Electric Vehicle Charger Installation - Everything You Need To Know?

“It’s good for the environment,” “The returns outweigh your investment” and so on. These are just some claims made whenever installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger becomes the topic. However, those are just scratching the surface for this investment. There are other things a homeowner must know before diving into having an EV charger in his garage. 

In this article, we will go over the essentials of Sydney EV charger installation, including how to best prepare the home for the device and the costs associated with having an electric vehicle and charger.

What is an Electric Vehicle Charger?

Given the growing number of Tesla Superchargers across the country, it is not surprising that it is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about EV chargers. But it is not the only company that makes or uses an EV charger. An EV charger is a piece of equipment that fills the battery of plug-in electric cars, including those from Tesla, Nissan and BMW.

Must-Haves for a Home EV Charger

EV charging stations require more significant power compared to regular appliances. Given this reason, it is best to ensure that the house’s electrical system can handle such demand. At The Local Electrician, our 24 hour electrical service team ensures that the property met the following requirements for an EV charger:

• A capable electric switchboard - A 3 Phase Switchboard is most recommended for this situation. This electrical switchboard offers a safer and more reliable way of using electricity. Formerly exclusively used in commercial spaces, it can handle huge power demand. Within Sydney, only a ASP level 2 electrician is qualified to carry out a 3 phase switchboard upgrade installation.

• Correct cabling - An EV charger needs to have its cable directly connected to the electrical switchboard. It needs to be in the correct size so that the charger can power up the vehicle’s battery. 

• Safety devices - In case of malfunctioning EV chargers, safety devices, like RCD switches, prevent widespread complications. Having these safety devices installed offers protection against electrical spikes and surges.

Costs Associated with EV Charging

Yes, you are saving from the fluctuating price of petrol. However, it does not mean that there are no other expenses associated with owning an electric vehicle. The average cost of charging an electric car at home is $0.25 per kilowatt per hour (kWh). With 18 kWh needed to drive 100 kilometres (km), the cost averages $4.5 per 100 km. For a specific snapshot, car owners need to expect to spend $15 to charge a Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD, while those driving a Nissan Leak will need to shell out $12, and those with a Hyundai Ioniq Electric need to spend $7.66.

The Final Verdict?

At The Local Electrician, our team has helped dozens of homeowners with their EV charger installation. Our emergency electricians ensure that their electrical system is capable of handling the demand coming from this device. All are licensed and insured per the requirements set by NSW Fair Trading. By having the necessary experience and knowledge, property owners need not worry about facing issues with their charger or electrical system in the future. Contact The Local Electrician now to have an expert emergency electrician by your side throughout the electric vehicle charger installation process!