Business EV charging installations often fail not due to the charger, but because the underlying electrical system is improperly designed. Simple installations like mounting the unit and connecting power often lead to later problems. When multiple units are used or demand increases, circuits trip and performance drops.
A properly designed system is built for real demand, unlike a basic installation, which fails under load.
We are an NICEIC-approved electrical contractor based in Manchester, delivering commercial electrical work and EV charging services across the North West since 1961.
Ready to begin the process of installing EV charging stations in your business?
Every installation depends on your existing electrical setup. Your incoming supply, your distribution boards, and your available capacity all determine what’s possible.
Neglecting this means;
● Chargers tripping your main supply during peak demand
● Units running slower than expected
● Unexpected upgrade costs mid-project
If your site is single-phase, a 7kW charger is a more realistic option. However, If you have three-phase, 22kW can be an option for faster charging.
On older or heavily used sites, upgrades are sometimes required. That might mean getting a new distribution board or supply upgrade. The key is identifying it upfront and pricing it clearly.
For charge stations with multiple charge points, load management is essential. Instead of each charger pulling full power, a controller will be set up to distribute available capacity across active units. That prevents demand spikes and protects your supply.
For anything beyond two or three chargers, a multi-bay design would be needed.
When it comes to EV charging installation for businesses and corporations, here are three main options available:
● 7kW AC: Best for workplace charging, overnight use, and general parking. Works on a single-phase supply.
● 22kW AC: Better for higher turnover sites where vehicles don’t stay long. Requires three-phase
● Rapid DC (50kW+): Used for service stations and public fast-charging hubs. However, this requires significant infrastructure.
For most business EV charging installations(workspace and retail), 7kW or 22kW AC Fast Chargers are usually sufficient. They provide the best balance of speed, cost-effectiveness, and functionality.
For larger sites or businesses with higher demand, your needs can be quite complicated. Factors like existing electrical capacity, number of vehicles, and peak usage patterns all affect what setup will work in practice.
We can assess your site, electrical infrastructure, and usage needs so you understand what’s needed before any installation begins.
Before any cost is shared, an assessment needs to be carried out on your site. This is what determines the cost of EV charging station installation in a business environment.
Nonetheless, here’s a rough estimate to give you an idea of the cost.
● Single 7kW unit, straightforward install: typically costs £800–£1,500 all-in, including charger, labour, cabling, and certification. The WCS grant can offset up to £350 of that.
● Multi-bay installations: It starts at £2,500, depending on unit count, cable run distances, and whether any distribution infrastructure needs upgrading.
The bottom line is before any estimated cost is determined, an assessment of your site needs to be conducted. Two businesses in similar buildings can have meaningfully different installation costs depending on their existing infrastructure. Hence, a survey which takes roughly one hour can give you an accurate and realistic quote.
A government grant called the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) can cover up to 75% of the purchase and installation costs of EV charge points in your business.
It is currently capped at £350 per socket, up to a maximum of 40 sockets per applicant. That’s up to £14,000 in government funding for a single site.
Most UK-registered businesses, charities, and small accommodation providers are eligible on the condition that the installation must be carried out by an OZEV-registered installer, which affects which contractor you can use if you want to claim.
This is worth considering if you’re looking to reduce the cost of the EV charging stations installation
At Addison Electrical, we specialise in residential and business EV charging installations across Manchester, Crewe, and the wider North West. With over 60 years of expertise and a team of highly skilled electricians, we deliver solutions that are safe, compliant, and future-proof.
Here’s what sets us apart:
● NICEIC-Approved Contractor: Every installation service meets stringent national safety and compliance standards.
● Regional Expertise: Proudly Manchester-first, we understand local businesses, regulations, and operational requirements.
● Integrated Electrical Services: From EV charging to LED upgrades, inspection & testing, and reactive maintenance, we offer end-to-end solutions.
● Trusted by High-Profile Clients: Bentley Motors, Piccadilly Village, Torus Group, and more. See past projects.
With Addison Electrical, your EV infrastructure is handled with the same rock-solid artistry and dedication that has defined our family business since 1961.
● Consultation & Assessment: We evaluate your site, existing infrastructure, and business needs.
● Design & Specification: We tailor the EV installation electrical design to your business while keeping it compliant with UK laws.
● Installation: We conduct NICEIC-approved installation with minimal disruption.
● Integration & Testing: You get full system testing to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation.
● Ongoing Support: We are available to run routine maintenance checks to ensure optimal operation.
EV charging is just one part of your building’s electrical ecosystem. By combining it with our other services, you benefit from future-proofed infrastructure such as:
● LED & Energy Efficient Installations to optimise power usage
● Reactive Maintenance Services to address urgent electrical issues
● Inspection & Testing to maintain compliance and safety
This holistic approach minimises disruption, maximises efficiency, and ensures your investment delivers long-term operational and financial benefits.
The cost of a commercial EV charger installation depends on the type of charger, site requirements, and electrical capacity. Most businesses pay for the charger, installation labour, and any additional electrical work needed. A free site survey provides an exact quote tailored to your building’s needs.
Not all electricians are certified to install EV chargers. Installations must comply with UK wiring regulations and safety standards. Using a NICEIC-approved electrical service ensures your charger is installed safely, meets regulatory requirements, and avoids warranty or insurance issues.
Professional installers also handle load assessments, circuit protection, and integration with existing electrical systems.
Most commercial EV charger installations do not require planning permission, as long as the equipment is on your property and does not alter the building structure. Certain circumstances, such as listed buildings or public highways, may require consent.
Working with experts in commercial electrical compliance ensures your installation meets all legal and safety obligations.
Unlock unmatched precision and reliability with services from Addison Electrical, where cutting-edge expertise meets unwavering commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.
The difference between a system that works and one that causes problems comes down to how it’s designed from the start. Getting it right now saves time, cost, and disruption later.
We’ll assess your site, identify exactly what your infrastructure can support, and recommend a solution that fits your business properly.
