Affordable Electric Vehicles (EVs) are popping up all over Australia. There are now dozens of models competing for attention, so there’s never been a better time to upgrade.
Charging is the main challenge when it comes to electric cars. Australia’s charging infrastructure is a bit behind the times, and about 80-90% of all charging is still done at home. That means you’ll need to install an EV charger if you want to make the most of your new car.
In this article, we’ll see how long it takes to install an EV charger so you can get your home ready for your new car.
EV Charger Installation Process
Installing an EV charger may sound complex, but they work just like any other electrical appliance. Chargers must be installed by a qualified electrician and you’ll need to check with Energex to see if EV charging is restricted in your area. Apart from that, the process is relatively simple:
- Assess your home’s wiring. EV chargers are capable of drawing lots of power. Your electrician needs to assess your home’s wiring and switchboard to make sure it’s up to the task. You may need electrical upgrades if your home is older or if you want to install multiple EV chargers.
- Choose an EV charger. Your electrician can help you select an EV charger that suits your home, budget and charging needs. You can read more about choosing the right type of EV charger on our blog.
- Run wiring. Once your switchboard and power supply has been upgraded, the installation begins by running the necessary wiring. This can be one of the most time-consuming parts of the process, especially if you live in an apartment building.
- Connect the EV charger. With the wiring in place, your electrician can mount and connect the EV charger.
- Set up and configure the charger. Finally, your electrician will set up, configure and test the charger to make sure it’s working properly.
We recommend speaking to an electrician before purchasing an EV charger. Not all types of EV chargers are suitable for all homes or vehicles. Working with our team to select a charger ensures you’re spending your money in the right place.
How Long Does it Take to Install an EV Charger?
It can take as little as 2-3 hours to install an EV charger in your home. But the job could take multiple days depending on your home’s existing wiring, the type of charger you choose and where the charger is located.
For instance, if you just need an additional power point for charging a plug-in hybrid vehicle, it will only take an electrician a few hours to complete the work. But, if you want 3-phase Level 2 charging, your electrician will likely need to upgrade your power supply and switchboard before the charger can be installed. This would be a multi-day job, and it could take even longer if you live in an apartment building.
The time it takes to install an EV charger also depends on the type of property you live in. Installations in freestanding homes and private garages (like the garage attached to a townhouse) are often quicker. The process will take longer if you live in an apartment building or if your EV charger will affect common property.
Do I Need Body Corporate Approval to Install an EV Charger?
If you live in an apartment building or townhouse with a communal garage, you typically need body corporate approval to install an EV charger. Getting body corporate approval may take a few weeks. You will need to:
- Check your body corporate agreement. Find out if your body corporate has existing by-laws regarding EV chargers. You can ask the building manager or body corporate committee for a copy of the agreement.
- Get a quote from an electrician. The requirements for installing an EV charger vary widely. Before applying to the body corporate, you should talk to an electrician to find out exactly what needs to be done (e.g. running new wiring, upgrading the power supply or accessing common power).
- Apply to the body corporate. Applications to your body corporate are usually made in writing. They will be reviewed and approved by the body corporate committee, or the issue may need to be approved at a general meeting of residents.
- Receive the body corporate’s decision. The body corporate will vote on whether or not to approve your EV charger. If they vote no, or if they approve the changes with conditions you think are unreasonable, you can apply to the BCCM office to resolve the issue.
Upgrade to EV Charging with the team at Martel Electrical!
Thinking about buying an electric vehicle? It’s a great way to slash your expenses and carbon footprint, and an at-home EV charger is a convenient way to keep your batteries topped up. If you’re ready to upgrade your home, apartment or townhouse, get in touch with Martel Electrical!
Martel Electrical is a team of experienced electricians based on Brisbane’s Northside. We offer EV charger installation for all properties and all types of charging systems. Our team is equipped to install chargers from major brands such as Tesla, or we can specify a system that’s right for you, your vehicle and your budget. Get in touch with us to find out more, or book a consultation with Martel Electrical for a quote!