Electric vehicle sales are surging on the Central Coast, and more homeowners are looking to install EV chargers at home for the convenience of overnight charging. But before you plug in, there are some important things to understand about EV charger installation — from choosing the right charger to ensuring your home's electrical system can handle the load.
As licensed electricians who install EV chargers across the Central Coast, here's everything you need to know.
Types of EV Chargers
There are two main types of home EV chargers:
Level 1 (Portable/Trickle Charger): These plug into a standard 10-amp power point and provide a slow charge of about 10–15 km of range per hour. They come with most EVs but are really only suitable as a backup or for plug-in hybrids with small batteries.
Level 2 (Wall-Mounted AC Charger): These are hardwired into your home's electrical system and provide 7–22 kW of charging power, delivering 40–120 km of range per hour. A Level 2 charger can fully charge most EVs overnight and is the recommended option for EV owners. Popular brands include Tesla Wall Connector, Ocular, EVSE and JBear.
Can Your Switchboard Handle It?
Before installing a Level 2 charger, your electrician will need to assess your switchboard's capacity. EV chargers draw significant power — often 32 amps — and your switchboard needs adequate capacity to handle the additional load safely. If your switchboard is old or already near capacity, you may need a switchboard upgrade before the charger can be installed. This is common in homes built before the 1990s.
Dedicated Circuit Requirement
EV chargers must be installed on a dedicated circuit with their own circuit breaker and safety switch. This ensures the charger doesn't overload existing circuits and provides proper protection. Your electrician will run new cabling from your switchboard to the charger location, which may require trenching if the charger is installed in a garage or carport.
Installation Costs
On the Central Coast, EV charger installation typically costs:
- Charger unit: $800–$2,000 (depending on brand and power output)
- Installation: $500–$1,500 (depending on switchboard condition and cabling distance)
- Switchboard upgrade (if required): $1,200–$2,500
At Dial A Tradie, we provide upfront fixed pricing for all EV charger installations, so you know the total cost before we start.
Solar Integration
If you have solar panels, you can choose an EV charger with solar integration that prioritises charging from your solar excess during the day. This can reduce your charging costs to virtually zero. We can advise on compatible chargers and configure them to work with your existing solar system.
Government Rebates
The NSW Government periodically offers incentives for EV charger installation, particularly for apartment buildings and businesses. We stay up to date with available rebates and can help you access any applicable incentives.
Safety First
EV charger installation is not a DIY job. It must be performed by a licensed electrician to comply with Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3002). Improper installation can cause electrical fires, damage your EV's battery, and void your vehicle warranty. Always use a licensed, experienced electrician.
Ready to Charge at Home?
If you're ready to install an EV charger at your Central Coast home, call Dial A Tradie on 1800 048 048. Our licensed electricians will assess your home, recommend the best charger for your needs and budget, and provide upfront fixed pricing for a professional installation backed by our lifetime workmanship guarantee.