EV Charger Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger at home is a crucial step towards sustainability and enhances convenience for daily charging. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the installation process

1. Assess Your Charging Needs

Assess your daily driving habits to determine what your charging needs may be. You can check your EV’s product specification to understand the size of your battery in kW, and the typical distance you will be able to drive per charge. Type 2 (AC hardwired) chargers are the most common EVC used in Australia, they provide a reliable balance of speed and convenience for most users, at a cost-effective price compared to super-fast DC chargers. Consider factors such as your typical travel distances and the duration of your stays at work. If you find that your driving patterns require quicker charging times, you may want to explore options like public DC fast chargers. There are plenty of apps available that help you find a charger depending on your location or driving route. Become familiar with your EV. Knowing the on-board charger capacity, and the battery capacity, are key pieces of information for you to intimately understand your EV. These are equivalent to knowing which type of fuel, and how big your fuel tank is, for a petrol/diesel car.

2. Choose the Right Location

Selecting an accessible location near your switchboard will help minimize installation costs. Ensure the area is well-lit and protected from the elements to make it easy and safe to access in all weather, at all times of the day. The charger should also be positioned for easy access to the vehicle's charging port, reducing stress on the cable. Note that different EVs have their charging ports in different positions, something to keep in mind if your household has (or may be in the future) more than one EV.

3. Evaluate Electrical Capacity

Consult a licensed electrical contractor to assess your home’s electrical capacity. They will check if your incoming supply is able to support the additional load from the EV charger, ensuring you avoid potential overload issues. Consider whether your home has a single-phase or three-phase connection, as this will impact charger selection. Your EV uses an onboard charger to convert the AC charge from your charger to DC for storage in the battery. Check the specifications for your EV’s onboard charger, as this will limit the maximum power draw your car can take. Don’t worry, if your charger has a higher rating than your on-board charger, the on-board charger will automatically reduce the amount of charge it accepts from the charger. This is perfectly safe and does not harm the charger or EV.

4. Installation Process

Hire a licensed electrical contractor to complete and certify the installation. They will obtain the necessary certificates and ensure the installation is safe and meets the installation requirements by Australian or New Zealand Standards.

5. Ongoing Maintenance

Once installed, maintain your charger by regularly cleaning it and checking for wear and tear. Establish a schedule for periodic inspections to ensure everything functions correctly and safely. Keeping the charger in good condition will enhance its longevity and reliability. Refer to your EVC instruction manual for more information on this.

By following these steps and consulting with professionals, you can successfully install an EV charger at home. This investment not only supports your electric vehicle needs but also contributes to a greener future. If you need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to experts for guidance throughout the process.