Garage wall
Popular choiceGood
- Protected from weather
- Secure
- Clean installation
- Easy cable management
Watch for
- Requires garage space
- Car must fit with cable
Installation costStandard
EV Charger Installation
What it takes to install a home EV charger, from the electrical requirements to what happens on installation day and what it costs.
Installation guide. Costs are for the installation, on top of the charger.
The installation process
Five stages, usually done in a single visit.
Site assessment
Takes 15 to 30 mins
An electrician inspects your switchboard, determines cable run length, and identifies the best charger location. They assess if any electrical upgrades are needed.
Things to consider
- Switchboard capacity check
- Cable route planning
- Wi-Fi signal strength
- Charger mounting location
Electrical upgrades (if needed)
Takes 1 to 2 hours
Some homes need switchboard upgrades to accommodate the additional load. This might include adding a dedicated circuit or upgrading the main switch.
Things to consider
- May add $300 to $800 to cost
- Older homes more likely to need
- Required for 3-phase chargers
- Load management options available
Cable installation
Takes 1 to 3 hours
Heavy-duty cabling is run from your switchboard to the charger location. This can be surface-mounted or concealed depending on your preference and budget.
Things to consider
- Longer runs cost more
- Concealed looks better but costs more
- Outdoor-rated cable for external runs
- Conduit protection where needed
Charger mounting
Takes 30 to 60 mins
The charger unit is securely mounted to the wall (or pedestal). The electrician ensures it is level, accessible, and positioned correctly for your vehicle.
Things to consider
- Wall mount most common
- Pedestal option available
- Consider cable reach to car
- Height for easy use
Connection and testing
Takes 30 to 60 mins
The charger is connected, configured to your preferences, and tested. You are shown how to use the charger, app setup, and any smart features.
Things to consider
- Full load test performed
- App connected to Wi-Fi
- Solar integration if applicable
- Safety features demonstrated
Electrical requirements
Single Phase (7kW)
Most Australian homes
- Power draw
- 32 amps @ 240V
- Circuit
- Dedicated 40A circuit
- Charge speed
- 40 to 50km range per hour
Single Phase (7.4kW)
Standard installation
- Power draw
- 32 amps @ 240V
- Circuit
- Dedicated 40A circuit
- Charge speed
- 45 to 55km range per hour
Three Phase (11kW)
Homes with 3-phase supply
- Power draw
- 16 amps @ 415V
- Circuit
- Dedicated 3-phase circuit
- Charge speed
- 65 to 75km range per hour
Three Phase (22kW)
Large homes, multiple EVs
- Power draw
- 32 amps @ 415V
- Circuit
- Dedicated 3-phase circuit
- Charge speed
- 120 to 140km range per hour
Do you need three-phase? Usually not. Most EV owners are well served by a 7kW single-phase charger. It adds 40 to 50km of range an hour, plenty for overnight charging. Three-phase (11 to 22kW) is only needed if you drive very long distances daily or have more than one EV.
Where the charger can go
External wall
Popular choiceGood
- Accessible from driveway
- Doesn't use garage space
- Good for carports
Watch for
- Weather exposure
- Less secure
- May need weatherproof unit
Installation costStandard
Pedestal or bollard
Good
- Flexible placement
- Professional look
- Good for shared spaces
Watch for
- Higher cost
- Ground works needed
- Underground cabling
Installation cost+$500 to $1,500
Installation costs
Installation costs are in addition to the charger unit price. Most installs fall in the $600 to $1,200 range.
- Simple install (garage, close to switchboard)Short cable run, no upgrades needed
- $300 to $600
- Standard install (up to 15m cable)Typical installation, minor works
- $600 to $1,200
- Complex install (long run, upgrades)Switchboard upgrade, long cable run
- $1,200 to $2,500
- Three-phase installationThree-phase circuit, professional install
- $1,500 to $3,000
Most installs take a single visit
If solar is part of the plan, sort the charger out at the same time. Up to $8,000+ in solar and battery rebates. One Why Solar Approved installer, one free written quote, and fifteen minutes with a solar expert before you sign. Ask them about the charger too.