EV charger installation in Canberra

Common reasons people call

• Charging off a standard power point takes all night and still isn't full
• Not sure whether the switchboard or supply can handle a charger
• Garage or carport a long way from the switchboard
• Want the car to charge from solar rather than the grid
• A business that needs charging for staff, visitors or fleet vehicles

What the job covers

• Checking switchboard space, supply and existing load before quoting
• A dedicated circuit with the correct protection for the charger
• Installing the charger you've bought, or advice on what suits your supply
• Single-phase and three-phase installations
• Solar-aware and smart-charging setup where the charger supports it
• Testing, commissioning and a walk-through before we leave

Why a dedicated charger rather than a power point

Most cars come with a portable cable that plugs into an ordinary power point. It works, but slowly, and it runs a standard outlet near its limit for hours at a time. That's why we often find warm plugs and tired power points.

A wall charger sits on its own circuit with protection sized for it. It charges much faster, and it can be set to charge off-peak or from solar.

Single-phase or three-phase: 7kW, 11kW and 22kW

Most Canberra homes have single-phase power. A single-phase charger usually runs at up to about 7kW, which is enough to fill most cars overnight.

11kW and 22kW chargers need three-phase supply. They also only help if the car can take that rate. Many cars have an on-board charger limit, so a bigger charger doesn't always mean faster charging. We check your supply and the car's limit so you don't pay for capacity you can't use.

Switchboard capacity and safety

A charger is one of the biggest loads in a house. Before quoting, we check there's room on the switchboard, that the supply can carry the extra load alongside things like heating and cooking, and that the right protection can be fitted. Some homes need a switchboard upgrade or load management first. If so, we explain why. Depending on the charger size and your supply, the electricity network (Evoenergy in the ACT, Essential Energy around Queanbeyan) may need to be notified or give approval. We'll tell you if that applies to your job.

Smart and solar-aware charging

If you have solar, many chargers can be set to use surplus solar instead of exporting it. Smart chargers can also charge in off-peak windows or limit their draw so the house supply isn't overloaded. We set this up where your charger and system support it.

Homes and businesses

Home installs are usually a single charger in a garage or carport. For businesses, the job can be one charger for a staff car or several bays sharing a supply, which takes more planning around capacity and cable routes. See the home and commercial pages below for what each involves.

What affects the price

Every job is quoted on what's actually involved. The main things that change it:

• Distance and route from the switchboard to where you park
• Whether the switchboard has room and capacity, or needs upgrading
• Single-phase or three-phase supply
• Whether you've already bought the charger
• Wall type, trenching or conduit needed outdoors

What to expect

1. 1Send a quote request with your suburb, the car and charger (if you have one), and a photo of your switchboard and where you park.
2. 2Mick checks your switchboard, supply and cable route — from photos where that's enough, or on a site visit.
3. 3You get a written quote that spells out the circuit, protection and any switchboard work needed.
4. 4The charger is installed on its own circuit, tested, set up and you're shown how it works.

Questions about this job

Do I need a switchboard upgrade for an EV charger?

Not always. It depends on space and capacity on your existing board, which we check before quoting. A photo of the switchboard usually tells us a lot.

Can you install a charger I've already bought?

Yes. Send us the make and model and we'll confirm it suits your supply before installation day.

How long does an installation take?

Many straightforward home installations can be completed within a day, depending on the property's electrical setup. Long cable runs, trenching or switchboard work can take longer, and we'll tell you when we quote.

Will a 22kW charger charge my car faster?

Only with three-phase power and a car that accepts 22kW on AC. Many cars are limited to around 7 to 11kW, so we'll check before you buy.

How much faster is a 7kW charger than a standard 10A power point?

A standard Australian 10A power point can provide around 2.3kW at 230V; a dedicated 7kW home charger can provide roughly three times that power. Over eight hours, that's about 18kWh versus 56kWh before charging losses — not a guaranteed full charge or driving range. Actual charging depends on the portable charger's current setting, the car's AC charging limit, battery state, temperature and available electrical capacity. Some portable chargers draw less than 10A. Use only a manufacturer-approved portable charger on an outlet and circuit checked by a licensed electrician. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, do not use extension leads, power boards or adaptors, and stop charging if the plug or outlet becomes hot or damaged. A dedicated charger needs a suitable circuit, protection and adequate supply capacity, assessed and installed by a licensed electrician.

Can I charge from my solar panels?

Yes, with a charger that supports solar-aware charging. We can set it up to use surplus solar where your system allows.

Where we do this work

Across Canberra, the ACT, Queanbeyan and surrounding NSW, including: