Electric car charging station price: how much does installation cost?

Are you considering installing a charging station for your electric car but wondering about the actual cost of the equipment and installation? Unlike articles that focus on the cost per kWh, here we break down the initial investment needed for a home charging station, as well as the rates charged at public stations like those in the Electra network. Between the different types of available equipment, financial aid, and on-the-go charging solutions, discover everything you need to know to make the right choice based on your usage and budget.

Price of a home charging station: from €500 to €2500

Installing a home electric charging station can be a significant investment depending on the type of equipment chosen and the complexity of the work required. The total price includes the cost of the equipment and installation by a certified IRVE (Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure) professional. This mandatory certification ensures the installation complies with current safety standards.

The different types of stations and their purchase prices

The market offers several charging solutions to suit different needs and budgets. The Green'Up reinforced socket is the most economical option, with equipment prices ranging from €150 to €300. This solution allows safer charging than a standard domestic socket thanks to its reinforced design and built-in differential circuit breaker. With a power of 3.2 kWh, it is ideal for plug-in hybrids or light users who have time for overnight charging. Standard 7kW wallboxes are the best compromise for most electric car users. Their price ranges from €500 to €800 depending on the brand and features. These stations provide about 35 km of range per hour of charging, meaning a full night is enough to fully charge most EV batteries. Their relatively simple installation and universal compatibility make them the preferred solution for individuals driving between 50 and 150 km per day.For demanding drivers and heavy users, smart connected or remotely controlled stations offer advanced features. Priced between €800 and €1500, these models allow remote scheduling via smartphone, automatic optimization during off-peak hours, and even integration with solar panels. These smart stations analyze your charging habits and automatically adjust the power delivered to optimize electricity consumption and extend battery life.Three-phase stations from 11 to 22 kWh are aimed at owners of compatible high-end vehicles and professionals. Priced between €1200 and €2000, they represent the top tier of home solutions. These devices can charge a 60 kWh battery in just 3 to 6 hours, offering flexibility comparable to fast public stations. However, their installation often requires an upgrade to your electric meter and a three-phase connection, which can incur additional costs.

Installation cost by a certified IRVE professional

Installation by a certified IRVE electrician is legally required for any station exceeding 3.7 kWh. This certification not only ensures the safety of your installation but also determines eligibility for financial aid. For a simple setup, where the station is installed close to the electrical panel, prices generally range from €300 to €600. This ideal configuration mainly applies to attached garages where the existing infrastructure allows direct connection without major work.More complex installations can quickly increase the bill. When the station must be installed far from the electrical panel, each additional meter of cable increases the cost. Professionals typically charge between €50 and €100 per linear meter of cable, including installation. For a station located 20 meters from the panel, expect an additional €1000 to €2000. Additional work such as drilling, trenching, or restoration may also be required, especially in condominiums where technical constraints are greater.Upgrading your electrical installation is often a hidden but necessary cost. If your current meter does not have enough power to supply the station without tripping your home’s power, a power upgrade will be needed. This operation, carried out by your electricity provider, usually increases your monthly subscription by €20 to €50 depending on the subscribed power. Your IRVE installer’s quote must clearly mention these potential extra costs to avoid surprises.

Subsidies that cut your bill in half

The tax credit for installing a charging station is the most advantageous aid for individuals. Set at €500 in 2025, it covers up to 75% of expenses within the limit. This aid applies without income conditions, whether you are an owner or tenant, for the purchase and installation of a controllable station in your main or secondary residence. For a couple filing jointly, the cap can even reach €1000 for the installation of two stations. This tax measure represents substantial savings that significantly reduce the final price of your equipment.The reduced VAT rate of 5.5% is another significant benefit. It automatically applies to the entire service when you go through a certified IRVE professional for both equipment and installation. On a total invoice of €1500 including tax, this reduction represents a saving of €225 compared to the standard 20% rate. This measure encourages professional installations that ensure safety and compliance with current standards.In condominiums, the ADVENIR grant complements the aid system. This program, funded by Energy Savings Certificates, covers up to 50% of supply and installation costs up to €600 excluding tax per individual charging point. For a shared station between several co-owners, the cap can reach €1660 excluding tax. The combination of the tax credit and the ADVENIR grant can thus cover a very significant portion of the total investment, making the equipment accessible to many.

Price of a home charging station

Public charging station prices: how charging rates work

Public charging stations are an essential complementary solution for electric vehicle drivers. Their rates vary significantly depending on several factors: the power delivered, the chosen operator, geographic location, and the billing method used. Understanding this complex pricing structure helps optimize charging costs while traveling and allows you to choose the best options for your specific needs.

Pricing by power and operator

AC (alternating current) stations of 22 kWh are the basic offering available in urban areas. Found in most public parking lots, shopping centers, and streets, they typically charge between €0.20 and €0.35 per kWh. These stations offer economical charging during extended stops—ideal while shopping, working, or enjoying leisure activities. One hour of charging at these stations can provide about 100 to 150 km of range depending on your vehicle’s efficiency.Fast DC (direct current) stations of 50 kWh offer an excellent compromise between charging speed and reasonable cost. Their rates range from €0.40 to €0.55 per kWh depending on the operator and region. These stations can recharge 80% of a battery in 30 to 45 minutes, turning a lunch break or coffee stop into a charging opportunity. This solution is particularly suitable for intercity trips where time is limited but not critical.Ultra-fast stations from 150 to 350 kWh represent the pinnacle of public charging. While their higher rates—between €0.50 and €0.79 per kWh—may seem steep, the exceptional charging speed fully justifies the extra cost for many users. In just 15 to 20 minutes, these stations can provide up to 300 km of range, or even 400 km for the most efficient vehicles. This capability radically transforms the long-distance electric driving experience, making trips as convenient as with a combustion engine vehicle.

Electra’s offer: transparent and competitive pricing

Electra stands out in the market with its clear pricing policy and particularly attractive subscription plans. Without a subscription, the standard rate is €0.54 per kWh at one of the network’s 300 ultra-fast stations. This transparent rate, clearly displayed in the app, remains competitive compared to other operators offering similar power levels. See all our detailed rates to better plan your charging budget.The “Essentiel” subscription at €4.99 per month lowers the rate to €0.39 per kWh, a 28% saving per charge. This plan becomes cost-effective from just 24 kWh consumed per month—roughly one full charge for a city EV or two partial charges to preserve battery longevity. For occasional drivers who mostly charge at home but want good rates while traveling, this is the ideal compromise.The “Populaire” subscription at €19.99 per month truly revolutionizes fast charging with a rate of just €0.29 per kWh. This exceptional rate matches the average cost of home electricity while benefiting from ultra-fast stations up to 400 kWh. For high-mileage drivers and professionals, this plan transforms the economics of electric mobility. It becomes cost-effective from 66 kWh per month, allowing long-distance travel without extra cost compared to home charging. Learn more about Electra+ subscriptions.

Understanding price variations at public stations

Geographic location strongly influences pricing. Stations in city centers often charge 20–30% more than those in suburban areas, reflecting land costs and operational constraints. Stations on highways also charge higher rates to offset the significant investment in high-power infrastructure and ensure maximum availability. This economic reality directly impacts the charging budget for long-distance drivers.Billing methods vary widely between operators and affect the final cost of your charge. Some networks charge solely by kWh consumed, ensuring fair pricing regardless of vehicle or charging speed. Others charge by time, penalizing older vehicles with slower charging. Some offer packages including connection time and energy, while others add connection or reservation fees. This diversity of business models makes comparing rates complex and justifies using specialized apps to optimize your choices.Multi-network cards and interoperability badges allow access to several networks with a single payment method. While this greatly simplifies the user experience, it often comes with additional fees of 10–20% on the base rate. Direct subscriptions with operators like Electra help avoid these surcharges while offering preferential rates. Some networks even offer reduced rates during specific hours—usually at night or midday—allowing flexible users to further optimize their charging budget.

Installation in condominiums and businesses: specific solutions and costs

Collective installations in condominiums or businesses present specific technical and economic challenges. Infrastructure sharing, access management, and cost distribution require tailored solutions that differ significantly from individual home installations. However, these configurations benefit from economies of scale and specific subsidies that make the investment attractive.

Charging stations in condominiums: the right to plug in

The “right to plug in,” enshrined in law since 2014 and reinforced in 2020, guarantees every resident of a collective building the ability to install an individual charging station on their parking space. This legal provision prevents the building management or general assembly from opposing the installation without a legitimate and serious reason. The average cost of an individual installation in a condominium ranges from €2000 to €2500, higher than in a single-family home due to specific technical constraints.Installation typically requires running a cable from the common area’s electrical panel to the individual parking space, which can be several dozen meters away. An individual meter must also be installed to accurately measure consumption and allow separate billing. Additional work may include wall drilling, installing fireproof cable trays, and creating a dedicated differential protection. These technical constraints explain the higher cost compared to a house installation.The ADVENIR grant is a valuable aid for condominium owners. Covering 50% of costs up to €600 excluding tax for an individual station, it can reach €960 excluding tax if the installation includes smart energy management. For shared solutions with multiple users, the cap rises to €1660 excluding tax per charging point. This aid, combined with the €500 tax credit, significantly reduces personal investment. Building managers can also receive specific support for studies and collective infrastructure, facilitating large-scale deployment.

Solutions for businesses

Businesses represent a rapidly growing market for charging infrastructure. Equipping company parking lots addresses several goals: supporting fleet electrification, offering services to employees and visitors, and demonstrating environmental commitment. A basic professional station costs between €1500 and €3000 per unit, but large-scale projects often require much higher investments, including electrical upgrades and management systems.The ADVENIR program specifically supports certain business categories. Automotive professionals (dealerships, garages) and short-term rental companies can receive subsidies of up to 20% of total costs, capped at €600 per charging point for fleets and €2700 for stations open to the public. These amounts may be increased for installations in rural areas or those including advanced energy management systems.Installing stations in businesses generates benefits beyond simple economic calculations. In addition to tax advantages from accelerated depreciation, the equipment enhances the company’s appeal to environmentally conscious talent. Centralized management solutions allow access control, user or department-level consumption tracking, and even revenue generation by opening stations to the public outside business hours. This approach turns a cost center into a value-adding opportunity.

Profitability: your investment quickly paid off

Analyzing the profitability of a home charging station reveals a particularly attractive return on investment. The savings on fuel, combined with available subsidies, allow for a rapid payback that often surprises new electric vehicle owners. This favorable economic equation is a decisive argument for making the switch.

Return on investment calculation

Let’s take the concrete example of a driver covering 15,000 km annually, the average distance in France. With an electric car consuming 17 kWh per 100 km and a domestic electricity rate of €0.20 per kWh during peak hours, the annual charging cost is €510. During off-peak hours at €0.15 per kWh, this drops to €382. Compared to €1620 in fuel for a gasoline vehicle consuming 6 liters per 100 km, the annual savings range from €1110 to €1238.These substantial savings allow for a quick payback of the initial investment. For a complete 7kW wallbox installation costing €1400, minus the €500 tax credit, the net investment of €900 is recovered in less than 10 months of use. This exceptional profitability improves further for high-mileage drivers or those optimizing charging during off-peak hours. Over the average 10-year lifespan of a vehicle, cumulative savings can exceed €10,000—not to mention the likely rise in fossil fuel prices.Installing a charging station also significantly increases your property’s value. Recent studies show that a home equipped with charging infrastructure sells for 3 to 5% more than an equivalent property without it. This added value reflects the growing appeal of such equipment to buyers, anticipating the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. In condominiums, the presence of charging stations is even becoming a top selection criterion for many buyers or renters.

Optimizing your charging budget

The optimal strategy is to prioritize home charging for daily needs while using fast public stations for occasional trips. In practice, 80% of charging is done at home or at work, allowing access to the most favorable rates. The remaining 20%, done at public stations during long trips, represents an acceptable extra cost given the time savings and flexibility provided.Combining this with a photovoltaic installation opens up even more attractive economic prospects. Smart solar charging solutions automatically prioritize self-produced energy to power your vehicle. With solar production costs now below €0.10 per kWh amortized—or even free after panel payback—the cost per kilometer becomes nearly zero. This synergy between solar production and electric mobility represents the pinnacle of the home energy transition.Smart charging scheduling multiplies savings opportunities. Connected stations analyze your habits, real-time rates, and any solar production to automatically optimize charging sessions. During off-peak hours, with rates as low as €0.13 per kWh, the cost per 100 km drops to just €2.20. These advanced features fully justify the initial extra cost of a smart station compared to a basic model. For more optimization tips, check out our blog dedicated to electric mobility.

Buying guide: choosing the right solution for your needs

Choosing your charging solution should be based on a precise analysis of your actual needs, your vehicle’s technical specifications, and the specific constraints of your installation. This methodical approach ensures a suitable investment, avoiding both costly oversizing and the frustration of insufficient equipment.

For home use: what power level for your needs

Owners of plug-in hybrid vehicles can generally make do with a Green’Up reinforced socket. With limited battery capacities (10 to 15 kWh), a charging time of 4 to 6 hours is perfectly acceptable for overnight use. This economical solution, including installation for under €500, is also suitable for city EV drivers traveling less than 50 km daily.The 7kW wallbox is the go-to solution for most electric car users. Compatible with the vast majority of vehicles on the market, it offers the best performance-to-price ratio. An overnight charge (8 hours) provides 280 km of range—more than enough to cover most drivers’ weekly needs. Its installation usually doesn’t require major changes to your electric meter, keeping additional costs low.For high-mileage drivers exceeding 200 km daily or professionals, an 11 or 22kW station becomes relevant. However, these devices require checking your vehicle’s compatibility—not all support high AC power—and your electrical setup. Switching to three-phase, often necessary, adds extra costs but can cut charging times by two or three. This solution is especially suitable for multi-vehicle households or independent professionals using their vehicle intensively.

On-the-go strategy with Electra

The Electra network is revolutionizing the on-the-go charging experience with over 300 ultra-fast stations strategically located across France. Each station has multiple chargers with power up to 400 kWh, ensuring availability and speed even during peak times. Their prime locations in shopping centers and along major highways naturally integrate charging into your daily activities. Find the nearest station using our interactive map.The Electra app transforms the user experience by simplifying every step of the process. Advance booking guarantees a charger will be available when you arrive, eliminating the stress of finding a free spot. Payment is made directly via the app or contactless bank card, with no need for a specific badge. Real-time session tracking lets you optimize charging time based on your needs, with push notifications keeping you informed of progress. Check our station map to plan your trips.Transparent pricing is a core commitment at Electra. Prices are clearly displayed before the session starts, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. With the “Populaire” subscription at €19.99/month, the €0.29 per kWh rate makes fast charging as economical as home charging. This innovative approach eliminates the trade-off between speed and cost, allowing EV drivers to travel long distances worry-free and without significant extra expense.

Investing in a charging station: a smart and practical choice

Installing a charging station for your electric car represents an initial investment of €500 to €2000 depending on the chosen solution and the complexity of the work. This investment, largely offset by fuel savings and available subsidies, is typically paid off in under two years. The €500 tax credit, reduced 5.5% VAT, and the ADVENIR grant for condominiums significantly lower the final bill, making the equipment accessible to all budgets. For public stations, the wide range of rates—from €0.20 to €0.79 per kWh depending on power and operator—offers solutions for every use case. Electra stands out with an innovative approach: its “Populaire” subscription at €19.99/month offers a rate of just €0.29 per kWh on ultra-fast stations up to 400kW. This unique offer lets you “Charge at a station, pay like at home,” revolutionizing the economics of fast charging.

Don’t let cost concerns hold back your transition to electric mobility. The economic equation has never been more favorable, and technical solutions now meet every need. Download the Electra app today to discover our stations and enjoy transparent, competitive rates. With over 400 ultra-fast charging points in France and a user experience designed for simplicity, Electra supports your electric journey every day. Calculate your future savings and join the thousands of drivers who’ve already made the smart choice for electric mobility!

Find and book your Electra charging stations easily with our iPhone app or Android app, designed for fast and stress-free EV charging.

Written by Nicolas – Electric mobility expert at Electra