Electric vehicles are becoming a common sight on Bayside and Mornington Peninsula streets — and once you’ve made the switch, the convenience of charging at home overnight is hard to beat. But getting a home EV charger installed isn’t quite as simple as plugging in an extension cord. Here’s a plain-English guide to what the process looks like.
Do you need a special charger?
Technically, you can charge most EVs from a standard 10-amp power point — but it’s slow. Really slow. Depending on your vehicle, a full charge from flat could take 24 hours or more. A dedicated EV charger (sometimes called an EVSE — Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) delivers a much faster charge and is the right long-term solution for most households.
Most home EV chargers operate on a dedicated 32-amp circuit and can charge your vehicle overnight with capacity to spare.
What does the installation involve?
Every property is a little different, but here’s what a typical installation looks like:
- We assess your switchboard to confirm it has the capacity for a dedicated EV charger circuit — and upgrade it if needed
- We determine the best location for the charger, usually on an external wall of your garage or carport near where your vehicle parks
- We run a dedicated circuit from the switchboard to the charger location
- The charger unit is mounted and connected, and the system is tested
- You receive a Certificate of Electrical Safety on completion
The whole job typically takes between two and four hours for a straightforward installation. If switchboard work is also needed, that may be completed as a separate visit.
Does my switchboard need to be upgraded first?
Not always — but it’s one of the first things we check. EV chargers draw significant power, and if your switchboard is already running close to capacity (or is an older fuse-style board), an upgrade will be necessary before we can safely add the new circuit.
We’ll assess this during our initial inspection and give you a clear, transparent quote that covers everything required — no surprises on the day.
Which EV charger should I choose?
There are a range of brands and models available, and the right choice depends on your vehicle, your budget, and whether you want smart features like scheduling or app control. We’re happy to talk through the options with you and recommend a unit that suits your needs and your home setup.
Getting a home EV charger installed is one of those upgrades that you’ll wonder how you lived without. If you’re ready to make the move, let’s get it sorted.
Ready to get started? Contact Nathan at Quality Electrical Contracting today. Call 0424 644 961 or email na****@**********************om.au — serving Bayside suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula.