Charging an electric vehicle at home is cheaper and far more convenient than relying on public chargers — but a proper home charger needs to be installed by a licensed electrician, with the right circuit and enough capacity at your switchboard. Here’s what to know before you book.
Your options
- A standard power point will trickle-charge an EV slowly — fine as a backup, but slow for daily use.
- A dedicated EV charger (wallbox) on its own circuit charges far faster and is the sensible choice for a household that drives regularly.
What affects the cost and feasibility
- Switchboard capacity. Your board needs spare capacity and a dedicated circuit for the charger. Older boards may need an upgrade first.
- Cable run. The distance and route from the switchboard to where you park affects the work involved.
- Single vs three-phase power. Three-phase supply allows faster charging; what you have shapes the options.
- The charger itself. Models vary in speed, smart features and price.
Why it must be a licensed electrician
An EV charger is a significant, continuous electrical load. It has to be installed on a correctly rated, dedicated circuit with appropriate protection, and the installation must be certified. Done properly, it’s safe and reliable for years. Done on the cheap, it’s a real hazard.
Worth doing at the same time
If your switchboard is older, it often makes sense to upgrade it when the charger goes in — you get modern safety switches and the capacity headroom for the charger and anything else you add later. A licensed electrician can assess your board and advise what’s needed before quoting.
Need a hand from a real local team? Property Care Services covers plumbing, electrical, hot water, maintenance and renovations across Melbourne. Get an EV charger installation quote or call us on 0401 643 422 for an upfront quote.