Commercial EV Charger Installation Cost Explained

As more drivers make the switch to electric vehicles, the demand for EV charging infrastructure is surging. Whether you run a hotel, manage a retail park, or operate a commercial premises, installing EV chargers can unlock new revenue streams, attract customers, and future-proof your business.

But what does it actually cost to install commercial EV chargers?

The short answer is: it depends. The long answer? Let’s break it down.

1. Hardware Costs (Choosing the Right Charger)

The cost of the physical charger can vary widely depending on the type:

Standard AC chargers (7kW-22kW): £1,000 - £3,000 per unit
Rapid DC chargers (50kW-100kW): £10,000 - £35,000 per unit
Ultra-Rapid DC chargers (100kW+): £35,000 - £80,000+ per unit

Higher-speed chargers come with higher costs, but they also offer faster charging times - ideal for short-stay locations like service stations or hospitality venues. If you are still deciding on hardware, our guide to choosing commercial EV chargers compares the main options.

Choosing the right charger speed for your customers dwell time is essential

2. Installation & Civil Works

Installation is often where the real variation happens. Depending on the site, you may need:

Trenching and groundwork to lay cables
Upgrades to electrical infrastructure
New distribution boards or substations
Traffic management (for on-street or car park installations)

Installation costs typically range from £2,000 to £25,000+ depending on the complexity. A site with existing power supply and accessible cabling routes will be far cheaper than a remote site needing major civil works.

3. Power Supply & DNO Upgrades

Before any charger goes live, your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) needs to assess the site’s power capacity. If additional supply is required, you might face:

Connection fees
Reinforcement works
Long lead times

DNO costs can range from a few hundred pounds to £50,000+ - particularly if you’re planning rapid or multiple chargers.

Pro tip: work with an installer who handles the DNO application process for you (that's us!)... It can be a minefield.

4. Back Office, Software & Management Costs

Commercial EV chargers are rarely ‘plug and play.’ Most use a management platform for:

Payment processing
Usage data
Bay booking
Charger uptime monitoring
Customer support tools

These platforms usually charge a monthly fee per charger - often between £10-£50/month, depending on features. At Connekt our chargers come with Connekt Cloud, a market-leading EV Charger Management Software that helps keep your chargers operable, and the revenue coming in.

You may also need a payment terminal (contactless card reader), which adds roughly £1,000 per charger. At Connekt we have a unique system that helps mitigate these costs (and we would love to tell you more!)

5. Ongoing Maintenance

Like any infrastructure, EV chargers need to be kept in good working order. Maintenance may include:

Remote diagnostics
On-site repairs
Firmware updates
Replacing damaged cables or connectors

Some installers offer maintenance contracts for peace of mind, typically priced at £200-£500 per unit. At Connekt this is all part of the service - our chargers have a 99.13% uptime which means you can rely on us to keep your chargers running and the revenue coming in.

Would you like a tethered charger (one that comes with a cable)? Or do you expect your customers to always have their own cable?

6. Funding Options

You don’t necessarily need to pay everything upfront. Funding options vary from site to site and change over time, and some can mean no upfront cost.

At Connekt we help you model the financials and find the right option for your site.

7. Grants & Incentives

In the UK, government schemes like the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) and EV Infrastructure Grant for SMEs offer up to £15,000 towards installation costs, depending on your business size and sector.

Some local councils also offer support. At Connekt we help you apply to ensure a quick application and smooth payment.

8. The Hidden Costs of Doing Nothing

While upfront costs are important, it's worth considering the long-term benefits:

Attract EV-driving customers
Increase dwell time and spend
Boost sustainability credentials
Create a new revenue stream
Prepare for future regulations and fleet electrification

Delaying installation could mean losing out on competitive advantages - and having to pay more later as demand spikes.

Final Thoughts - It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

There’s no flat rate for commercial EV charger installations. It all depends on your site, your goals, and your power capacity. But working with the right partner can take the complexity out of the process.

At Connekt, we specialise in end-to-end commercial EV charging solutions, from feasibility to funding, install to uptime. Whatever your budget, we’ll talk you through the funding options and help you find the smartest route forward.