EV Charger Installation for Your Campervan: A Complete Guide
If you have just bought an electric campervan, working out where to charge it can be tricky. A driveway or campsite hook-up does not automatically meet the vehicle’s needs. A dedicated EV charger for campervan use can help, provided it suits both van and property. The right choice also depends on how often you return home between trips.
Need help planning campervan charging?
To discuss a home installation, call 01322 761101 or email office@evcinstalls.co.uk. Send your van model and postcode through our contact page.
Do you need a campervan EV charger or a hook-up?
First, establish which battery needs charging. An electric campervan has a driving battery; diesel campervans generally have a separate leisure battery for living equipment. A campsite electric hook-up generally supports habitation needs; it is not the same thing as a dedicated EV charge point.
For fully electric or plug-in hybrid campervans, check the manufacturer’s charging instructions and socket. An EV wallbox is not a solution for charging a conventional leisure battery alone.
Choosing a home charger for your campervan
For driveway parking, a wall-mounted 7kW unit is a practical starting point if the supply and vehicle allow it. Check that the cable reaches the charging inlet without crossing a walkway. Choose tethered for an attached lead or untethered to store the cable separately. Let parking position guide you. On a longer van, the inlet may sit far from the mounting position, so measure rather than assuming a standard cable will reach.
Choose the charging point around where your campervan parks and what its battery can accept, not simply the highest number on the charger.
What to look for in an EV charger for a campervan
Check the van’s maximum AC charging rate. A vehicle limited to 7kW AC will not gain speed from a 22kW wallbox; 22kW charging also requires an appropriate three phase supply. Type 2 is common, but conversions differ. Check the handbook and any separate rapid-charging connector. Actual speed is limited by the vehicle, charger and electrical supply. Rapid DC charging, where supported, uses a different connection and is mainly relevant on the road.
What can a smart EV charger do?
Smart charging schedules sessions around your routine and potentially cheaper off-peak tariffs. Dynamic load management can reduce charging power when your home is using more electricity. Private domestic chargepoints sold in Great Britain must meet smart chargepoint rules. Compare their app controls and connectivity. Check that any off-peak tariff you want supports your chosen charger or vehicle.
Explore more practical advice in our resources for electric vehicles.
What happens during EV charger installation?
Installation begins with a property survey. We use an online remote survey to gather details and photographs, with an on-site assessment where needed. Checks include electrical capacity, protection, cable route and parking position.
Once agreed, a qualified installer fits, tests and commissions the charger, arranging any necessary network application or notification. Our NICEIC-registered team has completed over 1,000 domestic charger installations across Kent and the South East. We tailor each proposed setup to the property.
Electric campervan charging when you are away
Check public charging connectors and bay dimensions before travelling. At campsites, do not assume a pitch hook-up permits vehicle charging. The Caravan and Motorhome Club permits specified charging via the outfit, subject to its rules and charges.
The Camping and Caravanning Club likewise prohibits charging directly from the bollard and may require permission during busy periods. Charging on a pitch can also be much slower than using a dedicated chargepoint, so do not assume an overnight stay will refill the driving battery. Follow site and manufacturer instructions.
EV charging for motorhomes at commercial premises
Holiday parks need to assess capacity, positioning and vehicle numbers before adding dedicated chargers. Our commercial EV charging solutions explain how we approach multi-point installations.
Getting your campervan charging setup right
Your setup depends on the van, parking position and travel habits. At home, prioritise compatibility, a sensible cable route and an assessed electrical supply. Away, check campsite rules and public charging access. You need a charger that fits your routine, not more power than the campervan can use.
Need advice about an installation?
For home or business charging, call 01322 761101 or email office@evcinstalls.co.uk. Share your campervan model and parking arrangement to discuss options.
Frequently asked questions
Can I charge an electric campervan using a normal plug?
Only with manufacturer-approved equipment and a suitably assessed socket. Prefer a wallbox for regular charging; avoid improvised adaptors or extensions.
Is a 7kW charger enough for an electric campervan?
Often, but check the onboard AC limit and parking duration. A larger battery does not automatically require a 22kW charger.
Can I install a charger at a rented property?
Possibly, with landlord permission and suitable parking. Eligible renters and flat owners may receive a grant; check current conditions.
Will an EV charger also power the leisure battery?
Not directly. Habitation battery charging depends on the van’s design, not the wallbox alone.
How much does campervan charger installation cost?
Costs vary by charger, electrical capacity, cable route and extra work. A survey enables a relevant quotation.