Should I install an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger at Home? 4 factors to consider
More Australians are purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) to counter higher petrol prices and make a positive contribution to the environment. EVs have become more affordable due to government incentives and the reduced cost of batteries, making the switch more seamless.
If you own an EV or are thinking of purchasing one, consider how you will charge it in a convenient and cost-effective manner. Installing an EV charger at home is a smart way to achieve both. However, before making a decision, you should evaluate these key factors to ensure the installation is safe and meets your needs, including your home setup and solar power capacity.
4 Factors to Consider Before Installing an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger at Home
1. The electrical capacity of your home and whether you have solar power
Charging an EV using the grid can be a costly exercise. Having both solar power and battery storage protects you from ever-increasing electricity costs as you can use more energy generated from the sun to charge your EV. If you intend to charge your EV at night, you could take advantage of off-peak tariffs.
Also, ensure your home's electrical setup can support the installation of an EV charger. Contact Solahart to find out more.
ALSO READ: How to know if a home battery solution is right for you
2. Type of charger
Your choice of EV charger depends on your driving habits and when you expect to charge your vehicle. There are three levels of EV charging:
- Level 1 Charger: Also known as a “trickle charger” which requires a standard 240-volt outlet. This option is typically supplied with your car and takes about 33 hours to fully charge a small EV.¹
- Level 2 Charger: Suitable for more frequent charging in residential applications and requires a hardwired 7.4kW (single-phase) or 22kW (three-phase) outlet. It could take half or even a quarter of the time to charge your EV compared to Level 1.¹
- Level 3 Charger: These are commercial units found in public spaces such as car parks. It can fully charge your EV in approximately two hours.¹
Check if your home is connected to the grid via single-phase or three-phase power to help determine which level charger is best. Also, consider a dedicated power supply to your car charger, as sharing a circuit with the rest of your home could slow down your car charge. Solahart can advise if this is possible.
3. Location of installation
It’s best to install the EV charger as close to your parking spot as possible, as an extension lead is not suitable for this level of power. Ensure there is enough room for the cable.
An outdoor installation may be possible, but your charger, if exposed, will need an enclosure to protect it from the weather.
4. Installation costs and permits
In addition to the EV charger itself, other factors can contribute to the final installation cost, including the electrical setup and any additional heavy-duty cables to cover the distance from the electrical panel to the charger. Familiarise yourself with any fees for council permits or other regulations that may apply to your local area before installing an EV charger.
Be sure to consider these additions in your final budget.
If you’re considering an EV charger for your home, speak to Solahart today. With Tesla, Fimer and GoodWe EV chargers in our range, you can count on us to help you charge your car quickly, simply, and safely.
But, we don’t stop there. Your local Solahart Dealer will work with you to maximise the use of your solar power, take advantage of the best energy prices, and reduce the amount of excess power you send back to the grid.