EV Charger Installation at Home in Perth: What You Need to Know
One of the biggest advantages of owning an electric vehicle is being able to charge it at home. Instead of making a trip to the servo, you can plug in when you get home, charge overnight and wake up ready to go.
But before installing an EV charger, there are a few things worth understanding. The right setup depends on your vehicle, your home’s electrical supply, your switchboard, where the charger will be installed and how you plan to use it.
Do I actually need a home EV charger?
Many EVs can technically be charged from a standard power point, but a dedicated EV charger is generally a much more practical option for regular charging.
A properly installed home charger can provide faster charging, dedicated electrical protection and a much more convenient setup for everyday use.
For most EV owners, the goal is simple: plug in at night and have enough charge ready for the next day.
7kW vs 11kW vs 22kW EV chargers
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to EV charging. The charger that suits your property depends on both your vehicle and your electrical supply.
A common home setup
Often suitable for residential installations and overnight charging, particularly where the property has single-phase power.
Faster three-phase charging
May suit properties with three-phase power and vehicles capable of accepting the higher AC charging rate.
Not necessary for everyone
Requires suitable three-phase infrastructure and a vehicle capable of making use of the additional charging capacity.
Do I need three-phase power?
Not necessarily. Many home EV charger installations can operate on single-phase power.
Three-phase supply can allow for higher charging capacity, but the right option depends on your vehicle, how much you drive and how quickly you actually need to recharge.
Will my switchboard need to be upgraded?
Sometimes. EV chargers introduce a significant new electrical load, so your existing switchboard and electrical supply need to be assessed before installation.
The available capacity, existing protective devices, switchboard condition and other loads in the property can all influence what is required.
Can I charge my EV using solar?
Potentially, yes. The best setup depends on your solar system, charger, vehicle and the times your car is normally at home.
If solar integration is important to you, it’s worth considering that when choosing the charger rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Can BESS install an EV charger I’ve already bought?
Yes. If you already have a charger supplied with your vehicle or you’ve purchased one yourself, BESS can assess the installation and install client-supplied equipment where it is suitable for the property and installation requirements.
ALREADY HAVE YOUR CHARGER? GET AN INSTALLATION QUOTE →Where can an EV charger be installed?
Chargers are commonly installed in garages, carports and external parking areas, but the best location will depend on where the vehicle is parked and how the electrical cabling can be run from the switchboard.
Cable distance, walls, ceilings, paving, concrete, trenching and separate garages or sheds can all affect the installation.
How much does EV charger installation cost in Perth?
There isn’t one installation price that suits every property. A straightforward installation with the switchboard nearby can be very different from a job requiring a long cable run, switchboard work or trenching.
Some of the main factors include:
- Distance between the switchboard and charger
- Single-phase or three-phase supply
- Charger size and electrical requirements
- Switchboard condition and available capacity
- Roof, wall and cable access
- Concrete, paving or trenching
- Whether electrical upgrades are required
A FEW PHOTOS CAN
SAVE A LOT OF GUESSWORK.
To help us assess your installation, have a few photos ready of your switchboard, proposed charger location and the area between the two.
