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.

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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.

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.

6. Funding Options - Buy, Lease, or Partner?

You don’t necessarily need to pay everything upfront. Funding models vary:

• Self-funded: You own the charger and keep 100% of the revenue
• Fully funded (hosted): A third party installs and maintains the chargers, and you share the revenue (often 10%–30%)
• Hybrid models: You contribute to capex, and revenue share is adjusted accordingly

At Connekt we help you model the financials and choose the right option.

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. Whether you want to own the chargers outright or explore a fully funded model, we’ll help you find the smartest route forward.

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