Installing an EV charger in your garage can be convenient — your car and charger protected from weather, cable always accessible. Here's what you need to know.
Yes, You Can Install in a Garage
Garage installation is common and straightforward for most situations. In fact, it's often simpler than external installation.
Advantages of Garage Installation
| Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Weather protection | Charger and cable stay dry |
| Security | Hidden from view, harder to tamper with |
| Convenience | Cable always accessible, no weather exposure |
| Aesthetics | Not visible from outside |
| Cable tidiness | Easier to manage in enclosed space |
Key Considerations
1. Electrical Supply
Same as external installation:
Potential advantage: If your consumer unit is in the garage, cable run is shorter = cheaper installation.
2. Ventilation
Why it matters:
Requirements:
Typical solutions:
3. Fire Safety
EV charging fire risk is very low, but good practice includes:
| Safety Measure | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Smoke detector | Have one in garage if not already |
| Fire extinguisher | CO2 or dry powder suitable |
| Clear exit | Don't block access while charging |
| Tidy charging area | No flammable materials near charger |
4. Space Requirements
Minimum space needed:
5. Charger Positioning
Consider:
Installation Process
Survey
Installer will check:
Installation
Typical garage installation:
Costs
Garage installation often costs the same or less:
| Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Consumer unit in garage, simple mount | £800–1,000 |
| Consumer unit in house, short run | £900–1,200 |
| Longer cable run required | £1,100–1,500 |
| Consumer unit upgrade needed | Add £300–600 |
Charger Types for Garages
Any Charger Works
All home chargers are suitable for indoor installation. The same IP-rated (weatherproof) chargers used outside work fine inside.
Tethered vs Untethered
| Type | In Garage |
|---|---|
| Tethered | Cable always hanging ready — convenient |
| Untethered | Tidier appearance, cable stored separately |
For garages: Tethered often preferred — grab and plug, no fuss.
Smart Features Still Useful
Even in a garage, smart charger features matter:
Practical Tips
Positioning
Mount the charger so:
Cable Management
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tethered, hang on hook | Simple, common |
| Tethered, coil holder | Tidy, neat appearance |
| Untethered, store cable | Tidiest but less convenient |
Lighting
Signage
Some chargers have status lights. If not clearly visible:
Special Situations
Detached Garage
May require:
Typical additional cost: £300–800 depending on distance and complexity.
Listed Building
May require:
Check with local planning authority before proceeding.
Rented/Leasehold Garage
You'll need:
Shared Garage Block
More complex:
See our article on charging with non-standard parking for more details.
What About Charging While Garage Door Is Closed?
Yes, this is fine.
If your garage is unusually airtight: Consider adding ventilation for general good practice, not specifically for EV charging.
Safety and Regulations
Building Regulations
Part P (Electrical Safety):
British Standards
BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations):
DNO Notification
Required for any EV charger installation:
Insurance Considerations
Inform your insurer:
See our article on home insurance and EV chargers for details.
Summary
| Aspect | Garage Installation |
|---|---|
| Permitted? | Yes, common installation |
| Special requirements? | Adequate ventilation |
| Cost comparison | Often same or cheaper than external |
| Advantages | Weather protection, security, convenience |
| Challenges | Space in some garages, detached garage runs |
The Bottom Line
Garage installation is an excellent option for most homeowners. It protects your charger and cable from weather, keeps the installation tidy, and is often straightforward.
The main considerations are:
For most garages, installation is simpler than external mounting. If you have a garage, it's usually the best place for your home charger.