EV charger installation guide
Is Your Home Ready for an Electric Car Charger?
What to know about charging speeds, single-phase vs three-phase power and your switchboard before installing an EV charger at home or work.
EV charging at home
What to Consider Before Installing an EV Charging Station at Home or Work
With more Aussies making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), there's a growing demand for convenient, reliable home and workplace charging solutions. If you've just bought an EV – or are thinking about it – one of your next steps is probably figuring out how to charge it effectively and efficiently.
That's where the team at Triforce Electrical can help, with a dedicated EV charger installation service. As licensed electrical contractors, we regularly get calls from people asking, “What's actually involved in getting an EV charger installed at my place?”
Here's a list of key things to consider if you're thinking about installing an EV charger.
Charging speed
1. Why Not Just Use the Charger That Came With the Car?
Sure, you can use the portable charger that plugs into a regular 10 amp wall outlet – but be prepared to wait a while to fully charge your EV. These trickle chargers can take anywhere from 20 to 40 hours to fully charge your EV, depending on the battery size and your battery usage.
While this setup might work for those who rarely drive their EV, most owners soon find it frustrating not being able to charge and use their car when and how they want.
If you want something faster, safer, and future-proof, you'll want a dedicated EV charger. These are hardwired into your electrical system and can charge your car 3 to 10 times faster and will often have features built in to ensure you are charging your EV in the most efficient way possible.
The installation process
2. What's Involved in Installing an EV Charger?
This isn't a DIY job – it involves a licensed electrician and helps to plan ahead. Here's what the process usually looks like:
Site Inspection
We assess your switchboard, wiring, and where you want the charger installed.
Load Assessment
We check your current power usage and capacity to ensure your system can handle the extra electrical load.
Wiring & Safety Compliance
We'll run dedicated cabling, install circuit protection, and ensure it's all up to AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules).
Charger Installation
We mount and connect the charger, test it, and run you through how to use it and how to get the most out of your EV charger.
Smart Features (Optional)
Some chargers can connect to solar, Wi-Fi, or apps. We can help you choose a model that suits your needs.
Is your system ready?
3. Can My Existing Electrical System Handle It?
This is the big question. Not every home or business has a switchboard that's ready to take on a 7kW or 22kW charger. If upgrades are needed, we'll let you know up front and can take care of it all – from installing new circuits, upgrading your switchboard or main supply.
If your switchboard hasn't been looked at or upgraded in a while, there's a chance an upgrade may be needed to handle the additional electrical load requirements of your EV charger.
Single-Phase vs Three-Phase Power: What It Means for Charging Speed
Most Queensland homes run on single-phase power, while three-phase power is more common in larger homes, sheds and commercial premises. An easy way to check which one you've got is to look at the main switch on your switchboard – a single switch usually means single-phase, while three switches ganged together means three-phase power is already connected.
In general, single-phase supply can comfortably support a 7kW home EV charger, while a faster 22kW charger typically needs a three-phase connection. If you don't already have three-phase power and want the faster option, our three-phase power team can assess whether it's available at your address and take care of the upgrade.
Switchboard Condition and Capacity
Even on the right phase, an older or already-stretched switchboard can hold back an EV charger installation. Signs your switchboard could do with a closer look include an ageing fuse box, breakers that trip more often than they used to, or a board that's already fully loaded with solar, ducted air conditioning or other big appliances.
If that sounds like your place, it's worth having your switchboard assessed before your EV charger goes in. Our switchboard upgrade service brings older boards up to current safety standards and gives you the extra capacity your charger – and the rest of your home – needs.
Cost guide
4. What About Costs?
The cost to install an EV charger varies depending on: your existing switchboard and wiring; the type and brand of charger you choose; how far the charger is from your switchboard (longer cable runs = higher cost).
As a ballpark: installations can cost around $1,200–$2,000 but we'll always quote upfront, with no surprises. You may also be eligible for local rebates or incentives – we'll let you know if there's anything available in your area.
The payoff
5. Is It Worth It?
If you want convenience, reliability, and the ability to control your charging schedule (and costs), absolutely. If you already have a solar system installed or plan to in the future, this makes owning an EV with a dedicated EV charger even more attractive and efficient.
A professionally installed EV charger installation:
- Cuts your charging time dramatically, giving you the best use of your EV
- Gives you maximum flexibility to take advantage of off-peak rates and any solar power you generate
- Increases your property's future value
- Keeps you and your property safe and compliant with Australian electrical safety standards
Get started
Ready to Get Started or Want to Know More?
We've helped hundreds of customers future-proof their homes and businesses with smart EV charging solutions. If you already have an EV, or are thinking of getting an EV, our EV charger installation team will tailor the right setup for you.
Why choose Triforce
Ready to Charge Faster and Safer at Home?
Our licensed electricians will assess your switchboard and power supply and quote your EV charger installation upfront.
Further information
References
Looking for more guides like this one? Browse our Information & Advice hub for practical electrical and air conditioning advice, or find out more about our EV charger installation service.
Home & workplace EV charging
Let's Get Your Home EV-Ready
Talk to our licensed and insured electricians about a dedicated EV charger installation tailored to your switchboard, power supply and budget.