EV (Electric Vehicle) Charger Installation And Repairs in Maitland & Newcastle

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Installations

Electric vehicles are only becoming more common, but when buying one, you will need a home charging point that is correctly specified for your vehicle or vehicles. Our team will liaiise with you the best spot to install it so it is convenient to use and doesn’t get in the way or be too unsightly.

There are various models and styles on the market and we will help you choose the one that best suits your vehicle and your premises.

Whatever your electric car and whatever its connection, we will get you safely connected back home very quickly.

Things to Consider When Adding an Electric Vehicle Charger

Before you have your charging point installed, here are some essential factors to consider:

Cabling - The cable from the charging station to your switchboard will need to be the right type depending on your vehicle's requirements. This means we will need to be able to connect that cable type to your switchboard.
Safety Switches - Also known as RCD switches (residual current devices) may need to be installed as part of your switchboard. Most current switchboards use these instead of fuses but they will need to be installed to make the EV charger safe and compliant.
Dedicated Connection - At the switchboard, the EV charging cable will need its own connection. If you only have a small switchboard with no spare connections then you may need an upgrade or some rewiring of another circuit (if that is possible).
Circuit Breaker - The EV charging connection will need its own circuit breaker to protect it from electrical faults elsewhere (much like RCD switches protect us from faults)

We will take care of all of the above but each home and vehicle is unique and we can only install an EV charging station if safety standards are met, but don’t worry, we will guide you through all this with a quote from an inspection.

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Will I Need to Upgrade My Switchboard?

Possibly, we won’t know until we make an inspection, but all of the above points will need to be possible and most old switchboards almost certainly won’t comply. If your power requirements are high generally, adding a high-powered car may exceed what your connection can provide so you may need a 3-phase switchboard installed to replace your existing one. Only Level 2 qualified electricians like Horsell Electrical can undertake this work.

EV Charging Port Repairs

If your existing charger is worn or damaged, or you suspect a fault, have us come and test it. We can often repair it by replacing certain parts or making good wiring and connections.

EV Charging Port Modifications

If you change your electric car model, you may need to change part of your EV charging station. You may not need to change all of it, just some of it, but give us a call, and we will advise on the best solution.

Types Of Home EV Charging Stations

There are three types of regular charging stations for homes and small businesses:

Level 1 Home EV Chargers
Level 1 chargers are often included with your electric vehicle and are designed for basic, slow charging. These chargers plug into a standard 240V power outlet and deliver approximately 2–2.4kW of power, providing about 2 km of range for every 10 minutes of charging.
While suitable for minimal use or hybrid vehicles, Level 1 chargers are not ideal for most EV owners. Depending on your car model, a full charge can take anywhere from 4 to 48 hours, making this option less convenient for regular use. Additionally, these chargers can put extra strain on the power circuit they are plugged into, potentially causing circuit breakers to trip. Upgrading to a 15-amp power point instead of the standard 10-amp can slightly improve charging performance.

Level 2 Home EV Chargers

Single-Phase Chargers
Single-phase chargers, often referred to as "fast chargers," deliver approximately 7kW of power. This level of output can fully charge most electric vehicles in under 12 hours, providing about 7.2 km of range for every 10 minutes of charging.
However, Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 32-amp circuit to operate. Many homes may not have this capacity, so a switchboard upgrade may be necessary to accommodate the increased electrical load. Alternatively, an upgraded 15-amp power point can support the charger for slightly improved performance.

Three-Phase Chargers
For those needing even faster charging, three-phase chargers can deliver up to 22kW of power, providing approximately 22 km of range for every 10 minutes of charging.
While incredibly efficient, these chargers require a three-phase electrical supply, which most residential properties in Australia do not have. Installing a three-phase charger will typically necessitate a significant switchboard upgrade. Despite the higher upfront cost, this option is highly beneficial for households with multiple EVs or for drivers who frequently travel long distances.

The Best Advice For The Best Solution

Whether you choose a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, Horsell Electrical can assess your home’s electrical system and recommend the best solution to suit your EV charging needs. With professional installation and expert advice, we’ll ensure your charging station is safe, efficient, and tailored to your lifestyle and situation.

FAQs

Can I install my own EV charging point?

Unless you're a licensed electrician, the answer is a definite no. Attempting it yourself could expose you to dangerous high-voltage currents, which, without proper training and precautions, could result in serious harm to you or your property

Do I need to upgrade my home's electrical system to install an EV charger?

Possibly. It depends on your home’s current electrical capacity. In more modern homes there is often no need, but in some older homes, this may be required as your switchboard is at full capacity or just too old to allow a safe additional load. Don’t worry, during our site assessment, we’ll determine whether your system can support the additional load or if upgrades are necessary

How much does it cost to install an EV charger?

Costs will vary upon the type of charger and type of installation required but expect to pay a minimum of around $800 for a simple installation and upwards of about $1200 for a more complex one. Variables include the type of charger, your power capabilities and the position, all of which we will discuss with you for the best solution