Installing a home EV charger in Perth: what’s involved
What it takes to install a home EV charger in Perth: single vs three phase, 7kW vs 22kW, switchboard checks, solar-aware charging and what to ask your installer.
Most EV owners can get by on a standard power point for a while. But once you are driving every day, a dedicated wall charger is faster, safer and lets you charge from your own solar. Here is what a proper installation involves.
Single phase or three phase?
Most Perth homes are single phase. A single-phase charger tops out at around 7kW, which adds roughly 40 to 50km of range per hour of charging. That is plenty for overnight charging and most daily driving.
Three-phase homes can run a 22kW charger, but only if the car can accept that rate on AC. Many EVs are limited to 7 or 11kW on AC charging, so check your car’s specifications before paying for the bigger unit.
The switchboard check
An EV charger is one of the biggest continuous loads in a house. Before installing, we check:
- the capacity of your main switch and supply
- whether there is room in the switchboard for a dedicated circuit and RCD protection
- the cable run from the board to where you park
- whether load management is needed so the charger backs off when the oven, air conditioning and pool pump are all running
Older boards sometimes need an upgrade first. We’ll tell you upfront if that applies, rather than adding it later.
Charging from solar
Solar-aware chargers such as Zappi, GoodWe and Tesla Wall Connector (with compatible systems) can be set to charge only from excess solar, or to blend solar with grid power. If you are home during the day or work from home, this can make your driving close to free.
If your car mostly charges overnight, a battery or a time-of-use tariff may suit better. We look at how and when you drive before recommending a setup.
Strata, workplaces and fleets
Apartments, workplaces and fleet depots need load management across multiple chargers and, often, strata or landlord approval. We have delivered multi-bay public EV charging, including at Mandurah Train Station for the Public Transport Authority, and handle the design, approvals and installation from start to finish.
See our EV charger services for more detail.
Common questions
Can I charge my EV from a normal power point?
Yes, but it is slow, roughly 10 to 15km of range per hour, and it isn't designed for hours of continuous load. A dedicated charger is safer for daily use.
Do I need a switchboard upgrade for an EV charger?
Not always. It depends on your main switch rating, spare space and RCD protection. We check this before quoting.
Can my EV charger use only solar power?
Solar-aware chargers can be set to charge only from excess solar, or to mix solar and grid power, depending on your preference.
