What is an EV home charger, and why do I need one?

An EV home charger is a device that allows you to charge your electric vehicle at home. It provides a convenient and efficient way to recharge your EV while your car is in the garage.

What types of home chargers are available?

Most vehicles are supplied with a Level 1 charger, these plug into a general power outlet and can provide up to 2.4kW of charging.  Level 2 chargers provide up to 7kW of charging for single-phase home and 22kW for three-phase homes.

Can I use a regular household outlet to charge my EV? 

Most vehicles are supplied with a Level 1 charger, these plug into a general power outlet and can provide up to 2.4kW of charging.  Level 2 chargers provide up to 7kW of charging for single-phase home and 22kW for three-phase homes.

Can I use a home charger for different EV brands and models? 

You can use a portable charging cable that plugs into a standard 240-volt household outlet, but it’s much slower than a dedicated home EV charger. A standard 240-volt outlet will deliver approximately 14km of range per hour of charge. 

How long does it take to fully charge an EV at home?

The time to fully charge your EV depends on its battery size, charger power, and starting battery state of charge. On average, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours for a full charge. 

How fast can I charge my EV at home with a home charger?

The charging speed depends on the charger’s power level and your EV’s capability.  

• For homes with a single-phase power supply, 7kW chargers are typical and provide approximately 40 km of range per hour of charge.  
• For homes with a three-phase power supply, 22kW chargers provide approximately 130km of range per hour of charge.  
• Note that many EVs are limited to 11kW of AC charging, providing approximately 66km of range per hour of charge. 
• Also note that some homes have a limited supply of power to use for EV charging.  Our charging compatibility check process will determine whether your home’s power supply is suitable.  

 Are home chargers safe to use, and do they have any built-in safety features?

Yes, home chargers are designed with safety in mind. They typically have safety features like overcurrent protection, ground fault detection, and temperature monitoring to ensure safe and reliable charging for your EV. 

Will my electricity bills go up because of charging my vehicle at home? 

Charging your vehicle at home will impact your energy consumption, your energy retailer is best to advise on the associated cost.  Some retailers may be able to offer you an alternative tariff or advise a charging schedule to minimise this impact.