EV charger installs playbook: WhatsApp quotes, site‑survey checklist, deposits and OZEV grant (installer pack)

Category: Case Studies & Playbooks • Niche: Electrical, EV chargepoints, WhatsApp flows, surveys, deposits, OZEV grants

Contents

• Who this is for
• Quick win summary
• The WhatsApp quotes funnel
• Site‑survey checklist
• Booking, deposits and cancellations
• Grants and 2025 OZEV updates
• Templates you can copy
• What are people asking online?
• FAQ

Who this is for

• Small electrical contractors and one‑man bands installing 7 kW home chargers.
• Teams building a simple, repeatable process for surveys, quotes, deposits and grant paperwork.

Quick win summary

• Capture enquiries where customers already are: WhatsApp. Use Business profiles, auto‑replies and labels.
• Pre‑qualify with 9 photo + info asks so you price accurately without extra site visits.
• Quote same day for standard installs; take a small, compliant deposit and lock the date.
• Keep an audit‑ready evidence pack so you can claim grants and pass any check.

The WhatsApp quotes funnel

• Set up WhatsApp Business: auto‑reply, quick replies, product catalogue for “Standard install”, labels for lead stages. Add a short privacy line and link to your T&Cs. Follow UK direct‑marketing rules from the ICO.
• Auto‑reply you can paste:
  • “Thanks for contacting [Company]. To quote your EV charger install please reply with: 1) Postcode 2) Own or rent? Flat or house? 3) Off‑street private parking? 4) Photos: a) consumer unit b) meter + main fuse c) proposed charger location d) likely cable route e) parking bay 5) Approx. cable run (m) 6) Wi‑Fi strength at bay (OK/weak) 7) Car model 8) Applying for the OZEV grant (renters/flats or on‑street households)? 9) Freeholder/landlord/management permission? (yes/no/unsure).”
• Quick responses (use as buttons):
  • Eligibility hint: renters/flat‑owners can get up to £350 or 75 percent for home chargepoints if they have private off‑street parking and use an authorised installer. See GOV.UK.
  • We will advise on planning and when DNO notification or pre‑approval applies. See OZEV installer guidance on GOV.UK.

Site‑survey checklist

Align with BS 7671 (Section 722), IET Code of Practice (5th ed., 2023), Smart Charge Point Regulations, and OZEV evidence expectations.

• Property and permissions
  • Tenure (owner/tenant), house/flat, private off‑street space or allocated bay; permission from freeholder/landlord/management where needed; photo of bay signage. Grant eligibility rules: GOV.UK.
  • Planning: off‑street domestic installs are usually permitted development. From 29 May 2025, England broadened PDR for EV equipment; always check constraints/listed status. See SI 2025/560 on legislation.gov.uk.
• Electrical supply and safety
  • MPAN, cut‑out type and fuse rating (60/80/100 A), tails size/condition, earthing type (TN‑C‑S/TN‑S/TT), Ze/PFC if tested, bonding to gas/water, SPD present/required, spare ways or need for switch‑fuse. Confirm CT clamp route for load management. Follow the IET EV Code of Practice: IET.
• DNO notification or pre‑approval
  • Do a maximum‑demand assessment. If supply is adequate, connect and notify within 28 days; otherwise apply pre‑install. See ENA FAQ: Energy Networks Association.
• Location and routing
  • Height/clearances, penetrations, cable choice (SWA/Hi‑Tuff/EV‑Ultra), containment, RCD type and 6 mA DC detection, any electrode, labels. Penetrations and fire‑stopping for communal areas.
• Connectivity and smart regs
  • Wi‑Fi or 4G, app set‑up. Smart Charge Points Regulations require off‑peak default schedules, randomised delay and cyber security features: GOV.UK.
• Evidence pack (OZEV audit‑ready)
  • Before/after photos (cut‑out, CU, bonding, charger serial/model), commissioning screenshots, EIC, Part P/Building Regs notification, DNO notify/apply proof, user handover. Keep 3 years. See OZEV installer admin: GOV.UK.

Booking, deposits and cancellations

• Quotes: show total, list inclusions/exclusions and assumptions (fuse rating, cable run), show grant as a deduction only. Do not charge the grant up‑front. See OZEV rules on GOV.UK.
• Deposit options
  • Standard: £50–£150 refundable survey fee; 25 percent materials deposit when outside the 14‑day cooling‑off or with early‑start consent; balance on completion.
  • Complex: paid detailed survey; staged payments for groundwork/long runs.
• Cooling‑off and early start
  • Distance/off‑premises contracts have a 14‑day cooling‑off. If the customer wants you to start within 14 days, get written early‑start consent and confirm they’ll pay for work done if they later cancel. Provide the model cancellation form. Consumer Contracts Regs 2013: legislation.gov.uk.
• Payments
  • Use secure payment links. Don’t surcharge beyond cost. Offer ADR/consumer code details if you’re a member. Give a workmanship warranty (3 years is common).

Grants and 2025 OZEV updates

• Renters and flat‑owners (home)
  • Up to £350 or 75 percent per socket towards install if you have private off‑street parking and use an OZEV‑authorised installer and eligible model. Funding currently runs to 31 March 2026. Start here: GOV.UK.
• Landlords (residential/commercial)
  • Chargepoint grant up to £350/socket and infrastructure grant up to £30,000/property for enabling works. Combine on one site. Details: GOV.UK.
• Households with on‑street parking
  • Up to £350 contribution with a compliant cross‑pavement solution. Planning/highways permissions are usually required. Summary in OZEV scheme docs and statistics: GOV.UK.
• Planning changes (England) May 2025
  • GPDO update (SI 2025/560) made off‑street installs easier; still check listed buildings/conservation areas and any Article 4 directions. Read the order: legislation.gov.uk.
• Smart Charge Points Regulations
  • Private <50 kW chargepoints must meet smart, security and default off‑peak rules; keep compliance statements. Guidance: GOV.UK.

Templates you can copy

• Pre‑survey WhatsApp message
  • “Please reply with postcode, tenure (rent/own; flat/house), whether you have private off‑street parking, five photos (CU; meter/fuse; proposed charger spot; cable route; bay sign), approx. run length, Wi‑Fi strength at bay, car model, whether you want to apply for the grant, and permission status from freeholder/landlord/MA.”
• Early‑start consent
  • “I request [Company] to begin the survey/installation within the 14‑day cancellation period. I understand that if I cancel, I’ll pay for work done up to cancellation and any specially ordered materials.”
• OZEV audit photo list
  • Cut‑out/meter tails/CU before; bonding; charger label with make/model/serial; final install; commissioning app screen; bay photo showing it’s private/allocated; invoice showing grant deducted.

What are people asking online?

• Cost ranges most UK customers see: £800–£1,500 for a 7 kW supply and install, depending on runs and upgrades. Useful overviews from Carwow and Checkatrade.
• Who can install: customers often ask if any electrician can do it. Point them to NICEIC/OZEV qualifications guidance; smart regs and BS 7671 apply. See NICEIC and GOV.UK.
• Do you need planning: off‑street usually PD; details changed in May 2025 under SI 2025/560. See legislation.gov.uk.

FAQ

• Can I install a charger for a renter in a communal car park?
  • Yes if they have an allocated space and written permissions. Ensure evidence of the legal right to use the space and management consent. See grant eligibility on GOV.UK.
• Do I have to notify the DNO for every instal…