EV Charger Installation FAQs for Maitland
This page covers the most common questions homeowners ask before getting a home EV charger installed, from cost factors and charger types through to solar integration and what to expect on installation day.
For anything not on this page, get in touch on 0400 167 468 and we will talk you through it before you commit to booking.
Cost and Pricing
What affects the price of installing a home EV charger?
A very low quote often signals that something has been excluded rather than that the installer is more efficient. Common omissions include the compliance certificate, circuit protection hardware, or the switchboard labour fee, which then get added back as extras once work is underway. Ask any installer to confirm in writing that the quote is all-inclusive before you accept it, and specifically ask whether the compliance certificate and any switchboard work are included.
What does a smart charger do that a standard charger does not?
Smart chargers rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection to function properly. If your garage or carport is on the edge of your home network’s range, you may need a Wi-Fi extender to ensure the charger maintains a reliable connection for scheduling and monitoring. We check signal strength at the proposed mounting location during the site visit and flag it early so you can address it before installation day if needed.
Why does a 10A to 15A GPO upgrade vary so much in cost?
Upgrading a standard 10A outlet to a 15A socket for EV charging generally costs between $150 and $800 AUD, depending on your existing electrical infrastructure. The low end ($150–$350) applies if you have existing 15A-rated wiring and an electrician only needs to swap the wall plate and potentially upgrade the circuit breaker. The high end ($400–$800+) applies if your wiring is not rated for 15A and new, thicker cabling needs to be run from your switchboard to the outlet location.
Choosing the Right Charger
Will a home EV charger work with any EV?
All new EVs sold in Australia use a Type 2 connector as standard, which is what most home chargers supply. Tesla vehicles sold from 2024 onwards use Type 2 as standard, and older Tesla models can use a readily available adapter. We confirm compatibility as part of the site assessment before recommending or ordering any hardware.
Should I get a charger with a built-in cable or one with a socket?
Chargers with a built-in cable are more convenient for most households because the cable is always attached to the wall and ready to use. Chargers with a socket let you use whichever compatible cable you already own, which is useful if you have more than one EV or want to keep the option open. Either type involves the same home electrical installation, so the decision comes down to how you plan to use it rather than anything technical.
What is the difference between a 7kW and 22kW charger?
A 7kW charger is single-phase and the most common home setup, delivering around 40km of range per hour of charging. A 22kW charger requires three-phase power and delivers around 120km of range per hour, but is significantly less common in residential areas and requires an upgrade to your home’s power supply. Most homeowners find 7kW sufficient for overnight charging; 22kW suits those who want a faster top-up between drives or have a three-phase supply already available.
Switchboards, Phases, and Power Supply
What is the difference between single-phase and three-phase power?
Single-phase is the standard residential power supply in Australia and delivers up to 7kW for home EV charging. Three-phase power delivers higher capacity and supports up to 22kW chargers, but is less common in homes unless they have high electrical demands. We check your home’s power supply type during the site assessment and confirm whether a 7kW or 22kW charger is feasible for your property.
Will installing a charger cause power outages or electrical issues?
A properly installed EV charger on a dedicated circuit does not cause outages or disrupt power to the rest of the home. The installation includes circuit protection that prevents overload, and we size the circuit to handle the charger’s continuous load safely. We assess your switchboard’s capacity during the site visit and confirm whether your existing supply can handle a charger or whether an upgrade is needed before work begins.
How long does it take to charge a car overnight?
A 7kW charger typically adds 40 to 50km of range per hour, meaning an average EV can charge from empty to full in around 8 to 12 hours, depending on battery size. Most owners park overnight and wake up with a full charge, which covers daily commuting without needing a public charger. If your daily driving is under 300km, a 7kW charger covers your needs and charges to full overnight.
Installation Process
Does EV charger installation need to be done by a licensed electrician?
Yes, all EV charger installations in Australia must be carried out by a licensed electrician, who is required to issue a compliance certificate on completion. Using an unlicensed installer can void your charger warranty and may affect your home insurance. All our installations are carried out by licensed electricians and backed by a compliance certificate issued on the day the work is complete.
Do I need to be home during the installation?
You should arrange to be available on the day of installation, though you do not need to be present every moment. The electrician will need access to your switchboard, parking location, and the area where the charger will be mounted. We confirm the exact timing in the week before the job, and you are welcome to ask questions or observe the work as we go.
Can an EV charger be installed outside?
Yes, most home EV chargers are rated for outdoor installation and can be mounted on exterior walls, in carports, and in open garages. The right location depends on your cable run, parking position, and access to a weatherproof mounting surface. We assess the best location during the site visit and confirm cabling and mounting before the installation.
Charging With Solar and Off-Peak Power
Can my EV charger work with my solar panels?
Yes, most modern smart chargers can be configured to prioritise solar generation during the day, reducing what you draw from the grid. A smart charger with load management lets you set charging to start when your panels are generating, though you still need grid power for reliable overnight charging. We can advise on compatible charger models and how solar integration works during the site assessment.
What is off-peak charging, and does it save money?
Off-peak charging uses scheduled charging to run overnight when electricity costs less on time-of-use tariffs. A smart charger can be set to charge only during your retailer’s off-peak window, often saving 30 to 50 per cent on charging costs compared to peak rates. We discuss tariff options and charger setup during the site visit to help you maximise savings.
What features should I look for in a smart charger?
Key features include app control for monitoring usage, scheduled charging for off-peak times, and load management to balance the charger with your home’s other electrical demands. If you have solar panels, look for integration features that let the charger prioritise solar generation. We discuss smart charger options that suit your setup when we assess the property.
Strata and Body Corporate
Can I install an EV charger in an apartment or unit?
Installing a charger in an apartment or strata building requires approval from the body corporate or strata committee. The process typically involves submitting plans and an electrical assessment for approval before work can begin. We can assist with the approval process and advise on the best location and setup for your building’s electrical infrastructure.
What if my body corporate or strata rejects the charger installation?
If approval is refused, we can discuss alternative options such as a portable EVSE on a standard power point, or work with your body corporate to find a compromise location or design. Some strata bodies require additional insurance or cost-sharing agreements before approving an installation. We can advise on next steps based on your building’s specific requirements.
Can a renter install an EV charger?
If you rent the property, you will need approval from the landlord before installing a charger, as the installation involves permanent electrical work. Some landlords approve installations if you cover the cost, while others decline. A portable EVSE that plugs into a standard power point is a rental-friendly option that requires no permanent installation.
After Installation
What warranty do you offer on the installation?
All of our installations come with a workmanship warranty covering the electrical work and installation quality. We also provide a compliance certificate on the day the job is complete. We can service or repair any charger we install, and if something is not working correctly, we come back to fix it.
How often does an EV charger need maintenance?
Most home EV chargers require very little maintenance. A visual inspection and occasional cleaning of the connector and casing is usually all that is needed. We recommend a professional inspection every few years, especially if you notice any unusual behaviour. The charger’s internal electronics are sealed and weather-protected, so corrosion or damage is rare with a quality installation.
Can I add a second charger later?
Yes, you can add a second charger to your property if your switchboard capacity allows and you have the physical space. We can assess whether your current supply can support two chargers or whether an upgrade would be needed. Adding a second charger is often cheaper than the first if no additional switchboard work is required.
Comparing Chargers and Brands
Which brands of chargers do you install?
We install home chargers from Tesla, Zappi, Wallbox, EVNEX, Ocular, Charge Amps, ABB, and other major brands available in Australia. If you already own a charger or have a brand preference, we can install it for you. If you are still deciding, we can recommend models that suit your home and car.
Can you install a charger I have already bought?
Yes, if you have purchased a charger, we can supply the electrical installation work only. This is often called install-only, and covers the circuit, cabling, wall mounting, switchboard connection, and compliance certificate. The price is lower than supply-and-install because you have provided the charger unit itself.
Can you install a Tesla Wall Connector or other branded charger?
Yes, we can install Tesla Wall Connectors and other major branded chargers. Compatibility with Type 2 is standard for all new EVs in Australia, so any Type 2 charger works with any current EV model. We confirm compatibility and handle the full installation including electrical work and certification.