How Long Does an EV Charger Take to Install?

If you’ve made the switch to an electric vehicle—or are thinking about it—you’re not alone. Leeds is becoming increasingly EV-friendly, with more homeowners, landlords, and businesses embracing cleaner transport. But for most EV drivers, charging at home is essential.

A key question we hear at Duravault is:

“How long does an EV charger take to install?”

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from understanding EV chargers and how they work, to where you can install them and what’s involved in the installation process. As NICEIC-approved EV charger installers in Leeds, we’re here to make sure you’re powered up, safe, and future-ready.

What Is an EV Charger?

An EV charger—short for Electric Vehicle Charger—is a dedicated charging point that connects your vehicle to your home’s electrical supply. Unlike a standard three-pin socket, an EV charger is faster, safer, and specifically designed to handle the high current demands of electric vehicles.

There are two main types of chargers available for residential use:

1. Tethered EV Chargers

These come with a built-in cable, meaning you just plug it directly into your car—quick and easy, with no need to handle a separate charging lead.

2. Untethered EV Chargers

These have a universal socket and require you to use your own Type 2 charging cable. They’re neater and more flexible, especially if you own multiple EVs with different connectors.

Most homes in Leeds can support a 7.4kW single-phase charger, which typically delivers 20–30 miles of range per hour of charge—perfect for overnight top-ups.

At Duravault, we install both types and will help you choose the right model based on your car make, daily mileage, property layout, and budget.

How Do EV Chargers Work?

EV chargers operate by drawing power from your home’s mains supply and converting it into a usable format for your vehicle’s battery. They are far more efficient and secure than using a regular socket, offering features such as:

Load Balancing - Prevents your home’s electrical system from being overloaded by automatically reducing charge rate if necessary.

Scheduled Charging - Charge your EV at off-peak times to save money on electricity—ideal with time-of-use tariffs or if you have solar panels.

Smart App Integration - Most modern EV chargers come with apps to track usage, schedule sessions, and even lock the unit for security.

Safety Cut-Offs - Built-in RCDs (Residual Current Devices) and PEN fault detection shut the charger down instantly in the event of a fault.

Important to know: Your fusebox (consumer unit) must be compliant and capable of supporting the charger. If not, an upgrade may be required—something we regularly handle for clients across Leeds, from Pudsey to Roundhay.

Where Can I Fit an EV Charger?

One of the first decisions you’ll make when installing an EV charger is where to place it. At Duravault, we offer a free consultation and site survey to help identify the ideal location.

Common EV Charger Locations:

• On an external wall near your driveway or off-road parking space
• Inside a garage, ideally on the wall closest to the car’s charging port
• On a freestanding post if no wall is available (e.g. detached garages or remote parking bays)

To install an EV charger, you’ll need:

• Off-street parking (private drive, garage, or allocated bay)
• A strong Wi-Fi signal (for smart features)
• Clear access to your consumer unit or an accessible power supply route

Tip: The neater the cable run from your fusebox to the charger, the quicker and more affordable the installation will be.

In conservation areas or listed buildings in Leeds, planning permission may be required. We’ll advise you during our initial survey if any additional steps are needed.

How to Install an EV Charger – Step-by-Step with Duravault

So, how long does it actually take? Most EV charger installations take 2 to 4 hours, but more complex jobs may take longer. Here’s how the full process works when you book an installation with Duravault:

1. Pre-Installation Survey & Quote

We start with a no-obligation survey to assess your consumer unit, check cable routes, and ensure your electrical system can safely support the charger.

• Duration: 20–30 minutes
• Delivered via video call or home visit
• Transparent quote provided within 24 hours

If your existing consumer unit lacks RCD protection or capacity, we’ll recommend an upgrade before the charger goes in.

2. Consumer Unit Check / Upgrade (if required)

We’ll inspect your consumer unit to ensure it meets the latest BS7671 regulations. If needed, we’ll carry out a fusebox replacement ahead of your EV install.

• Typical upgrade time: 1 working day
• Certified and Building Control-notified
• Fully tested and compliant

3. Installation Day

Once everything is ready, we’ll fit your charger on your chosen wall, run and protect all cables (often using surface-mounted trunking or underground conduit), and connect the unit to your electrical system. We also install a separate circuit breaker, RCBO, or SPDs for additional protection depending on the model.

• Duration: 2–4 hours for standard installs
• Longer for cable routes over 10m or complex setups

4. Configuration & App Setup

We configure your charger, connect it to your Wi-Fi, and walk you through using the app (if it’s a smart charger). You’ll be able to set schedules, view usage, and control charging remotely.

5. Testing & Certification

Every EV charger installation includes:

• Full electrical testing
• Installation certificate (NICEIC)
• DNO notification to your local electricity network

You’ll receive a digital certificate and paperwork to share with your energy supplier or for grant purposes if applicable.

6. Aftercare & Support

You’re not on your own after installation. If you have questions, need help with the app, or want to add solar integration later—we’re just a call away.

EV Charger Installer in Leeds – Why Choose Duravault?

When it comes to home EV charger installation, it’s essential to choose a contractor who understands not just the technical details—but also your local area, property type, and energy needs.

At Duravault, we’re based right here in Leeds, and serve all LS postcodes and surrounding towns—from Rothwell to Guiseley, from Morley to Meanwood.

Here’s why local EV owners choose us:

NICEIC-Approved Electricians - All installations are carried out to the highest industry standards by qualified, experienced professionals.

Fast Lead Times - We can usually complete surveys and installs within 7–10 days, depending on availability.

Local Knowledge - We’re familiar with Leeds property stock - including older terraces, new builds, and apartments—and tailor installations accordingly.

Smart Charger Specialists - We install all leading brands including Zappi, Hypervolt, Pod Point, Ohme, and Wallbox.

OZEV Registered - If you qualify for a government grant (e.g. the EV chargepoint grant for renters or flat owners), we’ll guide you through the process.

Transparent Pricing - No hidden charges. Clear quotes, honest advice, and tidy workmanship guaranteed.

Areas We Cover

Duravault is proud to serve homeowners and businesses across Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region. Below is a list of areas we regularly cover for EV charger installation, consumer unit upgrades, and other electrical services. We cover all areas in Leeds and the surroundings towns / villages. 

If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, just give us a call or message—chances are, we do.

So… How Long Does It Really Take?

Here’s a quick breakdown of timeframes you can expect:

In most cases, you’ll go from survey to installation in under 2 weeks.

Ready to Get Your EV Charger Installed?

Home EV charging is not just convenient—it’s often cheaper, faster, and more reliable than using public chargepoints. And with electricity prices fluctuating, being able to schedule smart charging at off-peak times could save you hundreds per year. If you’re ready to install a charger—or just exploring your options—Duravault is here to help. We offer:

• Fast surveys
• Fully certified installations
• Expert support, from start to finish

📞 Call us on: 0113 436 9988
💻 Book a site survey at: www.duravault.co.uk
📍 Proudly serving all of Leeds and surrounding towns

Power up the right way—with Duravault, your trusted EV charger installer in Leeds.