EV Charger Installation FAQs for Bendigo
If you are researching home EV charger installation and want clear answers before calling anyone, this page covers the questions we hear most often.
For anything not on this page, get in touch on 0426 324 288 and we will talk you through it before you commit to booking.
Pricing and What’s Included
Why do home EV charger installation prices vary so much between quotes?
Most of the price difference between quotes comes down to switchboard condition and cable run length, rather than the charger unit itself. A 7kW charger costs roughly the same across most brands, but the electrical work needed to connect it safely can vary significantly from one property to the next. If you have received conflicting quotes, a site assessment will give you a clear scope of work to compare them against.
What does a smart charger do that a standard charger does not?
A smart charger connects to your home Wi-Fi and lets you control and monitor charging from an app on your phone, including setting a schedule so charging happens overnight at a cheaper rate. Standard chargers start as soon as the car is plugged in, with no scheduling or usage tracking. For most households on a time-of-use tariff or with solar panels, the smart features pay for themselves within the first couple of years.
Is a 15A outlet upgrade cheaper than a full 7kW charger installation?
Yes, a 15A GPO upgrade is considerably cheaper than a full 7kW charger installation, which typically costs $1,500–$2000+. A 15A outlet delivers 3.6kW of charging power, adding roughly 20km of range per hour, which is enough for most daily commutes and overnight charging. It is a cost-effective stepping stone if your daily driving is modest, and you can upgrade to 7kW or 11kW later if your needs change.
Charger Options and EV Compatibility
What charging connector does a home EV charger use, and will it fit my car?
The standard connector for home EV chargers in Australia is Type 2, and all major EV brands currently sold new in Australia accept it. If your car was purchased overseas or is an older model, mention it when you enquire and we will confirm the right setup before quoting. Compatibility is something we check before any hardware is ordered, not after.
Should I get a charger with a built-in cable or one with a socket?
Chargers with a built-in cable are more convenient for most households because the cable is always attached to the wall and ready to use. Chargers with a socket let you use whichever compatible cable you already own, which is useful if you have more than one EV or want to keep the option open. Either type involves the same home electrical installation, so the decision comes down to how you plan to use it rather than anything technical.
My EV supports 11kW charging. Should I get an 11kW charger at home?
It depends on your home’s power supply. An 11kW charger requires three-phase power, which not every Australian home has. If your home has single-phase supply, the maximum output a home charger can deliver is 7kW regardless of what your car supports. If your home has three-phase power, an 11kW charger is a good middle ground between the 7kW standard and the more expensive 22kW option. We confirm your supply during the site assessment and recommend the output that suits both your home and your car.
Power Supply and Electrical
How do I know if my home has single-phase or three-phase power?
The quickest way to check is to look at your main switchboard. A single-phase supply has 1 main switch at the top; a three-phase supply has 3. You can also check your electricity meter, which will be labelled, or simply let us confirm it during the site assessment. Most freestanding homes in Australian suburbs are single-phase, and a 7kW charger runs comfortably on that supply.
Will power be disrupted to my home during the charger installation?
In most cases, the power disruption is minimal. If a switchboard upgrade is needed, we isolate the affected section of your switchboard during the work, not the entire home. We schedule this in advance and confirm the timing with you. For a straightforward install with no switchboard work, there is typically no power disruption at all because the new charger circuit is added without touching the existing supply.
How quickly does a 7kW charger add range to my EV during charging?
A 7kW charger typically adds around 40 to 50 kilometres of range per hour, depending on the specific vehicle model. Overnight charging on 7kW is sufficient for most daily driving patterns. For example, an EV parked for 8 hours overnight can add 320 to 400 kilometres of range on a 7kW charger, which covers most commuting needs. If your daily driving typically exceeds 200 kilometres and you cannot always charge overnight, a faster 11kW or 22kW option may suit your situation better.
What to Expect on Installation Day
Do I need to reschedule work or stay home on installation day?
You are welcome to be home or away during the install. If a switchboard upgrade is needed and we need to isolate power to your home for a period, it is helpful for you to be on site, but not essential. We confirm the scope and timing in advance so you can make informed decisions about your day. Most installs take half a day to a full day depending on whether switchboard work is involved, so you can often carry on with work or other activities if needed.
How long does a home EV charger installation typically take?
Most residential installs are completed in a single visit, typically half a day to a full day, depending on the cable run and whether any switchboard work is needed. We aim to have the charger tested and working before we leave. A straightforward 7kW install with no switchboard upgrades often takes 4 to 5 hours. If a switchboard upgrade is necessary, add another 2 to 4 hours depending on the complexity of the board and the work required.
Can an EV charger be installed outside or in an open garage?
Yes, most home EV chargers are rated for outdoor installation and can be mounted on exterior walls, in carports, and in open garages. The right location depends on your cable run, parking position, and access to a weatherproof mounting surface. We assess the best location during the site visit, taking into account the cable run length from your switchboard, the weather exposure of the mounting point, and how your EV is typically parked.
Charging With Solar and Off-Peak Power
Can my EV charger work with my solar panels?
Yes, most modern smart chargers can be set to charge preferentially from solar generation during the day, reducing what you draw from the grid. We can advise on compatible charger models during a site assessment. The charger works alongside your solar inverter to prioritise your own power before pulling from the grid, which maximises your self-consumption and reduces your electricity bill.
What is an off-peak charging schedule, and how much will I save?
Off-peak charging means scheduling your EV to charge during the hours when your electricity retailer offers a cheaper rate, typically overnight. If your retailer offers a time-of-use tariff, the savings depend on the gap between your peak and off-peak rates. With a dedicated 7kW charger and a smart tariff, most households save money within the first 12 to 24 months compared to charging on a standard rate. A smart charger lets you set the schedule via an app so the EV charges automatically during off-peak hours.
What can a smart charger do that a regular charger cannot?
A smart charger connects to Wi-Fi and gives you app control over when and how your EV charges, plus real-time usage monitoring. You can set a charging schedule, cap the charge limit if you do not need a full battery, and in some models, prioritise charging from solar panels when they are generating. A regular non-smart charger starts charging as soon as the car is plugged in with no scheduling or app monitoring, and will not take advantage of time-of-use tariffs or solar generation patterns.
Installing in an Apartment or Unit
What does getting body corporate approval for an EV charger involve?
Getting body corporate approval typically means submitting a formal proposal to the strata committee or body corporate committee outlining the charger type, location, and electrical scope. The process often takes 2 to 4 weeks if there are no objections. We can help prepare the technical documentation and plan to speed up the approval process. In some buildings, a simpler approval is granted because the proposal meets existing common-property guidelines or the building already has infrastructure to support chargers.
What if the body corporate or strata committee rejects or delays my charger request?
If the body corporate delays the decision, you can request a formal response timeline and escalate if a timeframe is not met. If approval is rejected, you have the right to request reasons in writing and can appeal the decision through the strata or body corporate governance process depending on your state. In some cases, offering to fund the electrical upgrades yourself or proposing a load management system for shared charging removes cost concerns that may be holding up approval.
I am renting. Can I install an EV charger at my rental property?
As a tenant, you would need your landlord’s written permission before any charger installation work could proceed. As a landlord, you can install a charger and either bill the tenant, include it in the rental, or offer it as an added amenity. We can assist with the technical planning and installation regardless of the arrangement between landlord and tenant. If the property is in a building with body corporate, you would also need their approval before proceeding with the installation.
Once Your Charger Is Installed
Do you offer a warranty on the charger and installation?
The charger itself comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, which typically covers defects in the unit for 2 to 5 years depending on the brand. Our installation work is backed by a workmanship warranty. We confirm the exact terms of both warranties in writing at the time of quote and again when installation is complete. If anything is not right with the charger or our installation work, we come back and fix it at no additional cost.
How often does an EV charger need maintenance?
Home EV chargers require very little maintenance. Most tethered chargers need a visual check occasionally to ensure the cable remains undamaged and the plug contacts are clean and dry. Annual inspection is a good habit, and we can advise on what to look for. If any damage or malfunction appears, get in touch and we can service or repair it. For most households, a well-installed charger delivers reliable, maintenance-free charging for many years.
Can I add a second home charger later, or upgrade to a faster charger?
Yes, upgrading or adding a second charger is straightforward if your switchboard and power supply support the additional load. If you are considering a second charger, we can assess whether your current switchboard and supply can handle it, and whether load balancing or other changes are needed. Upgrading from 7kW to 11kW or 22kW requires a three-phase supply if you do not already have it, which we can plan and include in the scope.
EV Charger Brands We Install
How do I choose which charger brand to install?
Most major charger brands offer similar functionality and reliability. The choice often comes down to app features, cable length, and whether you prefer a tethered or untethered model. We work with Tesla, Zappi, Wallbox, Ocular, Charge Amps, ABB, and other leading brands. If you already have a preferred brand, we can install it. If you are still deciding, we can recommend the best fit for your situation during the site assessment and explain the trade-offs between models.
Can I supply my own charger and just pay for installation?
Yes, we offer install-only pricing if you are supplying your own charger. The install-only service covers the electrical work, cable run, switchboard connection, circuit protection, and the compliance certificate. You remain responsible for sourcing a charger that is compatible with your home’s power supply and your EV. We recommend discussing your charger choice with us before you purchase, so we can confirm compatibility and advise on whether the model you have selected suits your home and vehicle.
What brands and models of chargers do you install?
We install chargers from the major brands sold in Australia, including Tesla, Zappi, Wallbox, Ocular, Charge Amps, ABB, and EVNEX. Each brand offers tethered and untethered options, smart and basic models, and a range of price points. The right charger depends on your home’s electrical setup, your EV model, and whether you want smart features and app control. During the site assessment, we will recommend the models that suit your property and car, and you can decide based on features and price.