Gridly
Licensed Electricians · Australia-Wide
EV Charger Installation in Australia
A dedicated home charger is the fastest, cheapest way to keep your EV topped up. Here's what's involved in getting one installed — costs, process, and what to expect from start to finish.
Free EV Charger QuoteHow much does EV charger installation cost?
Charger unit
$700 – $1,600
Installation labour
$400 – $1,000
Switchboard upgrade
$800 – $2,800
if needed
Most Australian homeowners pay $1,300 to $2,600 for a fully installed 7kW home charger. That includes the charger unit, a dedicated circuit from your switchboard, cabling, and labour.
The biggest cost variable is the distance between your switchboard and your parking spot. A charger mounted on the garage wall directly behind the switchboard is a straightforward job. A charger on the opposite side of the house with a 20-metre cable run through brick costs more.
Older homes — particularly those built before the 1990s — often have switchboards that cannot handle the additional load of a 32A charger circuit. If your switchboard needs upgrading, expect an additional $800 to $2,800 depending on the scope of work.
What's involved in an EV charger installation?
A typical residential install follows five steps, and the whole process from first enquiry to charging takes around one to two weeks.
Site assessment
Your installer reviews photos of your switchboard and parking area (or visits in person) to determine the best mounting location, cable route, and whether any upgrades are needed. This is usually done from photos you submit with your quote request.
Quote and scheduling
You receive a fixed-price quote covering the charger unit, all materials, and labour. Once accepted, the installer books a date — typically within one to two weeks.
Switchboard check and preparation
On installation day, the electrician inspects your switchboard and installs a dedicated circuit breaker for the charger. If the switchboard needs upgrading, this is done first.
Mounting and wiring
The charger is mounted to the wall and hardwired back to the switchboard via a dedicated cable. The electrician routes cabling through conduit to keep the installation neat and protected.
Testing and handover
The electrician tests the charger, confirms it communicates with your vehicle, walks you through the app setup if applicable, and issues a Certificate of Compliance. Your distributor is notified if required.
Single-phase vs three-phase installation
The type of power supply to your home determines how fast you can charge. Most Australian homes have single-phase power, which supports chargers up to 7.4kW. If your home has three-phase power, you can install a charger up to 22kW — roughly three times faster.
Single-phase (most homes)
- Up to 7.4kW charging speed
- Adds ~40–45km range per hour
- Full charge overnight (6–10 hours)
- No power supply changes needed
Three-phase
- Up to 22kW charging speed
- Adds ~120–130km range per hour
- Full charge in 2–3 hours
- Upgrade costs $1,500–$5,000 if not already installed
For most drivers, single-phase charging is more than enough. If you drive 50km a day, you replace that in about 75 minutes of charging. Plug in when you get home, wake up to a full battery. Three-phase is worth considering if you drive long distances daily, have multiple electric vehicles, or your home already has three-phase power.
Where should you install your EV charger?
The ideal location is as close to your switchboard as possible. Every extra metre of cable adds to the installation cost, so a garage or carport wall near the switchboard is the sweet spot.
All major-brand home EV chargers sold in Australia carry an IP54 rating or higher, meaning they are designed for outdoor use. Rain, dust, and humidity are not a problem. That said, a covered location (garage, carport, under an eave) reduces UV exposure and keeps the unit cooler in summer — both of which extend the charger's lifespan.
Your installer will recommend the best position based on your switchboard location, parking layout, and cable routing options. If you are not sure, include a photo of your parking area and switchboard in your quote request — it helps the installer give you an accurate price upfront.
Do you need approval or permits?
In most cases, a standard residential EV charger installation does not require council approval or a DA. It is classified as minor electrical work. Properties in heritage overlay zones may be an exception if the charger is externally visible — check with your local council if this applies.
Your electrician is required to notify your electricity distributor if the charger draws more than 20A on single-phase — and most 7kW chargers draw 32A, so notification is almost always needed. There is no fee or waiting period; your electrician handles it as part of the installation.
Apartments and townhouses: If you live in a strata or body corporate property, you need written approval before installation. Every state now has legislation supporting EV charger installations in strata buildings, but the body corporate can set conditions around metering, cable routing, and insurance. Your installer can help you prepare the application.
Why install a home charger instead of using public charging?
Public charging works in a pinch, but it costs 2–4x more per kWh than charging at home on an off-peak tariff. A typical home charge costs $5 to $13 for 400–500km of range, compared to $20–$40 at a public DC fast charger. Over a year, that difference adds up to $1,000 or more.
Beyond cost, home charging is simply more convenient. Plug in when you get home, wake up to a full battery — no detours, no queues, no apps. If you have rooftop solar, you can charge your EV for close to nothing during the day.
Pairing a home charger with a home battery lets you store cheap off-peak or solar electricity and use it to charge overnight — maximising savings even further. Browse home EV chargers to compare units by speed, features, and price.
Installation by city
Installation costs and requirements vary by location. Select your city for local pricing, distributor details, and area-specific considerations.
How to choose an installer
Any licensed electrician can legally install an EV charger, but not all have experience with the specific requirements of EV charging circuits. Here is what to look for:
- Licensed and insured. Confirm they hold a current electrical licence in your state and carry public liability insurance.
- EV charger experience. Ask how many charger installations they have completed. An experienced installer will assess your switchboard, recommend the right charger, and handle distributor notifications without you needing to chase anything.
- Fixed-price quote. Avoid hourly-rate quotes for charger installations. A good installer will give you a fixed price after reviewing your switchboard and site photos.
- Warranty on workmanship. The charger manufacturer covers the unit, but your installer should warrant their labour and wiring — typically 1 to 5 years.
Common questions about EV charger installation
How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home in Australia?
Most homeowners pay $1,300 to $2,600 for a fully installed 7kW home charger including the unit and labour. The main cost variables are the distance between your switchboard and parking spot, whether your switchboard needs upgrading, and whether you have single-phase or three-phase power. A switchboard upgrade adds $800 to $2,800.
Can I install an EV charger myself?
No. Australian electrical regulations require all EV charger installations to be completed by a licensed electrician. The work involves a dedicated circuit from your switchboard, hardwired cabling, and in most cases a notification to your electricity distributor. DIY installation is illegal and voids your warranty and home insurance.
How long does an EV charger installation take?
A straightforward installation takes 2 to 4 hours. If your switchboard needs upgrading, the cable run is long, or your electrician needs to route cabling through brick or concrete, it can stretch to a full day. Your installer will give you a time estimate after the site assessment.
Do I need council approval to install an EV charger?
In most cases, no. A standard residential EV charger installation does not require council approval or a DA. Properties in heritage overlay zones may be an exception if the charger is externally visible. Your electrician handles the notification to your electricity distributor (required for chargers drawing more than 20A on single-phase). If you live in a unit or apartment, you will need strata or body corporate approval.
What is the difference between single-phase and three-phase EV charging?
Single-phase power delivers up to 7.4kW of charging speed, adding roughly 40-45km of range per hour. Three-phase power delivers up to 22kW, adding 120-130km per hour. Most Australian homes have single-phase power. Upgrading to three-phase costs $1,500 to $5,000 depending on your distributor and how far your home is from the transformer.
Where is the best place to install a home EV charger?
The best location is as close to your switchboard as possible — shorter cable runs mean lower installation costs. A garage wall is ideal (protected from weather, close to parking). Carports, covered outdoor walls, and external house walls all work too. All major-brand home chargers sold in Australia are rated for outdoor use (IP54 or higher), so weather exposure is not a dealbreaker.
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