EV chargers at home: what you need to know

Most EV charging happens at home, usually overnight or while the sun's shining on your solar panels. Getting set up is generally straightforward, but there are a few decisions to make and some electrical checks worth doing first.

Option 1: a standard power point

Many EVs come with a portable charging cable that plugs into a regular power point. It's the slowest way to charge, but for plenty of people who drive modest distances each day and park overnight, it's enough.

A few safety points: the power point should be in good condition and suitable for long periods of continuous use, and you shouldn't use extension leads or power boards to charge your car. If you're not sure your power point and wiring are up to the job, have a licensed electrician check them.

Option 2: a dedicated home charger

A dedicated wall-mounted charger charges your car much faster than a standard power point, and many models offer smart features like scheduling and solar charging. The Australian Government's energy advice site notes that home chargers must be installed by a licensed electrician, and that installation may require an upgrade to your switchboard and supply connection.

If you regularly drive longer distances, have more than one EV, or simply want the convenience of a faster top-up, a dedicated charger is usually worth considering.

Will your switchboard and supply cope?

An EV charger can draw a lot of power for hours at a time. Before installing one, we look at:

• Your switchboard. Is there space for a new circuit and the right protection, including an RCD (safety switch)? Older switchboards may need upgrading first.
• Your supply capacity. How much power your home can draw at once, and what else runs at the same time, like air conditioning, ovens or pool pumps.
• Single or three phase. Three-phase homes can often support faster charging. Single-phase homes can still charge well with the right charger and settings.
• Cable route. The distance from your switchboard to where you park affects the installation.

Some chargers can automatically adjust their charging speed so your home's total demand stays within safe limits. We'll explain whether that's useful for your setup.

Charging from solar

If you have solar, charging your car while the sun is out is a great way to use your own power instead of exporting it. Some chargers can follow your solar output and charge only from spare energy. If you're not home during the day, setting your charger to run during off-peak times overnight can help keep costs down. Check your electricity plan to see what times suit you.

Living in a unit or townhouse?

If you live in a strata building, you'll usually need approval from your owners corporation before installing a charger. The building's electrical capacity and where the power is metered also need to be considered.

Choosing a charger

We don't push particular brands. Instead, we'll talk through what matters for you: charging speed, whether you want solar charging, app control, cable length and how the charger will be mounted. Check your car's charging specifications too, as some vehicles can't use the full output of every charger.

What happens on installation day

A typical install involves mounting the charger, running a new dedicated circuit from your switchboard, fitting the right circuit protection, and testing everything. When the job's done, your electrician should give you a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work.

How we can help

Our own licensed electricians check your switchboard and supply, recommend a sensible charger setup, and install it properly. If you've got solar or a battery, we'll set things up so your car can make the most of it. Find out more about our EV charger installations, or our residential electrical services if your switchboard needs attention first.

Frequently asked questions