Install EV Charger at Home: A Comprehensive Guide

One of the pleasures of being an EV owner is that you can 'refuel' your car at home, and at a fraction of the cost of filling it with petrol or diesel. While public charging infrastructure is already significant and only growing in New Zealand, home charging is by far the most common and most economical way to charge your electric car.

In this guide, we'll walk you through all you need to know about EV chargers: the types, the costs, and how to install one in your home.

Types of EV chargers

The most common way to categorise EV chargers is by charging speed and power output:

• Level 1 (slow charging): These are the traditional slow chargers that most EV owners will have in their homes. They connect to standard 230V power to produce an output of 2-3 kW, which charges a standard car in 8-12 hours. 
• Level 2 (fast charging): These chargers can be installed either at home or as part of a public charging station. They require a higher voltage outlet and can produce 7-22 kW, which can charge a standard EV in 4-8 hours. 
• Level 3 (rapid/ultra-rapid charging): Producing 100+ kW, ultra-rapid chargers are found almost exclusively at public charging stations and can charge an EV battery to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. 

Regarding home use, Level 1 wall-mounted chargers are usually more than enough, as you can plug them in when you get home from work and charge them overnight. Smart chargers can also be set to charge your car during off-peak periods, which can save you significant cash. 

Installation process

While the specific steps for installing a home charger will depend on the brand and model, broadly speaking the process plays out as follows: 

1. Choose your charger type: A Level 1 charger will be more than enough for most households. It's also the most cost-effective option, and by choosing a smart charger you can save even more by avoiding peak rates. 
2. Hire an electrician: All EV chargers must be installed by a qualified electrician in New Zealand. 
3. Choose a location: Place your charger close to where you park your car. If there's no power source nearby, check the ease and cost of installation with your electrician. 
4. Install the charger: The electrician will take care of the installation for you. 
5. Set your smart meter: If you've chosen a charger with a smart meter, set it to charge during off-peak periods to save money on your power bill.

New Zealand-specific regulations and incentives

Both EV charger manufacturers and electricians must abide by several rules and regulations in terms of the construction and installation of EV chargers.

But beyond hiring a qualified electrician, there are few rules or regulations that you need to worry about as the homeowner. You (probably) won't need council planning permission, so you can install your charger wherever and whenever you choose.

Tips for a smooth and efficient installation process

The following tips can help to ensure that your home charger is successfully installed: 

• Find an electrician with experience: Hire a qualified electrician who has installed electric vehicle chargers before. 
• Carefully consider your charger type: While a Level 1 charger will do the job for most people, consider whether an investment in a Level 2 fast charger is worth it. 
• Find a convenient location: Make sure that your charger will reach your car's charging point when it's in its normal spot.    

The information in this blog is of a general nature and does not constitute financial or other professional advice. Policy limits and exclusions apply - refer to the policy wording for full terms and conditions.