What does an EV charger cost to install?

The charger itself is only part of the bill. The electrical work often decides the rest.

• Charger type: basic or smart, with or without solar matching
• Charging power: dedicated home chargers run from 7kW to 22kW
• Distance from the switchboard to where you park
• Whether the switchboard has room for a dedicated circuit
• Whether your supply connection needs upgrading
• Single phase or three phase power
• Walls, ceilings or trenching along the cable route

Maybe not. A standard power point delivers up to 2.4kW and can be the cheapest way to charge, particularly if your daily driving is short.

A dedicated charger is the better choice if you drive further. The government says it can charge 3 to 10 times faster than a standard power point, adding 30 to 80km of range for each hour of charging.

This question can change the plan. The fastest home chargers need three phase supply, and many homes have single phase. Some EVs also accept only 11kW of AC charging, so a 22kW charger may not charge your car any faster.

Match the charger to your car and your driving. Paying for speed your car cannot use is wasted money.

A licensed electrician must install a dedicated charger. It usually runs on its own circuit from the switchboard, often 32A or 40A. Most installations take 2 to 6 hours, depending on wiring and distance.

Do not use extension cords or adapters. The charger needs to be near where you park, in a garage, carport or driveway.

The state’s EV purchase subsidies ended on 1 January 2024. We found no current SA government rebate for buying a home charger.

REPS does list connecting a new or existing EV charger to an approved demand response aggregator. Any incentive comes through a provider, and offers can change at any time, so ask what is on offer. Some local councils run their own programs, so check yours.

Charging at home is usually cheaper than public charging, and charging from your own solar cuts it further. The federal government says EVs can save up to 70% on equivalent fuel costs if you can reliably charge at home.

A smart charger can start when your solar has spare power. The SA Government also suggests charging in the middle of the day, when solar is abundant and demand is low. If you plan to add solar or a battery, say so upfront, because it can change the charger we recommend.

We look at your switchboard, your parking spot, your car and your solar, then give you a clear price. If you are planning other upgrades, we can do it as part of a whole-of-home plan based on your power bill.