If you plan to buy an EV in Saudi Arabia, or already own one, the next question is how to install a proper charger at home or at work. This 2026 guide covers choosing the charger type, the Saudi Electricity Company's SEC requirements, the installation steps and timeline, and how to choose a certified installer. It draws on Climatech Charger's work installing chargers for many sectors in the Kingdom.
Types of EV chargers
EV chargers in Saudi Arabia fall into two types based on how they deliver power: AC, alternating current, and DC, direct current. Each suits a different job and location.
AC chargers for home and office
AC chargers are the most common choice for villas, apartments and offices. Ratings run from 3.7 kW single-phase to 22 kW three-phase, and the power you get depends on the site's electrical supply. The two most common connectors in Saudi Arabia are Type 2, used by most modern European, Korean and Chinese EVs such as Tesla, BYD, Lucid and Hyundai IONIQ, and Type 1 on some older models.
DC fast and ultra-fast chargers
DC chargers serve public stations and commercial sites such as shopping malls, fuel station forecourts and corporate parking. Power runs from 50 kW to 400 kW and beyond, and they charge a typical EV from 20% to 80% in 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the battery. Common connectors in Saudi Arabia are CCS2, the main European standard, CHAdeMO on the older Nissan Leaf, and NACS on some newer Tesla models.
Installation requirements in Saudi Arabia
Installing an EV charger in the Kingdom is more than a simple electrical job. The work must meet SEC requirements and local safety standards. If an uncertified technician installs it, your warranty and insurance may become void, and an electrical fault can put people and property at risk.
SEC compliance certificate
Every new home EV charger installation needs an SEC compliance certificate confirming that the wiring, protection and earthing meet the standard. Through a certified installer, this usually takes 5 to 10 working days. The installer handles the paperwork and the coordination with the certified engineer for you.
Panel capacity and electrical check
Before installation, the technician checks the main electrical panel to make sure the charger load can be added without affecting other circuits. Modern villas in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam usually have enough capacity for a 7 kW or 11 kW AC charger without an upgrade. A 22 kW three-phase unit may need a panel upgrade or a dedicated feed from the meter.
Installation steps
The process from the first call to the first charge has 7 steps and takes between 3 days and 2 weeks, depending on the charger type and site conditions:
- Site survey. A technician visits to measure distances, inspect the electrical panel and check protection and earthing requirements.
- Charger selection. Based on your car, daily use and budget, we recommend a model from the certified options, such as Tesla Wall Connector, Schneider EVLink, Wallbox, Autel and Injet.
- Detailed quote. It covers the charger, cabling, protection, earthing, the SEC compliance certificate and a 24-month warranty.
- Electrical work. We run cables from the main panel to the charger location, with separate earthing and the right protection circuits.
- Charger mounting. We mount the charger on a wall or pedestal, connect the cables and run the first commissioning test.
- Final test and SEC certification. We run a full safety check, then submit the documents to SEC for the compliance certificate.
- Handover and training. We walk you through the charger and its app and hand over the warranty booklet and certificates.
Choosing a trusted installer
The Saudi EV charging market is growing fast, and installer quality varies widely. To protect your safety and your money, check that your installer meets all of these points:
- Official SEC certification to perform charger installations and issue compliance certificates.
- Authorized partnerships with charger manufacturers such as Schneider Electric, EVBox, Wallbox and ABB, so you get genuine equipment and technical support.
- A licensed in-house engineering and technical team, not untrained subcontractors.
- A written warranty on installation and equipment of at least 24 months.
- Documented references from residential, commercial and government installations.
- Local support after installation to deal with any problem that comes up.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the full installation take?
The timeline depends on the charger type and the site. A simple residential job, such as a 7 kW AC charger in a modern villa, usually takes 3 to 5 working days from quote acceptance. Commercial projects and installations that need a panel upgrade or long cable runs can take 2 to 4 weeks.
Can a charger be installed in an apartment?
Yes, with conditions. You need approval from building management and confirmation that enough power is available at the parking spot. Chargers for apartments are usually 3.7 to 7 kW single-phase. We do not recommend charging from a regular wall outlet. It is unsafe and not rated for the continuous current an EV draws.
Will I need to upgrade my electrical panel?
In most modern villas and apartments, the existing capacity can take a 7 kW charger without an upgrade. For 11 kW or 22 kW units, we check the panel during the site visit and tell you about any required changes before work starts, so the final bill has no surprises.
What is the difference between a genuine charger and an aftermarket one?
A genuine charger from the dealer comes with the manufacturer's warranty and connects directly with your car's app. Certified aftermarket chargers such as Wallbox, Injet, Autel and Deltrix give the same charging capacity and build quality, with a 24-month installer warranty. Choose based on your budget and how much the app connection matters to you.
Do you install outside Riyadh?
Yes. Our teams cover Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Khobar, Makkah and Madinah. For other cities we schedule work in advance, depending on project size. Contact us to confirm availability in your city.
Next step
If you are ready, start with the quick quote calculator for a first estimate of your project. It has 4 steps and takes about 2 minutes. You can also contact us on WhatsApp or by phone for a free site survey in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Makkah.
