Installing a dedicated home EV charger (EVSE) makes charging faster, cheaper, and safer than relying on a portable lead. Here’s the no-fluff guide for Australian homes—what to choose, what it costs, and how to get it installed to code.
Key takeaways
- Level 2 (single-phase 7.4 kW or 3-phase 11–22 kW) is the sweet spot for most homes.
- A compliant install includes a dedicated circuit, correct RCD, and load calculation to AS/NZS 3000.
- Smart chargers can schedule around time-of-use tariffs and play nicely with solar/batteries.
- Location, switchboard capacity, and cable run length affect total price.
Charger types explained
- Portable (Level 1, 2.4 kW via 10A/15A outlet): Slow, best as backup.
- Wallbox (Level 2, 7.4 kW single-phase): ~40–50 km of range per hour; ideal for most households.
- 3-phase (11–22 kW): Faster, but depends on supply and vehicle onboard charger; common in newer homes with 3-phase.
- DC fast chargers (25 kW+): Commercial only; usually not practical at home.
What a compliant install looks like
A licensed electrician will:
- Assess supply capacity and main switchboard space.
- Run a dedicated circuit sized to load and distance (cable sizing per AS/NZS 3008).
- Fit the correct RCD (typically Type A with DC leakage protection in the charger, or Type B where required) per AS/NZS 3000.
- Label circuits, test, and commission the charger app.
- Optionally enable dynamic load management so charging ramps down if your home nears its limit.
Costs (what drives the number)
- Charger hardware: brand, smart features, 7.4 vs 11/22 kW.
- Install complexity: cable length, wall penetrations, trenching, 3-phase upgrades, switchboard work.
- Add-ons: load management, CT clamps, solar/battery integration, pedestal mounts.
Tip: A neat run near the switchboard is cheaper than a long garage-to-driveway trench.
Solar & battery integration
- Solar-aware charging: Prioritise excess PV so you “drive on sunshine”.
- Battery coordination: Avoid draining your home battery at peak—schedule charging when there’s PV or off-peak grid power.
- Tariff smarts: Time-of-use scheduling can halve charging costs vs default settings.
Choosing the right charger
- Compatibility: Works with your EV connector (Type 2) and onboard charger limits.
- Smart features: Wi-Fi/Ethernet, OCPP, solar mode, load balancing, guest/RFID control.
- Build & warranty: Weather rating (often IP54/55), cable quality, 2–5 year warranty, local support.
- Future-proofing: 3-phase readiness, load management, firmware updates.
Installation day: what to expect
- Site walk-through and confirm location.
- Mount charger, run cabling/conduit, switchboard work.
- Testing, RCD verification, app setup, and handover.
- You get a compliance certificate and quick tutorial.
FAQs (snippet-ready)
Do I need 3-phase power for a fast charger?
No. A 7.4 kW single-phase wallbox suits most drivers and charges overnight easily. 3-phase helps if your car supports it and you want faster top-ups.
Is a dedicated circuit required?
Yes—EV chargers need a dedicated circuit and appropriate RCD to AS/NZS 3000 for safety and compliance.
Can I plug into a standard outlet instead?
Portable leads work in a pinch but are slow and not ideal for daily charging. A wallbox is safer, faster, and smarter.
Will charging trip my main breaker?
With load management, the charger automatically reduces power when your home load spikes, protecting your supply.
Can I charge only from solar?
Many smart chargers offer solar-only or solar-first modes. You can also schedule off-peak charging in the app.
What about outdoor installs?
Choose a unit with a suitable IP rating and weatherproof cabling. Wallboxes are commonly mounted in carports or on external walls.