The EV market is booming in Australia, with more than 400,000 electric vehicles on the road and sales increasing almost 25% from 2024 to 2025.
However, the car is only part of the equation. If you’re thinking about buying an EV, you’ll also need to plan how you’re going to charge it. Public charging networks are expanding, but around 80% of EV owners still choose to charge their cars at home.
Home charging can be convenient and work out cheaper over time, but it’s important to choose the right charger for your needs and understand the costs of installing and running one at home.
Types of EV chargers
When it comes to charging your electric vehicle, there are three main types of chargers on the market, though only levels 1 and 2 are suited for home charging:
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Level 1 chargers
Sometimes called ‘granny chargers’ or ‘trickle chargers’, level 1 chargers are the most basic kind on the market. With no installation required, they simply plug into a standard power outlet and can be easily transported.
Often supplied with your EV, they may be sufficient if you drive very little and your car is parked at home most of the time. However, they are very slow, with speeds around 2.4 kW, meaning a full charge can take more than 24 hours, and if used continuously may put a strain on household power outlets.
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Level 2 chargers
These are dedicated home charging stations that need to be installed by a licensed technician. With speeds between 7 kW and 22 kW, they are significantly faster than level 1 chargers, with a full charge taking anywhere from around nine hours at the lower end to as little as three hours at 22 kW.
In addition, most level 2 chargers come with smart features, such as app connectivity, so you can monitor usage, schedule charging and track electricity costs.
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Level 3 chargers
Level 3 chargers require a powerful electricity connection and are not practical for home installation. They are mainly used in public charging stations and commercial settings and deliver very fast charging, often filling an EV in an hour or less.
Level 2 home chargers are the most common choice for everyday use, offering a balance of speed and convenience.
How much does it cost to get an EV charger installed?
When you buy an EV charger, you’ll need to factor in the cost of installation on top of the unit itself. Level 2 chargers can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to over $2,500, depending on the model, while installation can as much as double the total cost. Typical installation costs range from $500 for a basic installation to $2,000 or more for more complex jobs requiring upgrades or additional labour and materials.
The exact price will depend on several factors, including:
- Switchboard condition: if your switchboard needs upgrading, this will add to the cost.
- Complexity of wiring: installation is simpler if your switchboard is newer and close to the garage, but longer distances or modifications will increase costs.
- Single- or three-phase power: upgrading to three-phase will add thousands to your bill.
- Solar integration: connecting your charger to a solar system will cost more upfront – but you’ll save on energy costs over time.
Three-phase power and EV charging
Most homes in Australia have single-phase power, which uses just one active wire to supply electricity to the property. This is enough to run lights, appliances and air conditioning, but as a household's energy demands increase, the system can become overloaded.
In these cases, some homeowners may consider upgrading to three-phase power. This spreads the electricity supply across three wires, allowing for higher consumption, though the upgrade can be expensive, often costing several thousand dollars.
For EV charging, single-phase power is typically sufficient for chargers up to 7.4 kW, which meets the needs of many households. But if you drive a lot, want faster charging times or have more than one EV, a higher-capacity charger using three-phase power – such as an 11 kW or 22 kW charger – may be a better fit.
Keep in mind, however, that some EVs limit their maximum charge rate, so even with three-phase power, the car may not charge any faster than its internal limit.
Can I switch between single-phase and three-phase power on my EV charger?
Some smart EV chargers allow you to switch between three-phase and single-phase power, This automatic switching helps ensure reliable, consistent charging even if available power drops temporarily.
Is an electrician required for installation?
Yes, unless you are using a level 1 charger that plugs into a power outlet, a licensed electrician is required to install your EV charger. Level 2 chargers and above involve high-power wiring, which must meet strict safety standards to ensure safe operation.
Using a professional ensures your installation complies with local regulations and electrical codes, and it also helps protect your home insurance and the charger’s warranty.
Your electrician will assess your switchboard, wiring and the location of the charger to make sure the installation is safe, efficient and suited to your household’s energy needs. They can also advise on whether any upgrades are needed, such as moving from single-phase to three-phase power or integrating with a solar system.
Do you need to have solar panels or a battery to install an EV charger?
No, you don’t need solar panels or a battery to install an EV charger. It can connect directly to the electricity grid and draw power just like any other appliance in your home. However, if you have solar panels, you can lower your energy costs by using the electricity you generate yourself.
If you also have a battery, you can charge your EV from stored energy instead of drawing power during peak electricity times.
Many smart EV chargers also offer solar smart charging, which helps optimise the use of solar power generated by your panels. These chargers can automatically adjust charging to match the amount of solar energy available, ensuring your EV charges when the sun is producing the most power.
By matching the EV’s charging speed with fluctuating solar output, they can maximise the use of excess solar energy and further reduce reliance on the grid.
Best home EV chargers
The best EV charger will be one that meets your specific charging needs. Some of the main things to consider include:
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Your vehicle(s)
EVs have different maximum AC charging capacities, so there’s little point installing a 22 kW charger if your car can only accept a lower rate. If your household has more than one EV, you may also need to think about how both vehicles will be charged.
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Your driving habits
If you drive frequently or cover long distances, a faster charger may be more convenient so you can top up your battery more quickly when you’re at home (provided you have three-phase power).
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Your household setup
Consider your home’s electrical system, including whether you have single-phase or three-phase power, as this will influence the maximum charging speed you can use, as well as if you want to make use of solar power.
You should also think about where the charger will be installed, such as inside a garage or outside on a driveway, and choose a unit that is appropriately weatherproofed for that location.
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Charger features
EV chargers range in price but that’s not the only factor to consider. You should also look at:
- EV plug type: most EVs in Australia use Type 2 plugs for AC charging (not to be confused with Level 2 charging speed). This means any universal Type 2 charger will work, whether single- or three-phase and at speeds up to 22 kW.
Type 2 plugs are required for all new EVs sold since 2020 in Australia, but some older models and imports may use Type 1 connections. If you have a Type 1 connection, you will likely need to buy an untethered charger that can support a Type 2 to Type 1 charging cable.
- Speed: level 2 chargers come in 7 kW (single-phase) and 11 kW or 22 kW (three-phase) options to match your charging needs. 7 kW units are usually the cheapest, while higher-kW models offer faster charging times.
- OCPP compatibility: OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) ensures your charger is compatible with third-party products, apps and services from other manufacturers or providers, allowing you to use smart features for EV charging.
You can switch network providers, software or hardware without replacing the unit, reducing operational costs and offering greater flexibility.
- Smart features and app control: many chargers include apps that allow you to monitor and control charging remotely, track energy usage, schedule charging during off-peak times and, if you have solar panels, prioritise using solar power. These features give you more control over energy consumption and electricity costs.
- IP rating: the ingress protection (IP) rating classifies how resistant a charger is to dust (first digit, 0–6) and water (second digit, 0–9). For outdoor installations, a minimum of IP44 is recommended. Higher ratings offer better protection and longer-lasting performance, especially for chargers exposed to the elements.
- Cables: a tethered charger has a fixed cable, making it easy to use as you simply need to plug it in. An untethered charger has a detachable cable, which can be useful in shared spaces and gives you the flexibility to change its length if needed. However, the cable must be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost of the charger. It’s also important to make sure the cable is long enough to reach your car.
- Warranty: most chargers come with a two- to three-year warranty, though some offer up to four years, covering defects, malfunctions and repair or replacement of faulty parts.
Home EV charger comparison
Here’s a look at some of the most popular EV chargers in Australia and how they compare:
| Charger | Price | Charging speed(s) | Single- phase? | Three-phase? | App control? | OCPP compatible? | Solar smart charging? | Tethered? | Cable length | IP rating | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3 | $800 | 11 kW | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | Only for Tesla vehicles | ✔ | 7.3m | IP55 | 4 years |
| Fronius Wattpilot Home | $1,700 – $1,900 | 11 kW, 22 kW | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | 5m, 7m, 10m | IP65 | 3 years |
| Myenergi Zappi v2.1 | $1,545 | 7 kW, 22 kW | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Tethered and untethered options available | 6.5m | IP65 | 3 years |
| Wallbox Pulsar Plus | $1,400 – $1,650 | 7.4 kW, 11 kW, 22 kW | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 5m, 7m | IP54 | 3 years |
| Evnex E2 Flex / Core / Plus | $799 – $1,399 | 7.4 kW | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | Core and Plus (not Flex) | ✔ | 5m (Flex, Core), 8m (Plus) | IP55 | 4 years |
| Ocular IQ Home Solar | $1,200 – $1,600 | 7.2 kW, 22 kW | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Tethered and untethered options available | 5m | IP55 | 3 years |
| SolarEdge ONE EV Charger | $1,200 | 7 kW, 22 kW | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Tethered and untethered options available | 7.6m | IP54 | 3 years |
| GoodWe HCA | $850 – $1,100 | 7 kW, 11 kW, 22 kW | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | Only with GoodWe inverters | ✔ | 6m | IP66 | 2 years |
| Sigen EV AC Charger | $1,200 – $1,500 | 7 kW, 11 kW, 22 kW | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 5m | IP65 | 3 years |
| Sungrow AC EV Charger | $900 – $1,200 | 7 kW, 11 kW, 22 kW | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 5m (standard), 7m (optional) | IP65 | 3 years |
| Prices sourced from the manufacturer where available or from a range of Australian retailers if not. Prices correct as of March 2026. | |||||||||||
Is it cheaper to charge my EV at home or at a public charger?
Charging your EV at home is generally cheaper than using public charging points.
As an example, charging a Tesla Model Y from 20% to 100% at home in SA typically costs around $17–$22 based on flat-rate (single rate tariff) usage charges from a range of providers, ranging from 35.31c/kWh to 46.18c/kWh.
Charging the same vehicle at a public Tesla Supercharger in Adelaide would cost around 50c/kWh, totalling about $24 to charge from 20% to full.
You could lower your at-home charging costs even more by taking advantage of off-peak times and solar power, if your system is connected. You can estimate your home charging costs with the government’s home charging calculator.
Whether it’s at home or at a public charging point, charging an EV is almost always cheaper than filling a petrol vehicle.
Is there an electricity plan for EV charging?
Yes, some energy providers offer electricity plans specifically designed for EV owners. To sign up, you'll typically need proof of EV ownership and a smart meter. A smart (level 2) charger is not usually required, but having one can help maximise savings.
These plans generally offer lower rates per kilowatt-hour during off-peak periods, such as overnight. By scheduling your charging for these times, you can save compared with standard household energy plans. Many providers also offer an app to monitor and control charging, making it easy to take advantage of the cheapest rates.
Can I get an EV charger with my EV electricity plan?
No, EV electricity plans do not typically include an EV charger. Some retailers may partner with EV industry providers to offer special deals on chargers, but these are separate from the plan itself.
