EV Chargers in Every New Home: What the DfT’s Plans Mean for Electricians 

  • Technical review: Thomas Jevons (Head of Training, 20+ years)
  • Employability review: Joshua Jarvis (Placement Manager)
  • Editorial review: Jessica Gilbert (Marketing Editorial Team)
Multi-panel infographic explaining UK EV charging rules, including Part S requirements, BS 7671 Section 722, consumer unit upgrades, electrician training pathway, and new build versus retrofit earnings.
Overview of UK EV charging regulations, compliance requirements, and electrician career pathways.

Since June 15, 2022, every new-build home in England with associated parking has been legally required to include an electric vehicle (EV) charging point. Not proposed. Not optional. Mandatory. 

Part S of the Building Regulations made the UK one of the first countries to legislate EV infrastructure at the point of construction. Nearly four years in, the market has shifted from “Will this happen?” to “How do I make money from it?” 

For electricians, the work is already here. Developers build 180,000+ homes annually in England. Most have parking. That’s 180,000 mandatory EV charging installations every year, plus commercial properties, major renovations, and retrofit demand from existing homeowners. 

This isn’t a niche add-on anymore. It’s standard electrical work. And if you’re not qualified to install EV chargers in 2026, you’re leaving money on the table. 

Here’s what’s actually changed since 2022, what electricians need to know about Part S compliance, and how the training pathway works in practice. 

What Part S Actually Requires (The Legal Reality)

Part S of the Building Regulations 2010 sets out infrastructure requirements for EV charging in new developments. The rules vary depending on building type and parking provision. 

For new residential buildings: 

  • Every new home with associated parking requires at least one 7kW smart chargepoint 

  • “Associated parking” means parking within the site boundary (driveways, designated bays) 

  • Homes without parking (e.g., city centre flats relying on street parking) are exempt 

  • Major renovations with more than 10 parking spaces trigger the same requirement 

For non-residential buildings: 

  • New commercial buildings with more than 10 spaces require one chargepoint and cable routes for 20% of spaces 

  • Existing commercial buildings with more than 20 spaces must install one chargepoint by 2025 

Exemptions: 

  • If grid connection costs exceed £3,600 per chargepoint for new builds 

  • If installation costs exceed 7% of total renovation costs 

  • Historic or listed buildings may qualify for exemptions 

The regulation only applies to new builds and major renovations from June 2022 onwards. There’s no retrofit mandate for existing housing stock, though the market is driving voluntary installations as EV adoption grows. 

Flowchart explaining when UK Building Regulations Part S applies, showing decision steps for new or renovated residential and non-residential buildings and exemptions based on parking, cost caps, grid limits, or technical feasibility.
Decision flow showing when Building Regulations Part S applies and when projects are exempt.

The 18th Edition Connection: Section 722 and Type B RCDs

BS 7671:2018 Amendment 2, published in March 2022, introduced Section 722 specifically covering EV charging installations. This wasn’t coincidence. The regulation and the technical standard arrived together to support Part S implementation. 

Section 722 sets out mandatory requirements for EV charging circuits: 

  • Dedicated circuits for each chargepoint 

  • Type A or Type B RCD protection depending on the charger 

  • PEN conductor monitoring (to detect lost neutral connections) 

  • Overcurrent protection appropriate to the load 

  • Cable sizing for sustained 7kW+ loads 

The Type B RCD requirement catches people out. Standard Type A RCDs (the ones protecting most UK socket circuits) can’t handle DC fault currents from EV charging. DC current can saturate the RCD’s magnetic core, preventing it from tripping during a fault. 

Type B RCDs detect both AC and DC faults. They cost £150-£200 versus £30-£40 for Type A, but they’re non-negotiable for EV installations unless the charger has built-in DC fault protection (many modern smart chargers do). 

Without proper 18th Edition Wiring Regulations knowledge, particularly Amendment 2 changes, you can’t install EV chargers to code. It’s not about bolting a box to a wall. It’s about understanding protection devices, earthing systems, and how a 7kW continuous load integrates with existing circuits. 

That’s why training providers emphasise 18th Edition as a prerequisite before EV-specific courses. You need the foundation before you specialise. 

Why Consumer Units Often Need Upgrading

Most EV charger installations hit the same bottleneck: the existing consumer unit wasn’t designed for it. 

A 7kW EV charger draws roughly 30 amps continuously for several hours. Compare that to a kettle (13A for 3 minutes) or an oven (16A intermittently). It’s sustained load, not peak demand, that stresses older consumer units. 

Common issues: 

  • No spare ways: The board is full, no space for the dedicated EV circuit 
  • Inadequate main switch: 60A or 80A main switches can’t support EV charging alongside existing loads 
  • Old RCD protection: Dual-RCD boards with everything on two RCDs create nuisance tripping 
  • Poor condition: Boards from the 1980s-1990s often have brittle plastic, corroded busbars, or loose connections 

Part S doesn’t explicitly mandate consumer unit upgrades, but Section 722 compliance often requires it. That’s where the conversation with homeowners or developers becomes critical. 

For new builds, developers specify modern RCBO-protected consumer units from the start, making EV integration straightforward. For retrofits, you’re explaining to a homeowner why their £1,000 charger install requires a £600 consumer unit upgrade first. 

Electricians who can explain this clearly, without over-complicating, win the work. Those who can’t lose customers to cheaper quotes that ignore compliance. 

diagram comparing an EV-inadequate consumer unit with a Part S –compliant unit, highlighting dedicated EV protection, higher capacity, and improved safety.
Comparison of consumer units that are inadequate for EV charging versus Part S–compliant installations.

The Training Pathway: What You Actually Need

Being a “qualified electrician” isn’t enough. Part S compliance requires demonstrable competence in EV charging installation, which means specific qualifications and scheme membership. 

Foundation qualifications: 

You can’t install EV chargers without proper electrical qualifications. The baseline is NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, and AM2 assessment. These prove you’re a competent electrician. 

EV charging courses don’t replace electrical training. They build on it. 

Thomas Jevons, Head of Training (20+ years), Elec Training 

"You need NVQ Level 3 and 18th Edition before you even think about EV charging courses. The C&G 2921 builds on that foundation - it's not a shortcut to becoming an electrician. Employers want the full package: competent electrician first, EV specialist second."

EV-specific qualification: 

City & Guilds 2921-31 (Level 3 Award in the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment) is the industry standard. It covers: 

  • Part S Building Regulations requirements 

  • BS 7671 Section 722 compliance 

  • Smart charging functionality and grid integration 

  • Load management and diversity calculations 

  • DNO notification procedures 

  • Chargepoint commissioning and handover documentation 

The course typically runs 2-3 days and includes practical assessment. You need existing electrical qualifications to enrol. 

Competent Person Schemes (NICEIC, NAPIT, STROMA) require proof of EV competence before allowing members to self-certify installations. C&G 2921-31 provides that proof. 

OZEV approval: 

If you’re installing chargers for homeowners claiming grant funding, you need OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) approval. This involves scheme membership (NICEIC/NAPIT/etc.) plus evidence of EV competence. 

OZEV-approved installers access the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant (formerly EVHS), worth £350 per domestic installation. Without approval, homeowners pay full price, and you lose competitive advantage. 

What to avoid: 

“EV installer in a day” courses targeting non-electricians. These promise quick qualifications but can’t deliver competence. You cannot legally sign off electrical work without proper qualifications, scheme membership, and insurance. 

Short courses have value as CPD for qualified electricians, but they’re not entry routes to the trade. 

New Build vs Retrofit Work: Where the Money Sits

The EV charging market splits into two distinct segments: new build developer contracts and domestic retrofits. Both offer opportunities, but the work, rates, and challenges differ significantly. 

New build work: 

  • Volume contracts with housebuilders (10-100+ units per site) 

  • Standardised installs using developer-specified chargers 

  • Fixed-price contracts, typically £300-£500 per unit 

  • Work scheduled during second-fix electrical stage 

  • Requires coordination with site managers and DNO applications for multiple units 

  • Steady workflow but competitive tendering 

Retrofit work: 

  • Individual homeowner installs 

  • Customer chooses charger (often based on your recommendation) 

  • Higher rates, £600-£1,200 per domestic install 

  • Includes site survey, consumer unit assessment, installation, testing, and commissioning 

  • Customer education needed (explaining costs, timescales, grant eligibility) 

  • Less predictable workflow but better margins 

    Joshua Jarvis, Placement Manager, Elec Training 

"New builds offer volume and consistency, but retrofit work pays better - £600-£1,200 per domestic install versus £300-£500 on developer contracts. The challenge is customer education: explaining why their 1980s consumer unit needs replacing before we fit the charger."

Most electricians working in EV charging do both. New build contracts provide baseline income, while retrofit jobs boost overall earnings. 

The key skill isn’t just installation – it’s customer communication. Homeowners don’t understand DNO notifications, load management, or why their existing board can’t support EV charging. Electricians who explain clearly without patronising win repeat business and referrals. 

Bar chart comparing new build and retrofit EV installation work, showing higher volume but lower margins for new builds, and lower volume but higher rates and margins for retrofits.
Comparison of EV installation volume and earnings: new build versus retrofit work.

Smart Charging and DNO Coordination

Part S doesn’t just require chargers – it requires smart chargers. Every new installation must meet the Electric Vehicle (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021, which mandate: 

  • Off-peak charging defaults (avoiding 8am-11am and 4pm-10pm peaks) 

  • Randomised delay functions to prevent grid stress from simultaneous charging 

  • Remote access capabilities for network operators during emergencies 

  • Cybersecurity protections (unique credentials, tamper detection) 

Users can override these defaults, but the charger must default to grid-friendly behaviour. This isn’t about controlling drivers – it’s about preventing local transformer overload when multiple homes on the same street charge simultaneously. 

DNO notification: 

Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) manage local electricity grids. They need to know about new EV charging installations to assess capacity and plan upgrades. 

For single domestic installs, most DNOs accept post-installation notification via their online portals. For multiple units (e.g., new housing developments), you need prior approval before starting work. 

The DNO application process can take 6-12 weeks for large sites. Developers who don’t factor this into construction timelines face delays at practical completion. Electricians coordinating DNO applications add value beyond basic installation. 

In areas with constrained grid capacity (common in rural locations or older urban networks), the DNO may require load management systems that limit charging during peak times or when other high-load appliances are running. These systems add cost but ensure the installation doesn’t overload the local network. 

Birmingham and West Midlands context: 

National Grid Electricity Distribution covers the West Midlands. They’ve invested in EV-ready infrastructure, including 182+ EV charging bays at substations, but capacity varies by location. 

New build sites in Birmingham’s city centre redevelopment zones (20,000+ homes targeted by 2040) generally have good grid capacity. Developments in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, or rural Staffordshire may face longer DNO approval times and upgrade costs. 

Electricians working across the region need to understand which postcodes have capacity constraints and build DNO coordination into their quotes and timelines. 

Tools and Testing Equipment for EV Work

Standard electrical tools cover most EV installation work, but testing and commissioning require specific equipment. 

Essential tools: 

  • Multifunction tester (e.g., Fluke 1664 FC, Megger MFT1741+) for insulation resistance, earth loop impedance, and RCD testing 

  • Type B RCD tester (essential for verifying DC fault detection) 

  • Voltage tester and proving unit 

  • Cable installation tools (SWA glands, conduit benders for surface runs) 

  • Torque screwdrivers (for terminal tightness verification) 

Documentation and software: 

  • EV-specific test certificates (many competent person schemes provide templates) 

  • Chargepoint commissioning software (often manufacturer-specific apps) 

  • DNO notification portal access 

  • Building Control notification systems 

The testing regime for EV circuits is more rigorous than standard socket circuits due to the sustained high load and safety-critical nature of the installation. Section 722 requires specific tests beyond standard domestic wiring verification. 

Essential tools and documentation used for electrical inspection, testing, and EV charging verification.

Market Reality: Demand, Earnings, and Challenges

EV charging work exists, but it’s not guaranteed riches. The market has matured since Part S came into effect, with both opportunities and constraints now visible. 

Where demand actually sits: 

  • New build residential (primary market, 180,000+ homes annually) 

  • Domestic retrofits (market-driven, approximately 50,000-70,000 installs annually) 

  • Commercial premises (workplace charging mandates driving steady demand) 

  • Fleet charging (delivery companies, taxi firms, local authority vehicles) 

Earnings potential: 

  • PAYE electricians with EV competence: £2,000-£5,000 annual premium over standard electrical roles 

  • Self-employed retrofit specialists: £600-£1,200 per domestic install, £300-£500 per new build unit 

  • Commercial installers: day rates £250-£400 depending on project scale and complexity 

These figures reflect reality, not recruitment hype. EV competence boosts earning potential, but it doesn’t replace core electrical skills or guarantee work. 

Actual challenges: 

  • DNO delays: Grid connection approvals can take 3-6 months for large sites 

  • Grid capacity constraints: Some areas require expensive network upgrades before installations proceed 

  • Consumer unit upgrades: Retrofit installs often cost more than quoted due to unforeseen electrical work 

  • Smart charger complexity: Multiple manufacturer platforms, varying commissioning procedures 

  • Cost sensitivity: Homeowners baulk at £1,500+ total costs when they expected £500 

Electricians who can navigate these challenges – explaining costs clearly, managing DNO applications efficiently, recommending appropriate equipment – build sustainable EV businesses. Those who underbid to win work struggle when unforeseen issues arise. 

Stacked bar chart showing UK EV charging installations rising from about 120,000 in 2024 to 250,000 in 2026, broken down by new build, retrofit, commercial, and fleet sectors.
Projected growth of UK EV charging installations by sector, 2024–2026.

Green Technology Integration: Solar, Storage, and V2G

EV charging doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s part of wider home energy systems increasingly including solar PV, battery storage, and smart controls. 

Solar PV and EV charging: 

Homeowners with solar panels can charge vehicles using generated electricity, reducing grid reliance and energy costs. This requires: 

  • Excess solar generation during daylight hours (when vehicles are often away) 

  • Smart charging systems that prioritise solar power when available 

  • Battery storage to capture solar energy for evening/overnight charging 

The business opportunity: offering combined solar PV and EV charger installations positions you ahead of electricians selling individual components. Customers buying EVs are already environmentally conscious, making them prime candidates for solar retrofits. 

Battery storage: 

Home battery systems (e.g., Tesla Powerwall, GivEnergy) store excess solar or off-peak grid electricity. EVs can then charge from stored energy, avoiding peak rates and maximising renewable usage. 

Installing battery storage requires additional competence (G98/G99 grid connection approvals, DNO notifications, specific protection requirements), but it significantly increases project value. 

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): 

Emerging technology allows EVs to discharge stored energy back to the grid or power homes during outages. V2G-capable chargers cost more but future-proof installations as the technology matures. 

Current V2G adoption is limited (only certain vehicle models support it), but electricians understanding the technology will lead the market as it grows. 

The key insight: customers installing EV chargers today will likely add solar, storage, or smart home systems within 3-5 years. Electricians offering whole-system design and installation capture that future work rather than competing for individual retrofit jobs. 

What This Means for Electricians in 2026

Part S has been law for nearly four years. The initial implementation phase is over. This is now standard electrical work, not emerging opportunity. 

For qualified electricians: 

Add C&G 2921-31 and join a competent person scheme if you haven’t already. The work exists, but it requires demonstrable competence. 

For trainees and career changers: 

Don’t skip the foundation. Complete NVQ Level 3, 18th Edition, and AM2 before specialising in EV work. The market wants competent electricians who can install chargers, not “EV specialists” who can’t wire a socket circuit properly. 

For contractors: 

Build relationships with DNOs and local housebuilders. EV work scales when you can handle 20-50 unit developments, not just individual installs. 

For all electricians: 

Understand consumer unit capacity, Section 722 requirements, and customer communication. These skills differentiate competent installers from those winging it. 

The earning potential is real. The demand is real. But the hype around “easy money” from EV charging was always oversold. This is skilled electrical work requiring proper training, equipment, and customer management. 

Get the qualifications. Understand the regulations. Explain things clearly to customers. That’s how you build a sustainable EV installation business. 

EV chargers became mandatory in new-build homes with parking on June 15, 2022. Part S isn’t a proposal – it’s law, and it’s been driving electrical work for nearly four years. 

For electricians, the pathway is clear: 

  1. Complete NVQ Level 3 and 18th Edition (foundation qualifications) 

  1. Add C&G 2921-31 EV charging competence 

  1. Join a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, STROMA) 

  1. Apply for OZEV approval if targeting grant-funded residential work 

  1. Coordinate DNO applications and understand local grid capacity 

  1. Communicate consumer unit requirements clearly to customers 

New builds provide volume. Retrofits provide margins. Commercial work provides scale. Most successful EV installers do all three. 

The work exists. The demand is real. But success requires proper qualifications, competent installation, and clear customer communication – not shortcuts or hype. 

Call us on 0330 822 5337 to discuss EV charging training pathways, NVQ Level 3 qualifications, and how our in-house recruitment team supports electricians into placements requiring green technology skills. We’ll explain exactly what you need, realistic timelines, and what employers actually want in 2026. No hype. No unrealistic promises. Just practical guidance from people training and placing electricians every day. 

References

Note on Accuracy and Updates

Last reviewed: 20 January 2026. This page reflects Part S Building Regulations as implemented from June 15, 2022, plus subsequent updates to smart charging requirements and grant schemes. Technical requirements reference BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 Section 722. Costs and earnings estimates based on 2026 market rates and may vary by region, project scale, and installer experience. 

FAQs

What does Part S of the Building Regulations actually require for EV chargers in new-build homes?

Part S of the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) requires that new residential buildings in England with associated parking spaces incorporate electric vehicle charging infrastructure. For dwellings with dedicated parking within the curtilage, a charge point must be installed for each space. In buildings with shared parking (such as blocks of flats), charge points must be provided for at least 7% of spaces, with cable routes installed to all remaining spaces to enable future provision. 

The charge point must be a minimum 7kW Mode 3 or 4 unit, with socket outlets complying with BS EN 62196 or BS 7671. Installations must ensure safe and accessible placement, considering factors like cable management to avoid hazards. 

This applies to new builds and buildings undergoing major renovations where parking is affected. Exemptions exist for certain listed buildings or where costs exceed 7% of total build cost. 

What this means in practice: 
Developers must integrate EV infrastructure from the design stage, ensuring compliance during planning to avoid retrospective costs. 

Since when have EV chargers been mandatory in new residential developments in England?

EV chargers became mandatory in new residential developments in England from 15 June 2022, following amendments to the Building Regulations 2010 introducing Part S. This requirement stems from the government’s Future Homes Standard and net-zero commitments, aiming to facilitate widespread EV adoption by embedding infrastructure early. 

Prior to this date, installations were voluntary or driven by local planning policies. The regulation applies to building notices, initial notices, or full plans submitted after 15 June 2022, with physical works starting after that date also covered if not previously approved. 

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate timelines: Scotland mandated similar provisions from October 2022 under Building Standards, while Wales aligns closely with England but with devolved variations. 

What this means in practice: 
Any new residential project post-2022 must factor in Part S from the outset, with building control bodies enforcing compliance during inspections. 

Do all new homes need an EV charger, or are there exemptions under Part S?

Not all new homes require an EV charger under Part S; exemptions apply based on building type, parking provision, and cost implications. Part S mandates charge points only for new dwellings with associated parking spaces. Homes without parking (e.g., urban apartments relying on street parking) are exempt. 

Further exemptions include listed buildings or those in conservation areas where installation would unacceptably alter character, as well as cases where the cost of grid upgrades or infrastructure exceeds 7% of the total build cost. Small developments or conversions may also qualify if parking is not newly created. 

For major renovations, the requirement triggers only if the work involves creating new parking or significantly altering existing spaces. Compliance is assessed by building control, with evidence required for exemptions. 

What this means in practice: 
Check site-specific factors early; for non-exempt properties, budget for at least basic cable routing to future-proof installations. 

What technical requirements must EV charger installations meet under BS 7671 (18th Edition)?

BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition, Amendment 2:2022), Section 722, outlines specific requirements for EV charging installations to ensure safety and compatibility. Key aspects include dedicated circuits with overcurrent protection, RCDs (Type A or B depending on DC fault currents), and surge protection where risk assessments indicate vulnerability. 

Installations must account for vehicle-to-grid capabilities if present, with isolation and earthing compliant with PME systems (prohibiting PEN conductors for EV supplies). Cable sizing must handle maximum demand, and outdoor units require IP-rated enclosures. 

For smart chargers, integration with demand-side response is implied, aligning with Smart Charge Point Regulations. Inspections and testing follow standard BS 7671 protocols, with certification mandatory. 

What this means in practice: 
Always conduct a pre-installation survey to verify supply adequacy, ensuring the setup meets Section 722 to prevent faults like overloads or earth leakage. 

Why do many EV charger installations require consumer unit upgrades?

Many EV charger installations necessitate consumer unit upgrades due to the high electrical demand of charging equipment, typically 7kW or more, which can overload older systems. BS 7671 requires dedicated circuits, and legacy fuse boards often lack space for additional breakers or modern RCD protection essential for EV supplies under Section 722. 

Upgrades address insufficient main supply capacity (e.g., 60A fuses versus 100A needed), ensuring compliance with maximum demand calculations and diversity factors. PME earthing issues in older properties may require TT systems or EV-specific isolators to avoid neutral faults. 

In retrofits, this is common as existing wiring may not support the load without risking overheating or nuisance tripping. DNO approval is often needed if supply upgrades are involved. 

What this means in practice: 
Assess the consumer unit early; upgrades ensure safe, reliable charging and prevent costly post-installation fixes. 

What qualifications does an electrician need to legally install EV chargers in the UK?

To legally install EV chargers in the UK, electricians must hold a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment or equivalent, plus registration with a competent person scheme like NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA for notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. 

Specialist training in EV infrastructure is essential, such as City & Guilds 2919 or 2921, covering BS 7671 Section 722 specifics. For commercial or complex installs, ECS Gold Card or JIB grading may apply. 

Ongoing CPD ensures awareness of updates, including Smart Charge Point Regulations. Unqualified installations risk invalid insurance and non-compliance penalties. 

What this means in practice: 
Verify qualifications via scheme databases before hiring; this guarantees work meets safety standards and can be certified for building control. 

What is the City & Guilds 2921 EV charging qualification, and who needs it?

The City & Guilds 2921 qualification, titled “Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation”, is a specialised course focusing on safe and compliant installation of EV charge points. It covers BS 7671 Section 722 requirements, risk assessments, earthing arrangements, and integration with smart systems under the Electric Vehicle (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021. 

The course includes practical modules on Mode 3 and 4 chargers, fault finding, and DNO notifications. It’s aimed at qualified electricians seeking to upskill, building on Level 3 electrotechnical qualifications. 

Electricians installing EV chargers commercially or domestically need it to demonstrate competence, especially for scheme registration. Developers and homeowners should prioritise installers with this for warranty and compliance assurance. 

What this means in practice: 
This qualification ensures installers handle EV-specific challenges; seek it for reliable, regulation-compliant work. 

What is the difference between installing EV chargers in new builds versus retrofitting existing homes?

In new builds, EV charger installations are mandated under Part S for properties with parking, requiring integrated infrastructure like cable routes and charge points from the design phase. This allows for optimal placement, dedicated supplies, and compliance with BS 7671 Section 722 without disrupting existing structures. 

Retrofitting existing homes is voluntary but must still meet BS 7671, often involving challenges like upgrading consumer units, assessing supply capacity, and addressing earthing (e.g., converting to TT systems). DNO notifications are required if load exceeds thresholds, and planning permission may apply for listed properties. 

Major renovations trigger Part S if parking is altered, bridging the two. Costs are typically lower in new builds due to forward planning. 

What this means in practice: 
New builds enable seamless integration; retrofits demand thorough surveys to mitigate risks like overloads. 

How do smart charging regulations and DNO notification requirements affect EV charger installations?

The Electric Vehicle (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 mandate that private charge points sold or installed after 30 June 2022 must be “smart”, enabling off-peak scheduling, demand response, and cybersecurity features to support grid stability. 

DNO notification is required under BS 7671 for installations exceeding 3.68kW or altering supplies, allowing network operators to assess impact and approve reinforcements if needed. Failure to notify can lead to disconnections or fines. 

These interplay by ensuring chargers integrate with smart grids, reducing peak loads. For retrofits, this often triggers supply upgrades; new builds incorporate them inherently under Part S. 

What this means in practice: 
Always notify DNOs pre-install and choose smart-compliant units to avoid non-compliance and optimise energy costs. 

In 2026, is EV charger installation a viable and sustainable area of work for electricians?

In 2026, EV charger installation remains a viable and sustainable field for electricians, driven by rising EV adoption (over 20% of new car sales) and government targets for net-zero by 2050. Demand spans residential retrofits, new builds under Part S, and commercial sectors, with grants like the EV Chargepoint Grant supporting uptake. 

Sustainability comes from ongoing regulatory updates, such as BS 7671 amendments and Smart Charge Point Regulations, requiring specialised skills like City & Guilds 2921. Market growth includes vehicle-to-grid tech and public infrastructure. 

Challenges include supply chain issues and competition, but qualified electricians benefit from steady work via schemes like OZEV-approved installers. 

What this means in practice: 
Upskill in EV tech for long-term opportunities; focus on compliance to secure contracts in a growing market. 

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