Scotland is one of the fastest-growing EV markets in the UK, and home charging is by far the most convenient and cost-effective way to keep your electric vehicle topped up. Whether you're in an Edinburgh tenement, a Borders farmhouse or a Midlothian new-build, this guide covers everything you need to know about getting a home EV charger installed in Scotland.
Why Home Charging Makes Sense in Scotland
Public charging infrastructure in Scotland is improving, but it's still patchy — particularly in rural areas like the Scottish Borders. Home charging gives you a full battery every morning, at a fraction of the cost of public rapid chargers. A typical 7kW home charger adds around 25–30 miles of range per hour, meaning most EVs are fully charged overnight.
Types of Home EV Charger Available in Scotland
3-pin plug (Mode 2)
~8 miles/hrUses a standard 13A socket. Slow, not recommended for regular use — fine as an emergency backup only. No installation required but not suitable as a primary charging method.
7kW Smart Charger (Mode 3)
~25–30 miles/hrThe standard home EV charger for Scottish properties. Requires a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit. Smart models allow off-peak scheduling, app control and energy monitoring. This is what most Edinburgh and Borders homeowners install.
22kW Three-Phase Charger
~75–80 miles/hrRequires a three-phase supply — most Scottish domestic properties have single-phase only. Suitable for some rural properties and commercial premises. Check with your DNO before specifying.
EV Charger Installation Cost in Scotland
Supply and installation of a 7kW smart home EV charger in Scotland typically costs:
| Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard installation (garage/driveway) | £700 – £1,000 |
| Long cable run (10m+) | £900 – £1,300 |
| Consumer unit upgrade required | Add £350–£600 |
| Trunking / external cable management | Add £100–£250 |
Does Your Edinburgh Property Need a Consumer Unit Upgrade First?
A 7kW EV charger requires a dedicated 32A circuit from your consumer unit. If your existing board is old, lacks spare ways or doesn't have adequate RCD protection, you may need a consumer unit upgrade before the charger can be installed. We assess this as part of every EV charger quote — no surprises on the day.
EV Charger Installation in Edinburgh Tenements
Tenement flats present specific challenges for EV charging — shared car parks, communal areas and the need for landlord or factor consent. Options include:
- Individual charger on a dedicated parking space (requires factor/landlord consent)
- Shared charging hub for the building (requires all owners' agreement)
- Portable charging cable from a dedicated socket in a communal area
We've installed EV chargers across Edinburgh including Leith, Morningside, Stockbridge and Portobello — including several tenement and flatted properties. Call us to discuss your specific situation.
Get an EV Charger Installed in Scotland
Covering Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Fixed prices, fully qualified installers.