door. They can be recessed or surface mounted, and although they can be found in cellars, cupboards or under the stairs, they are usually found on the outside of a property. You’ll probably recognise the meter cupboard by the metal or hard-wearing plastic casing. Not all homes have meter cupboards, you may have what is called an “electric board”. Electricity boards are typically found on the wall in garages or on the wall of basements.
A mains service fuse (sometimes called a cut-out) can be either single-phase or three-phase. Most UK homes will use a single-phase, they have a maximum AC charging power of 7.4 kW. The power supply of your home is linked to the maximum possible charging speed (7.4kW vs 22kW) of a charge point.
The main service fuse is designed to operate and safeguard the electrics in passing into your home. It is important to ensure that the right amount of power is coming into the property. If too much power comes through the connection point, then the main fuse will isolate the supply to ensure it does not get overloaded.
The max demand (MD) for a property is the maximum potential current a home can draw from the grid at one time. The rating is typically 60, 80 or 100 amps (A). The installation partner will determine if the property will exceed the maximum demand after installation of, for example, a 32A charge point. If your home’s main service fuse rating is 60A, this means that when your EV is charging and using 32A, it is consuming over half (60/2=30) of what the maximum demand your home is able to draw at any one time. Therefore, you only have 28A left for all other household electrical usage.
Technically your main service fuse is the property of the DNO, hence why we ask for permission before installing a charge point, this is done through an ENA (Energy Networks Association) form. The installation partner will send this form on your behalf and facilitate this process. The DNO will determine your maximum demand rating based on this form and will decide on whether you need to upgrade your main service fuse. The DNO has the final say on this, but if you have 60A, expect an upgrade to 80 or 100A. This is why we ask for photos because every house is different, and requires a different electrical supply. More on the DNO below.
The electricity meter is what measures how much energy (kWh) your home consumes. The energy consumed by your charge point combined with your energy tariff is what determines your monthly spending. Just like any other appliance that uses electricity to operate, the energy used for EV charging is included in your electricity bill. The tariffs are between you and your energy provider. In a home electrical setup, it is likely you will find your electricity meter in the meter cupboard, and typically it will be found next to, or very close to the main service fuse.
Meter tails are the essential cables that conduct all of the electricity entering your home. There are two pairs of cables at the bottom of the electricity meter, they go between the electricity meter and the main service fuse on one side, and between the electricity meter and the isolator switch or primary fuse board on the other side. Depending on the size of your cables, these may need to be upgraded. A quick and easy way to check the size of your cables is comparing them to a battery. Meter tails, that are 16 mm in size, will need to be updated. You could compare these to the width of AAA batteries. You probably won't need to upgrade if you have 25 mm meter tails. Compare these to the size of a AA battery. The upkeep of these cables is the responsibility of the energy provider (e.g. Octopus, EDF, Shell Energy) and electrician.
If you have an old meter, it may not be able to handle the additional amps (A) now needed to charge your EV. In this instance, it’s advised to contact your energy provider to upgrade this into a smart meter. This is a savvy decision anyway, it will allow you to benefit from smart EV tariffs, which can reduce your monthly spending.
A primary fuse box is the brains of a home's electricity distribution. You may have heard it called a fuse board, or even consumer unit. It is sometimes also referred to as the “distribution board” because of its role in circulating power to the rest of the home. These all mean the same thing, and are often used interchangeably. This device sits between the isolator (if you have one already) and most electrical circuits in the home. There are a number of switches on a primary fuse box, each for different circuits around the home (for example downstairs lights, cooker etc). You may have had to flick one of the switches up if you've ever had a short circuit or a fuse trip.
This is an important function, usually enacted when too much current (AKA load) passes through a given circuit. The switch will “trip” to break the circuit. We need to see images of your primary fuse box, so that the installer can determine your maximum demand (MD). When installing your charge point, we want to guarantee the load is not too much for your set-up to handle.
A secondary fuse box is another fuse box that is fitted to also help with the distribution of power. You may need one of these if your circuit is far from the primary fuse box, for example if you have a large house or garage away from your home. In this instance, a cable may be too long and therefore wiring a secondary fuse box is the best option. However, only some homes need this.
An isolation switch is designed to act as a circuit breaker on the mains electrical supply. In other words, they are an important safety measure that allow for the flow of electricity to be fully disconnected from your home.
The importance of an isolator switch is paramount, our contractors are unable to install your charge point without one. They create a safe working environment, so any electrical work that needs to take place within a property can be completed without risk of exposure.
Most charge point providers will expect you to have one, there is no real shortcut. But, this safety measure future proofs your home, so ultimately, it is beneficial for long term electrical needs too.
What does an isolation switch look like? The isolation switch is located on the right of this photo. When the switch is turned off, there would be no power after the isolation switch, which in turn would allow a private electrician to complete any maintenance, installation work or repairs on the customer's internal electrical set-up safely.
Where do you find it? As demonstrated on the images below, it will be next to your electricity meter, in your meter cabinet.
How do I get one? The isolator switch is an important component, but unfortunately we cannot install this for you. We also can not enquire about this for you due to data sharing regulations. If you do need an isolator switch, you can contact your energy provider or DNO to arrange the fitting of one within your metre cabinet.
Who is my energy provider?
Your electricity provider is the company you choose to buy your electricity from. If you’ve recently moved house, or you’re about to move into a new property, you may be wondering who supplies the electricity and who the electricity bills are paid to. Don't worry, we can help. If you do not know, click the button below to find out who your supplier is.
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A summary of possible upgrades
Main service fuse
Based on your maximum demand, if your rating is too low, you could need to upgrade this.
Electricity meter
If you have an old one, this may need to be upgraded, so it can handle the additional amps (A).
Meter tails
If they are too thin (16 mm or less) you may need thicker ones.
Isolator switch
If you do not have one, it's more than likely you will need one.
Factors impacting electric car charge point installation costs
Many factors such as size, condition of the existing electrical installation and the location of the electricity metre can affect the costs. The efforts required to install a home charge point really depend on individual circumstances of the house.
The size of your house can affect this, if you have a large house, it's likely you’ll require more cabling. The same applies with the condition of your current setup. This, of course, varies from building to building, because not every house, garage or parking space is the same. An old cottage in the countryside has a very different set of characteristics to a larger home with a garage set away from the house.
Please remember
- No two homes are the same, there are certain conventions that some may follow, but variations are considerable.
A standard home set up pre-charge point installation
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To give you some more context, here we show the main components of your electrical set-up. This shows how your home is connected to the electrical grid and how each element is related to the other.
Understanding how the electrical current, flows from the grid and into your home to power your appliances, explains why it is so important to make sure your home is ready pre-installation.
A home electrical set up post-charge point installation
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Here you can see, where the new hardware will be installed and how it interacts with your home electrical set up.
The infographic shows why it is so important to make sure all the components are ready and suitable for installation. As you can see, they all work together to supply current to your home.
There is a chance, you may require a Dynamic Power Management (DPM) unit to be installed
There is a chance, you may require a Dynamic Power Management (DPM) unit to be installed
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What is DPM?
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Dynamic Power Management (DPM) comes as an optional extra with your charge point from shell Recharge. With this upgrade the charge point responds intelligently to manage the electrical load of your home, and adjust the charging speed when lots of devices are charging. So whether you add a new power shower, or heat pump, the flow is smartly managed and you're protected.
The use of a charge point is, of course, a lot of additional electricity that some homes can not handle and therefore this may be required.
Avoid a trip
- By balancing the electrical burden, it can ensure your main service fuse does not go over its cut-out limit, which will cause it, or other appliances, to trip.
How DPM works
The DPM unit will monitor the total use of electricity in your home at any one time. By knowing the total energy requirement for your home, it can make sure your charge point is only consuming the surplus electricity. For example, when you first wake up in the morning you may put the kettle on, start a load of washing and use the shower. The DPM system will slow the energy consumption for your charge point, whilst maintaining charge, to allow for the use of the other appliances without causing a trip. Once energy demand is low elsewhere in your house, energy levels to your charge point will resume at its maximum capacity.
Do I need a DPM unit installed?
There is a chance, you may require a Dynamic Power Management (DPM) unit to be installed, which helps to balance the electricity of your entire house. This will allow your EV to charge at an optimal speed without overloading your home. Especially if the DNO determined that your maximum demand rating was low, and you need to upgrade your main service fuse. In most cases, they are not a requirement, but we do recommend DPM units as a way to future-proof your electrical supply. It is worth mentioning that, In some instances, DPM's are required and are mandatory. This is when a home has a lot of high loads. In this eventuality, installers can not install without one but will provide a quote for the DPM unit.
If you want to add on additional charge points or electrical components (such as a heat pump) in the future, this will be important. This comes at an additional cost to the charge point installation.
Cost of adding DPM to my charge point installation
The cost of this is £179, but in most cases, Dynamic Power Management spares you the expense of upgrading your grid connection. Upgrading your grid connection will cost you a one-off installation payment as well as additional monthly payments.
Distribution network operators
Your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is the company that operates the power lines and infrastructure that connect the grid to your property. Your DNO can help you with all the queries above, about connecting your property, upgrading cables or moving your meter.
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Who is my distribution network operator?
Find your distribution network operator, and how to contact them, by entering your postcode on the Energy Networks Association's handy search tool.
Your energy network operator can help you with things like connecting your property to electricity or gas and moving your meter. If you're unsure who your energy supplier is, they can help with supplying that too.
- UK Power Networks (London and South East England)
- Western Power Distribution (Midlands and South Wales)
- Northern PowerGrid (North East England)
- SP Energy Networks (South Scotland and North Wales/Mersey)
- Electricity North West (North West England)
- Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (North Scotland and Central South England) Email or Phone Call required
As already mentioned, your main service fuse is the property of the DNO. The DNO need to approve the installation, this is done through an Energy Networks Association, or ENA form. The installation partner will send this form on your behalf.
The DNO may contact you to get more details. Sometimes they want to chat to you if you require structural work, such as the aforementioned upgrades. This is a routine process included in your home installation, it's up to them to contact you further.
You can also find your network operator using the Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) on your energy bill.
Digits 9 and 10 of the 21-digit MPAN are the Distributor ID.
No, you do not need a permit. However, all installs require a DNO approval, this is granted through an ENA application.
Alongside DNO approval, If you do not own your property or if it's a flat or leasehold, you'll need to ask for permission from the owner to have a home charge point installed.
What parties are involved with home EV charger installation?
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If you live in rented accommodation or, are not the sole owner of the property where you plan to install your charge point, other parties must consent to it. You need the permission of the owner because it is a legal requirement when making structural changes to a property. If you are looking to use a grant, such as OZEV, you will need to inform the relevant people. When you fill in our online installation survey, we will ask if they have been informed.
Save money on your charge point installation with a grant
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) provides an EV charge point grant for flat owner-occupiers and people living in rented properties. The grant covers up to 75% of the cost to buy and install a charge point socket, up to £350 per grant.
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Are you eligible?
You can apply for this grant if:
- You own and live in a flat OR rent any residential property
- Your home has its own private off-street parking space
- You own a qualifying vehicle
- You have not already received this grant or a grant under the Electric Vehicle Home charge Scheme
Does your property qualify for an OZEV grant?
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- Your property must be in the UK. Properties in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man are not included.
- You can only apply for a residential property that you live in.
- You cannot use the grant for new-build or unoccupied properties.
How the OZEV grant works
- You contact Shell Recharge as an OZEV-authorised installer with OZEV-approved charge point models
- We will check whether you and your property qualify
- We will check whether your vehicle is on the list of OZEV-approved EVs
- As part of the installation process, we survey your parking space and provide a quote.
- If you agree to proceed, we will create, and submit a new claim for you
- You will receive an online form to confirm the installation details
- After completing the form, we can plan the installation.
- We deal with all the invoicing and evidencing
- Your invoice will include a discount for the grant amount.
Preparing for the installation appointment
Optimally prepare for the installation of your charge point and check all points below before your appointment. This way, together we’ll ensure a smooth installation. Need to change your installation date? Please contact +44 20 3868 1036 at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled install date to let us know and prevent cancellation costs from being charged.
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Before installation
- Ensure that you can be at home for the duration of the installation.
- Check whether your fuse box has a mains switch.
- Prepare for the power to be turned off for 30 minutes during installation.
- Check that your crawl space is dry and accessible as the technician may need to access this area during the installation.
- Make sure that the installers will have access to all the spaces they will need to work in, both inside and out.
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During installation
- The installer will be present within 2 hours of the specified time period.
- Together with the installer, you’ll check whether the location and the type of charge point are correct as stated in the installation plan.
- Ensure no critical equipment is connected to the power source before the power is temporarily turned off by the technician to connect the charge point to the fuse box.
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After installation
- Review the installation of the charge point with the installer.
- Accept and sign the work order after correct completion on the charge point.
- Activate your account on our user platform.
- Add the serial number of your charge point and your charge card number to your account.
- More information on setting up your account.