How much will it cost to install an electric vehicle charger at home?
31 May, 2023
The cost to install an EV charger at home depends on a few different factors.
First, you need to consider what type of charger you need.
Factors like how far you typically drive each day, where you plan to charge your EV (in your garage for example), and how far this location is from your electricity box will determine how much an EV charger costs to install.
Whether or not your home will require a power upgrade is also a consideration. This article covers:
- What EV home charger options are there?
- How much do different home EV charging options cost to install?
- How to choose the best home EV charging solution for you
- Charging EVs in an apartment complex
What home EV charging options are there?
You can charge an EV at home either using the portable cable provided with your vehicle, or with a specially installed wall charger.
Australian homes typically only have single-phase connections, and therefore the top charge rate would be 7.4kW, which can add up to 40km of range an hour.
Some homes and many commercial premises have access to three-phase power and therefore can, with the correct equipment, achieve charge speeds of up to 130km an hour.
| Charge rate (kW) | Connection | Type of equipment | Installation requirements | Approx. charge speed (km/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 | Single-phase, 10amp | Portable charger, EVSE (Mode 2, Level 1) |
Standard 240-volt general power outlet (GPO) | 15 |
| 3.7 | Single-phase, 15amp | Portable charger, EVSE (Mode 2, Level 1) |
240-volt general power outlet (GPO) with 15 amp wiring | 25 |
| 7 | Single-phase, 32amp | Wall charger (Mode 3, Level 2) |
Standard single-phase AC home wiring run directly to wall charger (requires electrician) | 40 |
| 22 | Three-phase, 32amp |
Destination charger (Mode 3, Level 2) |
Three-phrase AC wiring run from grid to wall charger (requires electrician) | 130 |
How much do different home EV charging options cost to install?
Level 1 charging
This is the least expensive form of EV charging, as it only requires a standard 240-volt standard outlet.
If you already have an outlet near where you park your car, you may not need any additional equipment.
However, if you need to install a new outlet, the cost may range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the distance from the circuit box and any other necessary upgrades to the wiring or circuit breaker.
Note: Carmakers generally provide a portable Level 1 cable with a new EV, however some don’t. The cost of a portable EV cable can range from $400 - $600. If you want one with multiple tail options (10 amp up to 32 amp - handy for remote road trips) the cost can near $2,000.
Level 2 charging
This form of charging requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit and a Level 2 charging station.
The cost of the charging station itself can range from $600 to $2,500, depending on the brand and features. The installation cost can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the location of the installation and any necessary electrical upgrades.
How to choose the best home EV charging solution for you
Steps to take in choosing the right home EV charging option for you include:
- How far do you drive each day?
- Where is the charge port on your EV?
- Do you need to install a new outlet/wiring?
- Do you have a solar system or battery?
1. How far do you drive each day?
The first step in understanding what kind of charger you need to use at home is to consider how far you drive each day.
Using the chart above, you can multiply the number of hours you are able to plug in by any chosen charge speed to calculate how many kilometres you would be able to add each charge session.
For example, if you have a single-phase 15amp outlet, and you can charge for 8 hours each night, you will add 200km of range each charge session.
The typical Australian drives each day is less than 40km each day, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. In this case, there would be no need for a Level 2 charger.
However, if you sometimes need to drive longer distances at short notice, you might want to consider a Level 2 charger so you can add more range in a shorter time.
2. Where is the charge port on your EV?
It is important to consider when planning a home EV charger installation where the charge port is on your EV. Measure the length of the cable and the distance from where the port is when you park to any existing power outlets. If the cable does not safely reach a power outlet you may want to consider having a new outlet installed.
3. Do you need to install a new outlet/wiring?
Some homes - particularly those with older circuits - may not be suitable for Level 1 or Level 2 charging options. In some cases, circuit boards may need upgrades. Another option can be to run a dedicated circuit to your home EV charger location. This could be as simple as a new 15 amp outlet, or a new outlet for a dedicated wall charger. Check with your electrician to determine your home’s options.
4. Do you have a solar system or battery?
If you have solar power and/or energy storage battery you may also want to consider installing a special wall charger that “talks” to your solar inverter and only charges when there is power generated by your system.
Charging EVs in an apartment complex
This article does not cover the cost of installing an EV charger in an apartment complex.
The question of how much it will cost to install an EV charger in an apartment is an entirely different discussion as it involves strata management.
The existing electrical architecture of apartment complexes can also differ greatly and the question of how to charge residents that own EVs is also important.
This article from the Strata Community Association discusses the challenges for electric vehicles in strata communities.
