The Complete Guide To EV Charger Installation

Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity across Australia. Installing a proper EV charging station ensures convenient and efficient charging at home or in public locations. This guide provides an overview of EV charging equipment, explains the installation process, and outlines key steps for safe and compliant EV charger setup.

Overview of EV Charging Equipment

Several types of electric vehicle chargers are available:

Level 1: Plug into a standard wall outlet. Best for overnight charging at 6-10 km of range per hour of charging.
Level 2: Require a dedicated 240V circuit and charge 10-20 km of range per hour. Common for home and public use.
DC Fast Chargers: Offer rapid charging at stations along highways and busy areas. Add over 100 km of range in 15-30 minutes.

Different EVs have different charging port types and may only be compatible with certain chargers. Always check the vehicle specifications before selecting charging equipment.

EV Charger Installation Process

Properly installing an EV charger requires following essential steps:

Site Assessment: Determine the optimal location considering length of charging cable, accessibility, and convenience.
Load Calculation: Calculate electrical load to ensure the existing system can handle EV charging requirements.
Charger Selection: Choose a charger that is compatible with your EV’s charge port and meets your speed needs.
Hire a Licenced Electrician: EV charger installation is complex and requires a qualified professional.
Install Dedicated Circuit: New circuit from the electrical panel provides consistent power supply to the charger.
Mount and Connect Charger: Securely mount the charger and complete all electrical connections.
Testing and Commissioning: Verify correct operation and charging speed meets specifications.

Key Steps for Safe, Compliant Installation

Follow these key steps for proper EV charger installation:

Assess total electrical load – Consider existing appliances and future needs to select appropriate charger power level.
Hire a licenced electrician – Electrical work must comply with Australian standards for safety and performance.
Install a dedicated circuit – Essential for providing adequate, consistent power to EV chargers.
Use specified components – Breakers, wiring, conduits must suit chosen charger and electrical load.
Ensure accessible location – Allow convenient charging cable access between vehicle and charger.
Adhere to standards – Comply with all applicable Australian EV charging regulations and standards.
Test charger thoroughly – Confirm full functionality, grounding, and charging speed before use.

Public Charging Station Installations

Additional factors apply when installing public EV charging stations:

Consult local council regulations
Consider disabled access requirements
Choose robust, weatherproof equipment
Enable user authentication and payment systems
Provide clear usage instructions

Next Steps for Your EV Charger Installation

EV charger installation is an electrical project best left to accredited electrical service professionals. The team at Watts Next Electrical comprises fully certified electricians to handle your EV charger or public charging station installation safely and efficiently.

Contact us or call 0416 796 614 to discuss your electric vehicle charging needs. Our team brings advanced safety, precision, and experience to every EV charger installation project.