With electric vehicles getting increasingly popular in Australia, the installation of EV chargers at homes is becoming a common phenomenon. The reason is pretty obvious – rather than relying on public charging stations, it is always better to have a dedicated charger at home. However, every homeowner must know a few things before they have the EV charger installed at their home. On this page, let us discuss the things that homeowners need to know before they opt for EV charger installation in Brisbane or wherever they are located.
Choosing The Right EV Charger Type
The first and foremost decision to make en route to installing the EV charger is knowing the type of EV charger that an individual needs to install at home. Generally speaking, EV chargers are divided into 3 different categories:
Level 1 Chargers: These chargers plug into standard power outlets of 240V and need no installation. However, they are pretty slow, and add merely 10-15 km of range per hour.
Level 2 Chargers: This is the most popular choice of EV charger. These are the chargers that need to be professionally installed and need to have a dedicated 240V circuit. These chargers provide faster charging that extends up to 30 to 40 km of range per hour. These chargers often come with smart features like energy monitoring and scheduling.
DC Fast Chargers: This charger is rarely used at homes and hence keep this out of our discussion on this page.
For most of the homeowners, a level 2 charger offers the best option, in regard to the best balance of cost, speed and convenience.
Assessing Electrical Capacity
Before an EV charger installation in a Brisbane CBD home, it is imperative to check the electrical infrastructure of the home to make sure it can support the additional load. To find out whether any modifications are required, a professional electrician needs to be hired to assess the switchboard, wiring, and the available capacity.
- Electrical Upgrades: To securely support the charger, a panel upgrade could be required if the system is old or almost full.
The majority of Level 2 chargers need a dedicated circuit of their own, for the best results, safety and security.
Choosing the Ideal Site for Installation
Cost and convenience might be greatly impacted by the site of the EV charger installation in Paddington. The majority of homeowners position chargers near the car’s parking spot in their driveway or garage.
- Distance Is Important: The cost of installation increases with the distance between the charger and the main electrical panel since more wiring is required.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: In order to comply with Australian safety regulations, outside installations need weatherproof chargers and extra safeguards.
Taking into Account Future-Proofing and Smart Charging Features
Advanced features like load management, energy monitoring, app-based control, and Wi-Fi connectivity are available in modern EV chargers. By using these tools and charging during the off-peak hours, it is possible to lower the electricity bills. Additionally, selecting a charger that supports upcoming technologies, such as bidirectional charging, makes it possible to make the most of the cutting-edge EV technology developments.
What makes you wait then, if you are planning to have a suitable EV charger installed at your home? Call QMAX Electric at 0466698801 to book an appointment or get a free quote from our end!
FAQs About EV Charger Installation: What Should Homeowners Know in 2025?
- Does my home need a three-phase power supply to install a fast EV charger?Not necessarily. Many residential chargers can work well on a single-phase supply. However, for much higher charging speeds, a three-phase supply may be required — this will be assessed during the consultation.
- Can I install an EV charger in a strata, housing complex, or body corporate setting?Yes — QMAX Electric states they can install EV chargers in those settings, as long as you have the necessary local council approvals or building permissions, and possibly leverage load-sharing technology.
- Will installing an EV charger dramatically increase my electricity bill?Charging will increase your electricity usage, but QMAX Electric suggests it “is not alarming.” You can reduce cost impact by scheduling charging during off-peak hours, and if you already have a solar system, charging might use excess solar energy.
- Can the EV charger be connected to or integrated with my existing solar power system?Yes. QMAX Electric states that most EV chargers are compatible with modern solar setups, and they can configure charging to prioritise solar power when available.
- How long does the installation of an EV charger typically take?For a standard installation, QMAX Electric estimates about 3–4 hours. If additional work is needed (for example trenching, upgrading switchboards, or running new wiring), the time may be longer.
- Is it safe to use a regular power outlet (e.g. standard domestic socket) rather than a dedicated charger?QMAX Electric advises against using a standard outlet for EV charging because it can overload the circuit. They recommend installing a dedicated EV charger circuit for safer and faster charging.
- Do I need to upgrade my switchboard before installing an EV charger?Yes, sometimes. In older properties, the existing switchboard may not meet current capacity or safety standards. QMAX Electric assesses this in their inspection and will recommend upgrades if needed to ensure compliance and reliable performance.
- What is the difference between single-phase and three-phase chargers, and when is each used?Single-phase chargers (commonly ~7 kW) are typical in residential settings and charge slower. Three-phase chargers can deliver higher power (e.g. up to 22 kW) and are more suitable for commercial sites or properties with higher energy demands.
- Can I install a charger outdoors?Yes. QMAX Electric installs weatherproof (IP-rated) chargers suitable for outdoor use. They ensure the mounting, cabling, and positioning are safe and durable for exposed conditions.
- How much will EV charger installation cost?The cost depends on multiple factors: existing wiring, switchboard condition, the model of charger, and installation complexity. QMAX Electric will carry out an assessment and then provide a detailed, no-obligation quote covering materials and labour.