Why New Homes with EV Chargers Mean Opportunity for Electricians
The UK government has made clear commitments to a low-carbon future. First came the announcement of banning new petrol and diesel cars by 2040 (now likely to be brought forward), and more recently, proposals that all new homes in England must include electric vehicle charging points. For electricians, this is more than just a policy headline—it’s a career opportunity.
Anyone looking to strengthen their position in the trade should pay attention to these shifts. Whether you’re a new entrant considering your first diploma in electrical installations or an experienced spark exploring advanced courses, EV charging is now impossible to ignore.
At Elec Training, we’ve seen demand surge across our centres as both domestic installers and contractors seek to upskill. For full course information, visit www.elec.training.
The Bigger Policy Picture
Transport accounts for a large share of UK emissions, so e ncouraging EV adoption is a key lever for meeting climate targets. According to government projections, greenhouse gas emissions must be cut by at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. Making charging infrastructure part of new housing is one way to get there.
The policy also aligns with the government’s £255m fund for cleaner transport and proposals for charging zones targeting the most polluting vehicles. Local authorities are already trialling schemes where street lights double up as charging points—another sign of just how mainstream EV tech will become.
The message is simple: the future of housing, motoring, and energy is electric.
Why EV Charging is a Career Advantage
For electricians, every policy announcement translates into demand for skills. EV chargers don’t just need fitting; they need correct testing, fault-finding, and safe i ntegration into domestic or commercial installations.
That’s why training is essential. A fully qualified electrician can expand their services quickly by adding EV installation to their skill set. And even allied trades or domestic installers can access shorter packages designed to bridge the gap.
The benefits include:
- More job opportunities: Developers, housing associations, and councils will all need qualified installers.
- Higher earning potential: Specialist EV work often commands premium rates.
- Future-proofing: As the grid modernises, electricians with renewables and EV experience will be most in demand.
Training Routes: Where to Start
The right pathway depends on where you’re starting from.
- New Entrants – Starting with a structured diploma ensures you cover the basics of installations safely. The Diploma in Electrical Installations is the entry point for many career changers.
- Qualified Electricians – Short courses like the C&G 2921 or 2919 give you specialist EV knowledge, from commercial installations to domestic fault-finding.
- Experienced Sparks – The upskilling pathways guide outlines further progression routes into solar PV, battery storage, or advanced design—skills that dovetail with EV charging.
This staged approach ensures you aren’t just ticking boxes but building real expertise.
Money Matters: The Autumn Budget and Self-Employed Sparks
Another factor is how the government treats electricians financially. The Autumn Budget 2024 introduced tax and expense changes that directly affect self-employed sparks and contractors. For those adding EV charging to their services, understanding allowable expenses, equipment costs, and VAT thresholds will be critical to keeping work profitable.
Getting ahead of tax changes, while also positioning yourself in growth markets like EV charging, is the surest way to thrive.
Industry Data and Demand
The demand for electricians is not speculative—it’s grounded in numbers. The Office for National Statistics reported steady annual growth in construction output, and recent surveys confirm skills shortages across multiple trades, including electrical.
- By 2025, electric vehicles are expected to make up a significant portion of new car sales.
- Government targets and subsidies are driving domestic installations.
- Developers increasingly factor EV charging into building contracts as standard.
This growth curve is set to continue, and electricians are central to making it work.
(Source: https://www.ons.gov.uk/)
Common Questions About EV Charging Training
Do I need to be fully qualified to install EV chargers?
Not always. Some domestic packages are designed for new entrants, though full scope work in commercial environments typically requires NVQ Level 3.
Is EV charging profitable?
Yes—installations often generate higher fees than standard domestic work, and demand is rising.
What about updates to wiring regulations?
The latest editions of BS 7671 now include specific requirements for EV charging installations, meaning you must train to current standards.
Does this affect electricians already working?
Yes. Even experienced sparks need to retrain to ensure they’re compliant with new regs and technologies.
The Benefits of Upskilling
The benefits of EV charging training go beyond immediate earnings. Upskilling ensures electricians:
- Stay competitive against newer entrants.
- Win contracts in housing and commercial sectors.
- Future-proof their qualifications for renewables.
This is particularly important as employers increasingly demand proof of competency through City & Guilds courses.
Street Lights, New Homes, and Beyond
The government isn’t just focusing on homes. Proposals for integrating charging into street lighting columns, workplace car parks, and public spaces will further boost demand.
Think about it: every lamppost fitted with a charging socket requires planning, testing, and certification. Every office car park r etrofitted with chargers needs safe design and verification. Each step needs trained electricians.
Challenges to Consider
While opportunities are clear, there are challenges:
- Initial training cost – EV charging courses add to the financial outlay.
- Ongoing updates – Standards and regs keep evolving, meaning CPD is essential.
- Infrastructure strain – The grid itself will need upgrades, requiring electricians to be flexible about new technologies.
But these aren’t reasons to hold back—they’re reasons to prepare.
A Practical Next Step
If you’re considering where to start:
- New to the trade? Begin with a diploma.
- Already qualified? Add an EV specialist course.
- Experienced spark? Explore solar, battery, or design add-ons.
The upskilling pathways menu shows how each of these steps can be stacked, building a long-term career strategy.
References
- UK Office for National Statistics (ONS): https://www.ons.gov.uk/
- HM Treasury Autumn Budget 2024: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/autumn-budget-2024-documents
The shift toward EVs is more than just a transport revolution—it’s a work revolution for electricians. Policies requiring chargers in all new homes, combined with changes to tax rules and skills gaps, mean there has never been a better time to train.
If you’re ready to future-proof your career, explore an electrician diploma or move directly into EV charging training with Elec Training.
FAQs on EV Charging Mandates and Opportunities for Electricians in the UK (September 2025)
Do all new homes in England now legally require EV charging points?
Yes, under Part S of the Building Regulations (effective June 15, 2022), all new homes in England with associated parking spaces must include an electric vehicle (EV) charge point, including those from change of use. This applies to single dwellings, flats, and developments with parking within the site boundary. In May 2025, planning permission rules were relaxed for retrofits, but new builds remain mandatory to support net-zero goals.
Why is this policy change such a big opportunity for electricians?
This policy change is a major opportunity, as it mandates EV infrastructure in new builds, driving demand for 300,000+ charge points by 2030 and creating 160,000+ jobs in installation and maintenance. Electricians can access OZEV grants (£350 per point for domestic, up to £14,000 for commercial), boosting earnings to £40,000–£60,000 (20–30% premium over standard work), and position themselves for net-zero projects like solar integration.
Can someone new to the trade install EV chargers straight away?
No, someone new to the trade cannot install EV chargers straight away, as it requires full electrical qualification (NVQ Level 3, AM2, 18th Edition) for safety and compliance. Beginners must complete core training (1–4 years) before specialist EV courses (2–3 days).
What qualifications are needed to become an EV charger installer?
To become an EV charger installer, you need:
- Core Electrical: NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Services (C&G 2357) with AM2 assessment and ECS Gold Card.
- Wiring Regulations: 18th Edition (C&G 2382-22) for BS 7671 compliance.
- EV-Specific: C&G 2921-34 (Level 3 Award in EV Charging Installation, 2–3 days) or equivalent for design, testing, and IET Code of Practice.
- Scheme Approval: OZEV for grants and CPS (NICEIC/NAPIT) for Part P self-certification. Optional: Inspection & Testing (C&G 2391-52).
Are EV charging installations more profitable than standard electrical work?
Yes, EV charging installations are more profitable, with £200–£400/day rates vs. £150–£250 for standard work, plus OZEV grants (£350 domestic, up to £14,000 commercial), yielding 15% ROI at low utilization. Annual net profit per charger: £150–£250, with £3 billion economic value by 2030.
Do I need the latest 18th Edition Wiring Regulations to fit EV chargers?
Yes, the latest 18th Edition (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022) is required to fit EV chargers, as it includes Section 722 for EV installations and Amendment 2’s updates on PEN-fault protection and RCDs. It’s a prerequisite for C&G 2921-34 and OZEV approval.
What additional training complements EV charging qualifications?
Additional training includes Inspection & Testing (C&G 2391-52) for commissioning, Solar PV (C&G 2399) for integration, and Battery Storage (EESS) for whole-home systems. These enable bundled projects and MCS/OZEV compliance.
How do recent tax and budget changes affect self-employed electricians adding EV work?
The 2025 Budget freezes thresholds (personal allowance £12,570, higher-rate £50,270 until 2028), increasing tax via fiscal drag (£720+ for £33,000 earner), but extends Employment Allowance to £10,500 and freezes fuel duty, aiding EV work. MTD for ITSA starts 2026 (£50,000+ turnover), requiring digital records.
Is there demand for EV charging beyond new homes?
Yes, demand extends to commercial (workplaces, fleets, 40% of installs), public (84,218 points, up 30% YoY), and retrofits (May 2025 planning relaxation), with £63 million funding targeting 300,000 points by 2030.
What’s the best training route to start a career in EV installation?
The best route is to first qualify as an electrician (NVQ Level 3/AM2/18th Edition, 1–4 years), then take C&G 2921-34 (2–3 days) for EV specialization, followed by OZEV approval. Fast-tracks or Bootcamps accelerate entry for changers.
