Strong demand for EVs has brought sharper prices for electric cars and SUVs, with many now below $40,000. Chinese brands are leading the charge: BYD, Geely, Jaecoo, GWM, MG, Chery, Leapmotor and others. Here are the cheapest EVs you can buy in Australia right now.
Electric
Why should I install a home EV charger?
Is my home ready for an electric vehicle?
How to prepare your home for an electric car charger
Before you bring an electric vehicle home, it’s worth checking whether your property is ready for convenient, safe and practical EV charging. Here’s what to consider before installing a home EV charger.
Australia’s shift to battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles continues to accelerate, with the Australian Automobile Association reporting that almost half of new light vehicle sales in the June 2026 quarter were electric or hybrid. Battery electric vehicles reached a record 21.03 per cent market share and plug-in hybrids reached a record 10.58 per cent.
As more drivers consider making the switch, many are also asking a practical question: is my home ready for an EV? The answer often comes down to everyday details, including where you park, how far you drive, your home’s electrical capacity, whether you have solar, and whether you live in a standalone house, townhouse or apartment.
In this article, we look at the key checks to make before installing a home EV charger.
Try RACV’s free electrification calculator to estimate your savings when going electric.
In this article
- Why should I install a home EV charger?
- Is my home ready for an electric vehicle
- Where should I install the EV charger at home?
- Do I need to upgrade my power supply or switchboard?
- Is it worth getting solar panels and a solar battery?
- Can I charge an EV from an apartment block?
- How much does home EV charger installation cost?
- Do households with two EVs need two chargers?
Why should I install a home EV charger?
The network of public rapid-charging stations for EVs is expanding across Australia, but a home EV charger can make everyday EV ownership simpler. For many motorists, it means being able to plug in at home, recharge overnight or during cheaper electricity periods, and rely less on public charging for regular driving.
Compared with charging from a regular three-pin domestic power point, which is the slowest way to charge an electric car, a dedicated home charging unit can offer several practical benefits:
- Convenience – wall-mounted home EV chargers are usually tethered with a cable and fully set up to recharge your electric car as soon as you park at home, allowing you to keep your portable/mobile charger in the car for emergencies.
- Speed – a dedicated home EV charger can reduce charging time significantly compared with a regular power point, making it easier to top up overnight or during cheaper off-peak electricity periods.
- Safety – a home EV charger is connected to your switchboard via a dedicated circuit, not an existing shared power point circuit, which may already have other large loads connected to it.
- Smart – a home EV charger is usually Wi-Fi-connected, often linked with a mobile app to view charging insights. They can usually be programmed to only charge at specific times, like during off-peak periods.
- Solar – more advanced home EV chargers like the Myenergi Zappi can integrate with a home solar system, enabling the car’s high-voltage battery to be charged whenever excess solar power is generated during the day.
More: How to charge an electric car at home and how long it can take
Is my home ready for an electric vehicle?
Once you understand the benefits of a home charger, the next step is to check whether your property can support one safely and efficiently. This section is a quick readiness check, rather than a decision about the final charger position.
- Where will the EV usually fit into your daily charging routine?
- Is there a practical off-street parking area where a fixed charger could be used?
- Could the existing switchboard support a dedicated EV charger circuit, or might it need an upgrade?
- Do you have single-phase or three-phase power, and what charging speed would suit your driving habits?
- If you live in an apartment, do you need to request approval from the owners corporation?
- Do you want the charger to work with rooftop solar or a home battery?
More: How to charge an electric car at home and how long it can take
Look out for the water resistance rating, among other features, when comparing home EV chargers, especially if the unit is located close to the outdoors.
Where should you install an EV charger at home?
The best charger location is usually the place where the EV is parked most often, such as a garage, carport or driveway. From there, the decision becomes practical: whether the charger can be positioned near the vehicle’s charge port, whether you usually drive in or reverse in, and whether the cable can reach without creating a trip hazard.
You don’t need a great deal of room for the charger. For example, the Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector measures just 345mm high, 155mm wide, and 110mm deep. The Myenergi Zappi is 439mm high, 282mm wide, and 122mm deep.
Also consider the cable route from the switchboard to the charger. A shorter, more direct route can make installation simpler, while a detached garage, long driveway or charger positioned far from the switchboard may add complexity and cost.
For outdoor installations, consider how exposed the location is to weather, knocks and everyday movement around the vehicle. This can influence which charger model is most suitable. For example, the Myenergi Zappi has an IP65 ingress protection rating, while the Tesla Gen 3 is rated IP44. Although both can be installed outdoors, the Zappi offers stronger protection against fine dust and moisture exposure from water jets, while the Tesla Gen 3 may be better suited to indoor garages, fully covered carports or sheltered semi-outdoor locations.
A qualified electrician should be able to advise on all aspects of home EV charger installation.
Do I need to upgrade my power supply or switchboard?
Most Australian homes are connected to single-phase power, while three-phase power is more common in homes with higher electricity demand.
Three-phase power can support higher-capacity EV chargers in some installations, but actual charging speed depends on the charger, the vehicle and the home’s electrical setup. A licensed electrician can confirm whether your home has single- or three-phase power, assess your switchboard and advise whether additional work is needed.
If you choose RACV Trades for installation, the team can assess your home setup as part of the quote and installation process and advise whether further electrical work may be required.
This may include a switchboard upgrade, a dedicated circuit, longer cabling, or load-management equipment, depending on the charger type and the cable route from the switchboard to the charging location. EV charger installation should not be treated as a DIY job, as connecting a charger to the home electrical system must be done safely and in line with Australian electrical requirements.
Is it worth getting solar panels and a solar battery?
Charging an EV can cost less than refuelling a car with an internal combustion engine, and these savings may be maximised when using a home EV charger in combination with rooftop solar panels and a solar battery system.
You may be able to use excess power generated by a home rooftop solar system during the day to help charge your EV. Whether your home can generate enough energy to provide a full recharge will depend on factors such as the number of solar panels, the household’s average energy consumption, the size of your EV’s high-voltage battery and your driving habits. A good solar provider will be able to advise on sizing a solar system according to your requirements.
A solar battery will allow you to store energy sourced from your solar panels for use at night or other times as required. EVs are often charged overnight, especially when a full charge is needed, which can make a solar battery a practical option (depending on the size of the battery).
Solar batteries are becoming increasingly popular as they become more affordable, boosted by the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program. This program is designed to reduce the cost of a typical installed battery.
In future, as bidirectional charging becomes more widely available, you may be able to use your EV as a ‘battery on wheels’ and power your home from the energy stored in the car’s battery.
More: How much solar energy you need to charge an electric car
Can I charge an EV from an apartment block?
If you live in an apartment block, contact your owners corporation or strata manager to discuss your options for EV charging on the property. Some new apartment complexes have been built with EV charging in mind, so installation of a dedicated charger may be straightforward.
Older apartment blocks, on the other hand, may require significant investment in electrical infrastructure before EV chargers can be installed.
RACV guides to help with buying an electric car
How much does home EV charger installation cost?
The cost of an EV charger and installation by a licensed electrician varies depending on the charger and installation requirements, including the distance from the switchboard and any electrical upgrades needed.
A basic 7kW single-phase charger with straightforward installation can cost around $1400 to $2500. More complex installations, including longer cable runs or smart solar and load management features, can cost more than $3500.
For homes with three-phase power, costs may be higher if you install a compatible 22kW three-phase charger and have an EV that supports faster charging.
When comparing quotes, check whether the price includes the charger unit, installation labour, cabling, circuit protection, testing, compliance documentation and any switchboard work. A cheaper quote may not include all the work needed for a safe and practical installation.
More: How to plan the best EV road trip routes
Do households with two EVs need two chargers?
Not always. Many households with two EVs can alternate charging times using one wall charger, especially if both vehicles do not need to be charged from low to full every night.
RACV Motoring Editor Terry Martin advises that chargers and apps allow you to schedule charging times, meaning two EVs can be charged efficiently without needing two chargers.
"But if you have two EVs being used during the day or you prefer the convenience of charging them at the same time, having two chargers might be more practical. It ultimately depends on your driving patterns, preferences and your budget," he says.
In all cases, your home charger supplier and installer should be able to advise on the best set-up for your needs at home.
