Home charging set-up checklist

1. Do you need a wall charger?

• Work out your daily kilometres: a power point adds about 10–15 km an hour, so many drivers don't need more.
• Check the power point is on its own circuit and in good condition. Avoid extension leads.
• Note how long the car is parked at home overnight and during the day.
• Check whether you're renting or in a strata building: you'll need permission, and strata may need a by-law.

2. Before the electrician comes

• Take photos of your switchboard and meter box to send with quote requests.
• Measure the distance from the switchboard to where you park.
• Find out if you have single-phase or three-phase power (your electrician or bill can tell you).
• Check your car's on-board AC charging limit: many cars can't use more than 7 kW on single-phase.
• If you have solar, decide whether you want a charger that can use spare solar.

3. Questions for the electrician

• Does the switchboard need an upgrade or new safety switches?
• Is the house supply big enough, or does the charger need load management?
• Will the network need to approve it? Some networks limit chargers on single-phase homes.
• Is the price fixed, including cabling, conduit, trenching and any switchboard work?
• Will they supply a certificate of compliance when it's done?

4. Choosing a charger

• Tethered (cable attached) or untethered: tethered is easier day to day.
• Smart features: scheduling for off-peak, solar charging and an app.
• Weather rating if it's outdoors (IP rating), and a holster for the cable.
• Warranty length and local support.

5. After it's installed

• Switch to an EV or time-of-use electricity plan with a cheap overnight rate, or use free midday power if it's offered.
• Set the car or charger to charge in the cheap hours
• Keep the compliance certificate for insurance and when you sell.
• Tell your insurer if your policy asks about fixtures.

Notes