EV Charging at Home 🚗🔌

Discover the convenience of EV charging at home, from choosing the right charger, the costs involved, and how to optimise your home charging setup.

Got an electric vehicle (EV) or planning on investing in one? One of the first questions that pops up is, “How do I charge my EV at home?” 

At home is the easiest place to charge. Here’s what you need to know.

Can You Charge an EV From a Regular Power Point?

Short answer: Yes!

If you have a 240-volt power point (the domestic mains power supply in Australia is 240V AC), you have an EV charger. 

This is, however, the slowest way to charge your car (max 2.4kW). But it is great for an overnight top-up. 

Dedicated Home EV Charging Units

Want a faster charge? You can invest in a dedicated home EV charging unit.

These units can supercharge your EV up to three times faster than your standard power point. Just plug in after work and by bedtime, you’re set. 

If you have solar panels, connect them to your charger for a cheaper way to charge your EV.

Fun fact: About 70% of Aussie EV owners use solar, making daytime charging cost-efficient.

  • Wall socket: 18-24 hours
  • Wall box: 4 hours
  • Fast charger: 40 minutes 

However, the charging time isn’t a fixed number and depends on:

  • Your EV’s Battery Size:
    Larger batteries = more charging time. Typically, EV batteries hover between 40kWh and 100kWh.
  • Charging Technique:
    Using a standard outlet? It’ll take longer. Opted for a dedicated charger? You’re on the fast track.
  • Your Home’s Electricity Setup:
    Here’s a quick hack to determine your home’s power capacity. Take a look at your switchboard. If there’s one main switch, you’re operating on single-phase power. Got three main switches? That’s the more robust three-phase power, offering a potentially faster charge.

How to Install a Charger At Home

You’ll typically be setting up a wall box instead of a fast charger. Fast chargers are more suited for public sites due to cost and power requirements. 

Usually, the car company you purchase your EV from will have options for at-home chargers. It might be included or available as an optional extra.

The Best Home EV Chargers

There are plenty of home chargers on the market, but here are some of the best home chargers:

Choosing Your Home Charger:

There are three common types of home chargers, and the right one will depend on your home and EV model.

  • Mobile Connector: Portable, budget-friendly, 23 km/h charge speed.
  • Wall Connector: Faster charging, indoor/outdoor installation.
  • Universal Wall Connector: Compatible with all EVs, up to 75km/h charge speed.
EV Home Charger Selection Criteria:
  • Consider charging speed based on your schedule and needs.
  • Assess installation requirements; a professional setup may be best.
  • Ensure charger compatibility with your EV 
  • Balance features with your budget.
Why Charge at Home?
  • It offers unmatched convenience.
  • It’s typically more cost-effective than public charging.
  • Can be safer than public stations.
  • Wake up to a ready-to-go vehicle.

How Much Does EV Charging at Home Cost?

To work out how much it costs to charge an EV at home, you need the following formula:

EV Battery Size (kWh) x Electricity Rate ($ per kWh) = Charging Cost ($)

Example: Cost to charge an EV with 60kWh battery

At $0.50/kWh, it’ll cost $30 to charge.

Cost Factors to Consider
  • Costs can be lower with rooftop solar.
  • Off-peak charging times, such as early morning, can be cheaper.
  • Your electricity provider will also influence the cost
  • Electricity costs vary from state to state
  • Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger for slow 8-40+ hour charges.
  • A Level 2 charger costs between $900-$2,000, with installation at $800-$2,000.
Average EV Home Charging Costs in Australia

A typical home electricity rate in Australia is between $0.15 – $0.30 per kWh.

So, based on $0.20/kWh, here is roughly how much it would cost to charge:

  • Hyundai Ioniq Electric: $7.66
  • Nissan Leaf: $12.00
  • Hyundai Kona Electric: $13.00
  • Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD: $15.00

What Are the Best Energy Plans for EV Charging?

Energy ProviderPrice Per Year on Avg (VIC)Special FeaturesContract TermCoverage
AGL Electric Vehicle Plan$1,293Up to $120 in bill credits, Carbon offset optionNo lock-in contractsNSW, QLD, SA, VIC
Red Energy EV Saver Plan$1,549Free electricity usage on weekendsNo contract termNSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT
OVO Energy The EV Plan$1,367Cheaper rate for midnight to 6am chargingNo specified termNSW, QLD, VIC, SA
Simply Energy “Simply Electric” Energy Plan$1,356$200 credit bonus, Super off-peak discountNo lock-in contractsVIC
Powershop Super Off-Peak TariffN/AReduced rate for midnight to 4am chargingNo specified termVIC, NSW, QLD, SA
Source: ymods.com.au

EV Charging At Home FAQs

What is the most efficient way to charge an electric car at home?

The most efficient way to charge your EV at home is by using a dedicated home EV charging unit. These chargers are specifically designed for electric vehicles and can charge them much faster than standard power points. Plus, if you’ve got solar panels, you can often connect your charger to use that green energy, making the process even more eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Can you charge an electric car at home with a normal plug?

Absolutely! You can plug your EV into a standard AC outlet at home using a compatible lead. It’s a bit like charging your phone or laptop. However, keep in mind that while this method is straightforward, it’s much slower than using a dedicated EV charger. It’s great for those occasional top-ups, but if you’re charging daily, you might want to explore faster options.

Is a home EV charger worth it?

For many EV owners, the answer is “yes.” While there’s an upfront cost associated with installing a home EV charger, the benefits are plenty. It charges your car up to three times faster than a regular power point, offers the convenience of overnight charging, and can even be synced up with solar power systems. Over time, the convenience and time saved often make the investment worthwhile.

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