How to become an approved EV charger installer
The demand for professional EV charger installers continues to rise as more electric cars are bought and sold. For electricians, adding EV charger installation to your CV increases the number of jobs you can perform, casting a wider net in what is already a competitive market. But what do you need to become an approved EV charger installer, and how long does the process take? This guide looks at what professionals need to do to qualify as EV charger installers.
What do you need to become an approved EV charger installer?
In order to become a qualified EV charger installer, first, you need to be OZEV certified (more on that shortly). It also helps if you’re already an existing electrician, as you’ll already have experience working with electric installation. Otherwise, you’ll need to train to become a qualified electrician before you can install EV chargers.
Why train as an EV charger installer?
The influx of electric cars in the UK means more professionals will be required to install chargers, both at homes and across the country with domestic public charging points. It offers electricians an opportunity to earn more income by providing the additional service of EV charger installation.
You can up-skill and provide more services, especially as the number of charging points in the UK is expected to run into the millions in the coming years. Currently, it's in the thousands, so plenty of points need installing soon.
What is OZEV?
OZEV stands for the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles. Previously known as OLEV (Office of Low Emission Vehicles), it consists of a team working across The Government to support the early market for ultra-low emission vehicles, such as 100% electric cars. OZEV offers grants to homes, businesses, and local authorities to support the installation of EV charging equipment.
You'll need to register with OZEV to become an approved EV charger installer. Doing so certifies that an electrician is authorised to install charging points throughout the country and understands the grants, schemes and equipment available through OZEV. Applicants must provide proof that they are accredited by a Competent Person Scheme and evidence of full public liability insurance.
What is a Competent Person Scheme?
The Competent Person Scheme is a way for tradespeople to provide eligibility to carry out specific work required to the expected standard. It includes electricians, and it's likely you'll already be part of the scheme if you currently perform electrical work professionally.
How does the OZEV grant work?
Being an EV charger installer requires knowledge of the OZEV grant scheme so you can carry out the required work at homes and businesses, taking advantage of the grant. From the installer's perspective, there are two primary installation routes to getting grants with OZEV: the Home Charge Scheme and the Workplace Charging Scheme.
The Home Charge Scheme
The Home Charge Scheme affords up to 75% contribution towards one charge point installation, with the grant capped at £350 per eligible vehicle based on a maximum of two cars per household.
The Workplace Charging Scheme
The Workplace Charging Scheme allows up to 75% for the purchase and installation costs up to £350 per socket, with a maximum of 40 sockets. These can be spread across all sites rather than being limited to one. Reading the OZEV documentation thoroughly is essential before using the scheme to install EV chargers.
What does OZEV training involve?
Generally speaking, you don't need to sit a formal exam after training to become a qualified EV charger installer. There are, however, many training options available under OZEV approval programs, and some may require an exam. You'll also need to attend manufacturer-specific training.
During training, you can expect to learn about the types of kit available, considerations for site surveys, installation requirements, inspection and testing and commissioning of EV equipment. Once you've completed general and manufacturer training, you can apply for OZEB approval online.
What is required to install electric vehicle charging points?
You can expect to use OZEV-approved equipment as soon as you begin installing EV chargers. It’s the manufacturer's responsibility to provide the necessary equipment to the purchaser, so there's not much you need to do in terms of sourcing it. It must, however, be classified as 'smart'. This means it communicates data about charging, which will then be stored and periodically submitted to OZEV for a usage report.
Where can I study for EV installation?
There are plenty of courses available, many of which you can find online with a quick Google search. The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) offers classes, as does City and Guilds.
How much does an EV charger installation course cost?
Prices vary, but courses are currently offered for £155 plus VAT. Therefore, you can expect to pay upwards of £150 when booking a professional course for EV charger installation.
What are the expectations of an OZEV Installer?
Becoming a qualified EV charger installer means carrying out charging point installations per BS 7671 standard. This enables anyone registered as competent in electrical installations to carry out the works. Additional training is also available, including long-day specialist electrical vehicle charging courses.
Find out more about the OZEV scheme
Summary: Approved
Becoming an approved EV charger installer means you can install EV chargers across the UK, both in people's homes and in public locations. And with electric vehicle sales on the rise, professional electricians qualified to install EV chargers will likely be in high demand in the months and years ahead.
