If you're about to buy an electric car — or already own one and keep relying on public charging points — you've likely reached the same conclusion as hundreds of households across the Lisbon area: charging at home is cheaper, more convenient and, when done properly, safer too. That's why more and more people are looking to install an EV charger at home, but end up with the same questions: how much does it cost, what steps are involved, and who should actually do the work.
This guide answers those questions plainly, without technical jargon, so you know exactly what to expect before requesting a quote.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home?
The final price depends mainly on the charger's power output (commonly called a wallbox), the distance to your electrical panel, and whether your contracted power needs to be increased. In 2026, typical prices in Portugal are:
- Basic 7.4 kW wallbox: equipment cost between €300 and €500
- Smart wallbox, 7.4–11 kW: equipment cost between €500 and €900
- Smart wallbox, 22 kW (three-phase, with extra electrical work): equipment cost between €700 and €1,300
On top of that, labour and electrical materials (cabling, protective devices, circuit breakers) usually add €300 to €700, depending on the complexity of the job. In total, most residential installations end up costing between €800 and €2,000, fully installed.
It's also worth noting that charging at home, especially during off-peak hours, can cost around €0.12/kWh compared to roughly €0.40/kWh at public charging stations — for average usage, that can mean savings of over €60 a month. In most cases, the investment pays for itself in under two years.
Note: every home is different. The exact price can only be confirmed with a technical site visit — that's why LumineLab always provides a clear quote, with no surprises, before any work begins.
How the installation process works, step by step
Installing an EV charger at home is more than just "plugging into an outlet." It typically involves:
1. Assessing the existing electrical setup — checking whether the panel and contracted power can handle the extra load.
2. Choosing the right wallbox — power output, and whether you need a smart model (app control, scheduled charging, load sharing) or a basic one.
3. Checking your contracted power — a 7.4 kW wallbox generally requires around 10.35 kVA of contracted power, so other appliances don't trip the system when running at the same time.
4. Physical installation by a certified electrician, including correctly sized cabling and a dedicated residual current device (type A or B) for EV chargers.
5. Configuration and testing, including app setup for smart models.
Legal requirements you should know about
- The installation must be carried out by a certified electrician registered with DGEG (Portugal's Directorate-General for Energy and Geology), to make sure the work meets current safety standards.
- If you live in a condominium, you have a legal right to install a charger at your private parking space. You simply need to notify the building administration in writing 30 days in advance; formal approval is only required if the installation affects the building's shared electrical infrastructure.
Are there any incentives for installing an EV charger?
Yes, and it's always worth checking. Portugal's Fundo Ambiental (Environmental Fund) has periodically launched support schemes for charging point installation, with grants that have covered up to 80% of equipment costs (up to €800) and 80% of installation costs (up to €1,000), mostly aimed at condominiums. These application windows are limited and tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend checking the Fundo Ambiental website to see whether a phase is currently open. Some electricity providers also offer favourable off-peak tariffs for overnight charging — another way to lower your monthly bill.
Why choose LumineLab to install your charger
Installing an EV charger is technical work with real safety and legal implications — not the place to cut corners with an uncertified installer. At LumineLab:
- We're certified electricians, experienced with residential homes, garages and condominiums.
- We give clear quotes, with no surprises once the work is done.
- We use quality materials, backed by a guarantee on our work.
- We respond quickly and stay with you through the whole process, from the first visit to the final test.
- We serve Lisbon, Cascais, Estoril, Loures and Odivelas, Monday to Saturday, 8am–8pm.
If you're ready to install an EV charger at home, we'll assess your electrical setup and send you a no-obligation quote.
Request a free quote
Frequently asked questions
Can I just plug my EV into a regular wall outlet?
It's not recommended for regular use. Household outlets aren't built for continuous, high loads over several hours, which increases the risk of overheating. A wallbox installed by a certified electrician is always the safer option.
How long does the installation take?
In a house with the electrical panel close to the parking area, installation itself usually takes half a day to a full day. In condominiums or jobs requiring extra electrical work, it can take longer.
Will I need to increase my contracted power?
It depends on your home's current energy usage and the power of the wallbox you choose. This gets assessed during the technical site visit, before we finalise your quote.