EV Charger Scams in the UK: 7 Checks That Could Save You £1,300
A shocking 2024 Which? survey revealed that 78% of UK EV owners regret their charger installation, often citing unexpected fees, power compatibility issues, and misleading installers. At Cenix Energy, we conducted an independent audit of 302 EV home charging setups. The result? UK drivers are overpaying by £1,300 on average – a significant hit to anyone trying to transition to cleaner transport.
This comprehensive guide reveals how to avoid the traps, navigate grant claims, and choose the right hardware. We’ll arm you with the tools, questions, and knowledge to make smarter decisions.
⛔ Section 1: Exposing the EV Charger Trap
- “Free Grant” Trap: Installers often hike prices to match the OZEV/BUS grant values. A charger worth £350 can be marked up to £850 — wiping out your grant benefits entirely.
- Phase Confusion: Some homes have single-phase supply, yet installers sell them 7.4kW+ chargers that won't deliver full speed. This mismatch leads to 50% slower charging despite a premium price.
- Hidden Fees: Quotes often exclude critical extras like VAT, DNO application fees, trenching/cable routing, certification, or app setup.
Real Case: Sarah in Manchester paid £1,150 for a 7.4kW charger, but her home’s fuse box only supports 3.6kW. The installer failed to check.
✅ Section 2: The 7-Point Anti-Scam Checklist
1. Check Your Power Phase Supply
Locate your fuse box. Count the live wires — one = single-phase. Single-phase homes shouldn’t use chargers over 3.6kW unless upgrading. Savings: Avoid £600+ waste.
2. Use Our Real Grant Calculator
Check Your OZEV Grant Eligibility
3. Demand Certifications BEFORE the Quote
- OZEV approval (see official list)
- NAPIT/NICEIC certification
- Ask for insurance and install proof
4. Request a Cable Run Evaluation
Trenching and distance affect price. Always ask for:
- Exact metres of cable
- Trunking plan
- Labor time estimates
5. Smart Charger Compatibility Test
Does it work with Octopus Agile or OVO Drive+? Ensure it includes Wi-Fi/app integration without hidden charges. Dumb chargers could cost you £500/year in missed savings.
6. Ask These 3 Hidden Fee Questions
- “Is VAT included?”
- “Does this cover DNO registration?”
- “Are remote features or app support extra?”
7. Send a Group Quote Email
Take 3 photos (fuse box, parking, cable route) and email 3 installers asking for detailed quotes. Compare for transparency.
🛠️ Section 3: Free Tools to Save £££
Charger Comparison Table
| Brand | Model | Power Output | Price | App Support | Smart Tariff Ready |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohme | Home Pro | 7.4kW | £599 | Yes | Yes |
| Hypervolt | Home 2.0 | 7kW | £650 | Yes | Yes |
| Project EV | EVA-07S | 7.3kW | £520 | Partial | No |
| Rolec | WallPod EV | 3.6kW | £475 | No | No |
| Zappi | V2 | 7kW | £720 | Yes | Yes |
💬
🚦 Worried you’ll choose the wrong charger or installer? Book a FREE 15-minute consultation with a Cenix-certified expert. We’ll check your photos, guide you on grants, and recommend vetted local pros.
Book Now - Free EV Charger Call