How to Charge Your EV at Home in Australia | A Complete Guide

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer niche in Australia. With sales growing year-on-year and more models arriving in showrooms, one of the most important questions for new and prospective owners is simple: how do you charge an EV at home?

This guide covers everything Australians need to know about EV home charging in 2025—from choosing the right charger and understanding costs to navigating installation, tariffs, and future-proofing your setup.

Why Home EV Charging Matters in Australia

Public charging stations are expanding across the country, but the convenience of home charging remains unmatched. For most Australians, 90–95% of EV charging happens at home. Instead of relying on public infrastructure, you plug in overnight and wake up to a fully charged car.

Benefits include:

• Convenience: No detours to charge, just plug in at night.
• Lower Costs: Home electricity is typically cheaper than public fast chargers.
• Control: Choose when and how you charge, taking advantage of off-peak tariffs or solar energy.
• Long-Term Value: Home charging can improve EV battery health with slower, consistent charging.

Types of EV Home Charging in Australia

When it comes to charging your EV at home, there are two main approaches.

Standard Powerpoint Charging (Level 1)

Every EV comes with a portable charging cable compatible with a standard 240V household outlet. This is the simplest form of charging—just plug it in.

• Pros: No extra cost, works anywhere.
• Cons: Very slow—around 10 km of range per hour.
• Best for: Occasional charging or plug-in hybrids with smaller batteries.

Dedicated EV Charger (Level 2)

Also known as a wallbox or home EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), this is the most popular choice for Australian households.

• Pros: Faster charging (typically 7–22 kW depending on setup).
• Cons: Requires installation by a licensed electrician.
• Best for: Daily EV use, longer commutes, multiple EV households.

Charging Speeds Explained

EV home charging speeds depend on three key factors:

• Charger Output (kW): A 7 kW charger adds ~40 km of range per hour; a 22 kW unit (three-phase) can add ~120 km/h.
• Battery Size: Larger batteries take longer to charge, even with faster chargers.
• Car’s Onboard Charger: If your EV only supports 7.2 kW AC charging, installing a 22 kW charger won’t make it faster.

For most Australians, a single-phase 7 kW home charger is the sweet spot—balancing cost, installation, and practicality.

Installation of EV Chargers in Australia

Site Assessment

Before installation, an electrician will evaluate your home’s electrical system, switchboard capacity, and parking setup.

Electrical Upgrades

Older homes may require switchboard upgrades, additional circuits, or even three-phase power if you want faster charging.

Safety Requirements

Australian standards mandate that all EV chargers be installed by licensed electricians. Residual current devices (RCDs) and circuit breakers are also required.

Typical Installation Costs

• Basic installation: $800–$1,200
• Complex installation (long cable runs, upgrades): $1,500–$3,000
• Three-phase upgrade: $3,000+

EV Charging Costs at Home

The cost of charging your EV at home depends on your electricity tariff and when you charge.

Average Costs in 2025

• Standard residential tariff: ~30c/kWh
• Off-peak tariff: ~15c/kWh
• Solar self-consumption: $0 (after upfront system cost)

Example:

A Tesla Model 3 with a 60 kWh battery costs about $9 on off-peak power for a full charge, compared to $20+ at a public DC fast charger.

Solar and EV Charging

Australia leads the world in rooftop solar adoption, making solar charging an attractive option.

Benefits of Solar EV Charging

• Virtually free running costs after installation.
• Reduced reliance on the grid.
• Lower carbon footprint.

Adding a Home Battery

Pairing solar with a home battery (like a Tesla Powerwall) enables overnight charging from stored solar energy.

Smart Chargers and Load Management

Modern EV chargers in Australia come with smart features:

• Wi-Fi & App Integration: Schedule charging for off-peak hours.
• Dynamic Load Balancing: Prevents overloading your home’s electrical system.
• Solar Integration: Automatically prioritises solar energy when available.

Government Incentives and Rebates in Australia

While most state EV incentives focus on purchase rebates, some support home charging:

• New South Wales: Rebates for smart chargers in some programs.
• Victoria: Solar rebates can indirectly benefit EV owners.
• Queensland & WA: Limited charger rebates available in regional schemes.

Check with your state’s energy department for the latest offers.

EV Home Charging and Strata or Apartments

For Australians living in units or townhouses, charging can be more complex.

Common Challenges

• Strata approval.
• Shared parking spaces.
• Electrical capacity of the building.

Solutions

• Shared EV charging infrastructure.
• Billing software for multiple users.
• Engaging an EV charging consultant for body corporate proposals.

EV Charging and Battery Longevity

Charging habits affect EV battery health. Experts recommend:

• Regularly charging to 80–90%, not 100%.
• Avoiding deep discharges to below 10%.
• Using slower home charging more often than fast public DC charging.

Future-Proofing Your EV Home Charger

EV technology is evolving rapidly. To ensure your investment lasts:

• Install a 7 kW or higher charger (compatible with most future models).
• Consider three-phase power if building a new home.
• Choose a smart charger with over-the-air updates.
• Ensure cables and conduits allow for upgrades.

Common Myths About EV Home Charging

• Myth 1: You need three-phase power for EVs.
  Most EVs charge perfectly fine on single-phase 7 kW.
• Myth 2: Home charging is dangerous.
  When installed by a licensed electrician, EV chargers are safe.
• Myth 3: Charging is too expensive.
  Even on standard tariffs, EVs cost far less to “refuel” than petrol cars.

Choosing the Right Charger for Your Needs

Factors to consider include:

• Your daily driving distance.
• Whether your home has solar.
• Number of EVs in the household.
• Future plans for bigger EVs or fleets.
• Budget for installation and upgrades.

Popular brands in Australia include Tesla Wall Connector, Zappi, Wallbox, and Schneider Electric.

The Bottom Line

Charging your EV at home in Australia is simple once you understand the basics. With the right setup, you’ll enjoy lower running costs, maximum convenience, and a system that supports sustainable driving well into the future.