With petrol prices on the rise, electric vehicles (EVs) look more attractive than ever. If you’re considering going electric, you should understand a few things about home charging — namely how it works and how much it costs.
In this article, Canstar Blue walks you through everything you need to know about charging your brand-new EV at home and the best home EV chargers in Australia.
On this page:
- What are the EV charging station home installation levels?
- What is an electric car’s battery range?
- What is the best EV charger for your home?
- What to consider when buying an EV charger
- How much do home EV charging stations cost?
- How to set up an EV charging station at home
- Home EV electricity plans
What are the EV charging station home installation levels?
There are three basic charging speeds, or levels, for electric vehicles. These are Level 1 (slow), Level 2 (medium) and Level 3 (fast). Charging times can vary between 30 minutes and 24 hours, depending on the power source. An electric car charged in under an hour at a public fast-charging station may take up to 20 hours to charge at home. EV charging levels are shown below.
Level 1 EV charging
This is the slowest EV charging method. It uses a standard power cable plugged into a wall outlet to generate around 2kW. If a typical EV has a 40 kilowatt hour (kWh) battery, it will take about 20 hours to charge. Level 1 charging is best for hybrid vehicles or infrequent drivers.
Level 2 EV charging
Level 2 is a step up from Level 1, using a wall-mounted unit to produce between 7kW and 22kW. Also known as ‘home chargers’, these units are installed by an electrician and charge your EV overnight. Using the 40kWh battery example, a Level 2 charger running 7kW would take about 5.7 hours to charge an electric car.
Level 3 EV charging
Level 3 chargers are the fastest method of powering your EV. These chargers can deliver 50kW+ an hour, meaning most EVs would be charged in less than an hour. Most Level 3 chargers can only be found at EV public charging stations due to their higher price tag.
What is an electric car’s battery range?
So, how far will you get on a charge? Regardless of the charger level, a full battery is a full battery. Charge method will not affect your range, but other factors may, including:
- EV model (battery type)
- Battery size
- EV type (hybrid etc.)
- Battery condition
- Road conditions
- A/C use
Most electric vehicles in Australia can travel 320km to 480km on a single charge. While most Australians could commute to work and drive around the city comfortably with that range, it’s still a good idea to check the battery range in advance.
Compare energy deals
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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11% Less than reference price |
$1,614 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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10% Less than VDO |
$1,304 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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4% Less than reference price |
$1,990 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
What is the best EV charger for your home?
While ‘the best’ EV charger for your home ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and needs, there are a few chargers that are worth checking out.
Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3
The Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3 is Tesla’s latest addition to the Wall Connector series. Unlike standard home outlet chargers, wall connectors have a dedicated connection to your meter box, meaning they can charge your EV faster.
Tesla’s Wall Connector Gen 3 focuses on convenience, with a 7.3m cable and access to updates and diagnostics via the Tesla app. Plus with a RRP of $800, it’s not going to break the bank.
The Tesla Wall Connector is compatible with Teslas and most other electric vehicles available in Australia with compatible charging inlets.
Lektri.co Smart EV Charger
Another wall charger, the Lektri.co Smart Charger comes with a 5m long cable and single-phase 7.4kW (32A) charging. The Lektri.co app allows users to adjust the charging current plus start and stop the charging process remotely.
The Lektri.co Smart EV Charger comes in slightly more expensive than the Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3, ranging from $935 to $1700. However it is compatible with most EVs.
MyEnergi Zappi
Self proclaimed as the world’s first solar EV charger, the MyEnergi Zappi uses excess solar energy that you generate to charge your car. According to MyEnergi, the charger connects with your photovoltaic (PV) system and uses power either from the grid or your solar panels, depending on your preference.
The MyEnergi Zappi charger comes with three charging modes: Eco, Eco+ and Fast.
- Eco: Uses both green and imported energy from the grid. This mode allows for full solar charging, if desired. If energy generation falls below 1.4kw, power from the grid will be used.
- Eco+: Green and grid energy ratio is adjusted depending on power usage throughout your home. Charging will pause if there is too much grid-imported power being used.
- Fast: Fast charging is prioritised above all else, with power coming from either a mixed energy source or directly from the grid.
Pricing ranges from $1545 to $1895.
What to consider when buying an EV charger
Purchasing a home EV charger can be a big decision, so making sure you pick one that will meet your needs is essential. Here’s some things to consider when looking for a home EV charger.
Charger speed
As mentioned above, there are three types of EV charger. Make sure you buy one that will charge your EV within the desired timeframe.
Smart features
Nowadays many EV chargers come with smart features, often via an app. Smart features can allow for remote monitoring, control and setting preferences. However, if you plan on plugging in your EV before going to bed, you likely won’t be needing any smart features.
Cable length
Charging cables vary in length and generally fall somewhere in the five to eight metre range. The configuration of your garage or carpark, plus location of charger will determine how long your charging cable should be.
Brand and warranty
When choosing a home EV charger, it pays to opt for a trusted brand that offers a robust warranty, typically ranging from three to five years.
Future proofing
Try picking an EV charger with higher power capacity or advanced features to ensure it can accommodate future EVs with larger battery sizes and faster charging capabilities.
How much do EV charging stations cost?
There are two costs to consider for electric vehicles — installation and energy usage. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect to pay to charge your electric car.
EV installation costs
When it comes to EVs, the faster the charge, the more you’ll pay. You’re not only paying for convenience — you’re paying for more power.
Keep in mind that some EV retailers include free Level 2 home charger installation when you purchase directly through them. Investing in a Level 3 fast charger is not always necessary, since overnight charging is usually sufficient.
EV energy usage costs
Like installation prices, electricity usage costs increase with charging speed. That said, even the fastest EV charger is still considerably cheaper than petrol prices. As petrol prices continue to rise, electric vehicles offer considerable savings.
According to Drive, the cost of charging an EV at home is highly dependent on what state you live in. For example, it will cost you more to charge an EV at home in SA than ACT, due to the difference in electricity prices. Here’s an estimate of how much it would cost you to charge an 60kWh EV, based on the average electricity usage rates in Canstar Blue’s database for each distribution network.
| State | Distribution Network | Average cost per full charge |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Ausgrid | $19.98 |
| NSW | Endeavour Energy | $20.16 |
| NSW | Essential Energy | $21.90 |
| VIC | AusNet Services | $20.58 |
| VIC | Citipower | $15.00 |
| VIC | Jemena | $17.52 |
| VIC | Powercor | $17.88 |
| VIC | United Energy | $16.74 |
| QLD | Energex | $19.26 |
| SA | SA Power Networks | $26.52 |
| ACT | Evoenergy | $17.16 |
| TAS | TasNetworks | $16.86 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 17/10/2024. Based on average electricity usage rates for single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database.
Note that if you have solar panels, the cost will be lower.
How to set up an EV charging station at home
EV charging stations installation is best left to the experts — authorised electricians who can safely and properly install your unit. You can, however, prepare your home for installation by following a few simple steps.
1. Choose a location
There’s more to choosing a location than putting it in your garage. You need to consider how you use your car and, more specifically, whether you drive or reverse park. You’ll want your carport on the most convenient side of your garage or carport. Ensure that area is cleared in advance to speed up the installation process
2. Determine your connection
Get an idea of how fast your EV will charge by determining whether you have a single-phase or three-phase connection. Three-phase connections will charge your EV faster. Identify the type of connection in your house by measuring the width of the main switch — three-phase switches are about three finger-widths wide.
3. Consider renewable energy
A solar system with a battery can generate energy and store it at night. In addition to reducing your electricity bill, solar systems can charge your electric vehicle. Do the math and figure out how long it would take you to break even on a solar investment.
4. Talk to your body corporate
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have an EV charger. Find out if your strata or body corporate has a policy regarding EV installation.
5. Compare installation costs
If you’re purchasing an electric car second-hand, you’ll need to install a home charger with the help of an electrician. Compare multiple electricians and brands before making a decision.
Home EV electricity plans
It is much cheaper to charge your car than to buy petrol. With a dedicated electric car plan, your power bill could be even more affordable.
A dedicated EV plan aims to reduce how much you pay to charge your EV by offering a cheaper electricity usage rate during the night. This is not common among Australian power providers — only a handful of electric car plans offer this benefit.
Remember that just because your overnight rates are lower doesn’t mean you’ll pay less for electricity overall. Make sure you check the fine print and understand the peak usage and supply rates before locking into a contract.
Other home electricity plans compared
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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