EV Charger Installation Guide by Certified Electrician

Introduction

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming common in Australia as people shift towards environmentally friendly and sustainable modes of transportation. In Australia, EV sales surged 86% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with over 10,000 new registrations recorded. The need for effective and easily accessible charging infrastructure has increased with the increasing adoption of electric vehicles. Installing EV chargers is crucial for supporting the growing adoption of electric vehicles, ensuring convenient and efficient recharging at home and in public spaces. It enhances the sustainability of transportation by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

With this comprehensive EV charger installation guide, you will be equipped with the knowledge to embrace the electric vehicle revolution, different EV charger types for installations and electrical requirements for EV charging.

Types of EV Chargers

IEC 62196, the International Electrotechnical Commission standard, is crucial in Australia's EV charging infrastructure. It defines plug types, voltage levels, and communication protocols, creating a universal framework. You must consider these for your EV chargers.

Level 1 Chargers: Basic Home Charging

Type 1, also known as SAE J1772, is a single-phase charger, most suitable for basic home charging. It is capable of transmitting up to 7.4 kW of power. It is widely employed for routine AC charging.

• Pros: Level 1 chargers are cost-effective and easy to install, often using standard household outlets. They provide a convenient and accessible option for overnight charging at home.


• Cons: The primary drawback is their slow charging speed to fully charge an EV battery, which can take up to 12-24 hours. The lower power output may be insufficient for larger batteries or high daily mileage requirements.

Level 2 Chargers: Faster Home Charging

Type 2, a three-phase charger, adheres to the common standards for faster home charging. It carries a higher load, allowing up to 22 kW of power transmission. Not limited to AC charging; Type 2 connectors support AC and DC charging.

• Pros: Level 2 chargers can deliver up to 22 kW of power, significantly reducing charging time compared to standard Level 1 chargers. Type 2 connectors support AC and DC charging, making them compatible with more electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.


• Cons: Level 2 chargers often require professional installation and may need a dedicated circuit, which can add to the upfront cost. While Type 2 is widely adopted, some older vehicles or charging stations may not support it, potentially limiting options for some users.

DC Fast Chargers: Public and Commercial Use

DC fast chargers are high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for quick and efficient recharging. They are commonly used in public and commercial settings to minimise charging times and support growing EVs on the road.

• Pros: DC Fast Chargers can replenish an EV battery to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, making them ideal for quick stops during long trips or busy commercial operations. Their widespread installation in public areas ensures drivers have convenient access to fast charging, reducing range anxiety.


• Cons: The installation and maintenance of DC fast chargers can be more expensive than standard Level 2 chargers. It potentially impacts the overall cost for businesses and public entities. They often require significant electrical infrastructure upgrades, which can be challenging and costly for some locations to accommodate.

Preparing for EV Charger Installation

You must prepare the following EV charger installation requirements.

Assessing Your Charging Needs

EV model, daily driving habits, plug compatibility, battery size, charging time and power output are common assessments for EV charger installation. Evaluate charging requirements to choose the best EV charger. This ensures an effective and convenient charging experience customised to your lifestyle and EV requirements.

Choosing the Right Charger

Explore the various charging speeds, applications and effects that Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) chargers have on the experience of charging an electric vehicle. Check which charger suits your EV needs and if there is an option for future-proofing. Consider the scalability of the chosen EV charger, anticipating potential advancements in EV technology and evolving standards for charging.

Understanding Your Electrical System

You must check your house has enough power supply to bear the load of electrical systems and EV chargers. If required, you can go for a potential electrical systems upgrade. Ensure the EV charger you have conforms with AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and other pertinent guidelines. You must become familiar with the local regulations and standards. Assess the feasibility of installing the chosen EV charger at the desired location, considering electrical infrastructure, space requirements, and potential upgrades.

Finding a Professional for EV Charger Installation

Importance of Hiring a Licensed Electrician

Hire certified electricians to install the EV charging systems ensuring that all local laws and safety rules are strictly followed. Installing an electrical vehicle charger in a residential or commercial setting requires the specialised knowledge of licensed electricians. They can accurately determine the capability of your electrical system and, if necessary, make the appropriate changes because they are qualified to work with high-voltage systems.

How to Find Qualified Electricians in Australia

• Online Directories and Reviews: Using online directories and reviews is one of the best ways to choose a licensed electrician for your EV charger installation. An online directory featuring consumer evaluations and ratings of electricians is available on ServiceTasker™, the Yellow Pages, and Google My Business. You can evaluate several service providers and select one based on the recommendations of past customers using these platforms.


• Recommendations from EV Dealerships: EV dealerships frequently collaborate with EV charger installation firms or licensed electricians. You can find reliable experts with a successful installation history by asking your EV dealers for referrals.


• Certifications and Accreditations: To confirm their qualifications, examine the certifications and accreditations of prospective electricians. Seek experts certified by reputable organisations like the Clean Energy Council (CEC) or the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The certificates prove that the electrician follows industry norms and best practices.

Questions to Ask Potential Installers

• Experience with EV charger installations: You can ask the electrician if they have any experience installing EV chargers. Hiring someone with experience with similar installations and knowledge about the particular requirements is advantageous.


• Quotes and Estimates: Ask for thorough quotations and estimates from many electricians. Ensure the quotations provide a detailed breakdown of costs along with any potential additional charges.


• Warranty and Maintenance Services: Find out what kind of guarantee is offered for the installation work and if the electrician provides maintenance services. By investing in a solid warranty and dependable maintenance assistance, you may save on further expenses and future problems.

EV Charger Installation Process

An EV charger installation requires a few crucial steps to finish safely and effectively. Here is a thorough procedure:

Site Assessment

Examine the installation site, focusing on parking accessibility, distance from the power source, and available space.

• Location Selection: Choose the charger installation location carefully, indoors or outdoors. You must adhere to local laws, weather protection, and convenience.


• Proximity to Power Source: Find the closest power source that can meet the electrical needs of the charger. This can entail determining the current electrical panel’s capacity.


• Safety and Accessibility Considerations: Ensure the selected power points permit easy and safe access to the charger. You must consider elements like visibility, physical damage protection, and cable length.

Installation Steps

• Electrical panel upgrades (if necessary): To accommodate the EV charger’s increased load, assess whether the current electrical panel has to be upgraded.


• Wiring and circuit installation: Install the proper wiring and circuits from the electrical panel to the charger location by assuring adherence to electrical standards.


• Mounting the charger: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, assemble the charger, keeping user convenience and upkeep in mind.


• Testing and Configuration: To ensure the charger functions properly and make any necessary configuration changes, perform extensive testing following installation.

Compliance with Australian Standards

Ensure the complete EV Charger Installation comply with all applicable Australian Standards and Laws (such as AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules) for electrical installations and EV charging devices.

• Relevant codes and regulations: Respect EV charger installation regulations, local construction or electrical codes and special rules about EV chargers in your area.


• Permits and inspections: Obtain the requisite permits and arrange for inspections, as instructed by the local authorities. Usually, this entails electrical licenses as well as safety standard compliance assessments.

By following these EV charger installation guidelines and EV charger installation regulations, you may get a safe and dependable installation of an EV charger.

Post-Installation Considerations

Here are some of the considerations after the installation of your EV charger:

Setting Up Your Charger

• Connecting to Your EV: Use the appropriate connector and ensure a secure connection.


• Using Smart Features and Apps:

Routine Maintenance

• Regular Inspections: For safety and functionality, periodically check the cables, the charger unit, and the connectors. Inspect for any signs of wear or damage and regularly clean the charger.


• Troubleshooting Common Issues: Be prepared to troubleshoot issues like connection problems or software glitches.

Safety Tips

• Avoiding Overloads: Avoid overloading circuits by understanding the charger capacity.


• Proper Use of Cables and Connectors: To ensure safety and efficiency, use certified cables and connectors rated for EV charging.

Costs and Incentives

You must know how much it costs to install an EV charger before the installation idea. Check below for a brief idea.

Breakdown of EV Charger Installation Costs

• Level 1 chargers usually cost between $300 and $600. These are common chargers that plug into a conventional wall outlet.


• Level 2 chargers typically range in price from $500 to $2,000. These chargers need a 240-volt outlet and provide faster charging times.


• Level 3 (DC Fast Chargers) can be highly costly, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 and typically placed in business spaces.

• Complex EV charger installation costs between $1,000 to $3,000, particularly, if a lot of electrical work is needed.


• Basic installation can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 depending on the location and complexity of the installation.

• Electrical upgrades: To accommodate the charger, the price range for changing your home’s electrical infrastructure is between $500 and $3,000.


• Trenching and wiring: This could cost $500 to $2,000 where the charger is far from the electrical panel.


• Permits: Installation in some places requires permission, which might run you anywhere from $50 to $200.


• Mounting accessories and equipment: You may need to spend an extra $100 to $500 on mounting poles, longer wires, or weatherproof enclosures.

Government Incentives and Rebates

• EV Charger Grants Scheme: The federal government grants a tax credit of up to $1,000 or up to 30% of the cost of buying and installing an EV charger for residential installations. This is up to $2,500 for commercial-purpose EV charger installations.


• Utility company incentives: Many companies offer free installation services, refunds, or lowered rates. Contact your neighbourhood utility company for information on specific programs.


• State rebates: Large installation costs may be covered by the grants or rebates that several states give.

If you want to claim rebates or incentives, you must get permission from the government authorities responsible for it before installing an EV charger. If permission is granted, you can collect the documents and details of your installation to apply for the incentives. You can submit a rebate claim form to gain all the benefits.

• Check your eligibility: To confirm your eligibility, you can use the program’s website, your energy company, or your local government.


• Application process: Fill out the necessary application forms, many of which call for installation and purchase receipts.


• Submission: Follow the program’s instructions and send in the forms and necessary documents by mail or online.

By taking advantage of these benefits and being aware of the associated expenses, you may increase the affordability and effectiveness of EV charger installation.

Benefits of Installing an EV Charger at Home

Some special benefits of the installation of EV charger at home are:

• Convenience and Time-Saving: You can charge your car whenever it’s not in use, when you have an EV charger at home, which saves you from constantly going to public charging stations.


• Cost Savings on Fuel: Over time, when charging an electric vehicle at home rather than using public charging stations or buying gas, there will be significant fuel cost savings.


• Increased Property Value: Homes with EV chargers are appealing to potential buyers and could raise the resale value of your property since the popularity of electric vehicles is growing.


• Environmental Benefits: Charging your EV at home may help the environment by using renewable energy sources, supporting a cleaner, more sustainable environment, and lowering your carbon footprint.

Conclusion

Installing an EV charger at home guarantees quick and effective charging. Experience is improved with proper setup, intelligent features, and regular maintenance. To ensure smooth functioning, follow safety guidelines and troubleshooting instructions. You can stay connected and use sustainable driving with a well-maintained EV charger.