EV charging
Why install a home EV charger (Level 2)?
Charging at home is convenient with a Level 2 wall charger and is cheaper than relying on public charging, particularly if you have rooftop solar or an electricity plan with cheaper charging periods. The right option depends on your car’s maximum charging rate and whether your home has single-phase or three-phase power.
What are my home charging options?
The most basic is the portable charger that is often included with the car. This plugs into your standard home power point and because it is low power, it is slow and can only provide 5-15km of range per hour. In many cases, this is suitable for most drivers who do under 100km a day and would charge overnight.
Level 2 AC chargers are faster and are most useful if you have higher daily driving, multiple EVs or rooftop solar. These chargers require installation by a licensed electrician.
| 7kW (single-phase) | 11kW (three-phase) | 22kW (three-phase) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical charging power/speed | Up to 45km of range per hour | Up to 70km of range per hour Note: if the car only supports single-phase power, it will only charge at 3.6kW (per phase) | Up to 130km of range per hour Note: if the car only supports single-phase power, it will only charge at 7kW (per phase) |
| Best for | EVs accepting 7kW single-phase only Homes with single-phase power connection | EVs accepting 11kW three-phase or more Homes with three-phase power connection | EVs accepting up to 22kW three-phase or 7kW single-phase Homes with three-phase power connection |
| Electrical requirements | Dedicated single-phase circuit, appropriate protection and sufficient switchboard capacity | Dedicated three-phase circuit, appropriate protection and sufficient switchboard capacity | Dedicated three-phase circuit, appropriate protection and sufficient switchboard capacity |
| Indicative cost | Typical installed cost: $1,000 - $3,000+ | Typical installed cost: ~$2,500 - $5,500+ | Typical installed cost: ~$2,500 - $5,500+ |
Note:
- The large majority of EVs on the market accept 7 or 11kW charging with only a handful capable of 22kW charging. If your car only supports 7kW and you have a three-phase home, don’t select the 11kW charger as its maximum power is only 3.6kW per phase.
- Charging speeds and costs are indicative. Actual charging depends on your vehicle, electrical supply and installation requirements.
Where will the Level 2 charger go?
The location can significantly affect installation cost. Your electrician will consider:
- Where you normally park your car
- The distance from the switchboard to the charger
- How the cable will be routed, as a more difficult run can increase the cost
- Whether your switchboard has sufficient capacity
- Whether additional electrical work is needed
What if I park on the street?
If you don’t have off-street parking, check whether your local council permits charging from your home while your car is parked at the kerb. Inner West Council has trialled permits for cables crossing the footpath with suitable cable protection. Check current rules and if permits are still available before running a cable across the footpath.
What about solar charging?
If you have rooftop solar, consider a solar-aware charger that can use excess rooftop solar to charge your car rather than export it to the grid. Tell your installer if you also have a home battery, so they can consider compatibility with your existing equipment. See our solar and batteries page.
How do I start?
- Decide where you will normally park and charge your EV.
- Check whether your home has single-phase or three-phase power.
- Check your EV’s maximum AC charging rate.
- If you have rooftop solar, consider whether solar-aware charging would be useful.
- Ask an electrician to assess the installation and provide a quote.
IWCE can help you understand your options and connect you with a trusted local installer. Contact us to get started today.