Electric vehicle charger installation 101: Everything you need to know

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are the future! As the prices of gasoline and diesel rise, more people are opting for electric vehicles as a viable alternative. The majority of people claim that these vehicles are easy to drive, quiet and eco-friendly.

As of February 2023, sales of EVs in Australia have reached a record of 6.8% of new car sales. Consequently, the need for electric vehicle charger installation is on the rise. Let’s find out everything about electric vehicle chargers.

What is an EV charger?

Just like any chargeable device, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles require a charger to charge their battery. EVSE (Electric vehicle supply equipment) pulls electricity from the grid and delivers it to the electric vehicle through a plug. You can install this equipment at home, public space or even at your workplace.

• Trickle charger (10km/hr): It uses a standard power outlet, which is not usually recommended for non-residential charging.
• Fast charger (40-120km/hr): It is a low-cost public charger that can be installed in areas where customers spend a few hours, such as offices and shopping malls.
• Rapid charger (300km/hr): It provides rapid charging speeds to customers on the go, with larger DC charging stations that are best for use along highways.

What are the benefits of having an EV charger at home?

With 64%, charging at home is the most popular option compared to other charging locations. Just come home, plug in your EV, charge it overnight and get into a fully charged vehicle the next day. Here are some more benefits of having an EV charger at home:

1. Cheaper: Once you cover the cost of electric vehicle charger installation, electric bill charging at home will be cheaper compared to public charging stations. 2. Faster: A professionally installed EV charger can charge the battery in full, anywhere between 45 minutes to 7 hours. 3. Convenient: Having an electric vehicle charger at home gives you the convenience of when to charge. 4. Sustainable: You can optimise sustainable energy by using EV chargers powered by solar panels or wind turbines. 5. More Property Value: Installing an EV charger in multi-family dwellings can enhance the property’s overall value.

What to consider before an electric vehicle charger setup?

Ideally, an EV charging station should not be more than 3m away from the connection port of an EV. It is placed closer to the garage door or the area where you intend to charge the vehicle. So, it is required to give some space for the charger to be mounted on the wall. If your building has access to 3-phase power, you can opt for new generation EV chargers for faster on-board capacity. If it does not have 3-phase power, then go for a single-phase connection with a capacity of 32Amp that will give you a power of 7.4kW.

What grants, rebates and tax credits are available in Victoria?

are providing grants and supporting the development of more charging infrastructure, both publicly and at home. Grants in Victoria are as follows:

• $19 million to support the roll-out of EV charging infrastructure
• $20 million for a ZEV public transport bus trial
• $10 million to replace 400 vehicles in the Victorian Government Fleet with ZEVs
• $5 million to establish a Commercial Sector Zero Emissions Vehicle Innovation Fund
• $3,000 subsidy for new EVs purchased on or after May 2, 2021 under the threshold of $68,740

Why should you consult a professional for the EV setup?

Not all electricians understand the current standards for electric vehicle charger installation. For instance, EV chargers often require a Type-A RCD. Without using this safety device, your installation can be unsafe. Also, you will need to ensure that there are no electrical issues, such as worn-out sockets, loose wiring or damaged switchboards.

Therefore, it’s incredibly important to consult a residential electrician to inspect the electrical supply and installation of your home. Licensed installers are qualified in installing residential electric vehicle chargers and will be responsible for load calculations, filing of permits, selecting the right charger and installing the entire system.

How we can help

As an experienced team of residential electricians, we can help you install the right EV charger in your home or business. Based on what car model you own and how fast it can charge, we will help you choose and install a suitable EV charger for your vehicle.

First, we will carry out a general inspection on the electrical supply of the home to determine if any electrical upgrades are required. This may include repairing or replacing switchboards, wiring or sockets.

Then, we will help you determine the location of the charger while keeping future upgrades in mind to ensure that the charger will stay future-proof.

Ready to take charge?

Whether you’ve just purchased a new EV vehicle or are planning to purchase one soon, it’s time to prepare your space for your new EV charge. Need help? Our experienced team of electric vehicle charger installers is here to assist.

For an on-site quote, please contact us today.