9 Tips for Preparing Your Home for EV Charging

Electric vehicles are no longer “the future” — they’re already parked in driveways all over Australia. With EV sales climbing every year and more affordable models hitting the market, plenty of homeowners are making the switch.

But while buying an EV is exciting, charging it properly at home takes a bit of planning. A standard power point might get you started, but it’s not always the safest, fastest, or most convenient option long-term.

If you’re thinking about installing home EV charging — or you’ve already got an EV on order — here’s how to get your home ready, without frying your switchboard or blowing your budget.

1. Check Your Current Electrical Setup

Before you even think about chargers, cables, or apps, you need to understand what your home’s electrical system can handle.

Many older Australian homes weren’t designed for the extra load that EV charging puts on the system. Things to check include:

• The age and condition of your switchboard

• Whether you have single-phase or three-phase power

• How much spare capacity your circuit currently has

This is where a licensed electrician is essential. They can assess whether your home can safely support an EV charger or if upgrades are needed first. Guessing here can lead to tripped circuits at best — or serious safety risks at worst.

2. Decide How You’ll Charge Day-to-Day

Not all EV owners need the same setup. How you use your car should guide your charging choice.

Ask yourself:

• Do you drive short distances most days or long commutes?

• Will you charge overnight or during the day?

• Do you have solar panels or plan to install them?

Some homeowners get by with a basic wall charger. Others benefit from faster charging units that can fully charge an EV overnight. A tradie can help you choose a setup that suits your lifestyle — not just the most expensive option.

3. Choose the Right Charger Location

Where your charger goes matters more than you might think.

Common installation spots include:

• Inside the garage

• On an external wall near the driveway

• Near the switchboard to reduce cabling costs

Your electrician will look at cable runs, weather exposure, and ease of access. The goal is to balance convenience with cost and safety.

This is also the time to think ahead. If you plan to add a second EV in the future, installing the charger in a flexible location now can save you money later.

4. Understand Switchboard and Power Upgrades

One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is discovering their switchboard needs upgrading.

Modern EV chargers often require:

• Dedicated circuits

• RCD safety switches

• Space for new breakers

If your switchboard is outdated or already maxed out, an upgrade might be unavoidable. While it adds to the upfront cost, it also improves your home’s overall electrical safety and future-proofs it for things like solar batteries or additional appliances.

A qualified electrician will explain what’s necessary — and what’s optional — so you’re not paying for upgrades you don’t need.

5. Think About Solar and Smart Charging

If you’ve got solar (or plan to), EV charging gets even more interesting.

Many modern chargers can:

• Prioritise solar power

• Schedule charging for off-peak times

• Reduce grid usage automatically

This can mean lower power bills and a smaller environmental footprint — a win-win. A knowledgeable installer can recommend chargers that integrate with your existing solar system or help you plan both together.

6. Don’t Forget Council and Safety Requirements

While most home EV charger installs don’t need council approval, Australian electrical standards must still be followed to the letter.

That includes:

• Using licensed electricians

• Complying with AS/NZS wiring rules

• Ensuring weatherproofing for outdoor units

Cutting corners here isn’t worth it. Incorrect installations can void warranties, affect insurance, and create real safety hazards.

7. Budget for the Full Job (Not Just the Charger)

EV chargers vary widely in price, but the charger itself is only part of the cost.

Your budget should allow for:

• Electrical upgrades (if required)

• Installation labour

• Cabling and materials

• Optional extras like smart features

Getting a few quotes helps you understand realistic pricing and avoid nasty surprises. It also lets you compare recommendations from different tradies — especially helpful if you’re new to EV ownership.

8. Use the Right Tradie for the Job

Installing an EV charger isn’t a DIY weekend project. It’s a specialised electrical job that needs the right skills and experience.

That’s where using a service marketplace like ServiceSeeking.com.au makes life easier. Instead of ringing around or relying on word-of-mouth, you can:

• Describe your EV charging needs in one place

• Receive quotes from licensed local electricians

• Compare reviews, pricing, and experience

• Choose a tradie who understands EV installations

Whether you need a simple charger install or a full electrical upgrade, having options puts you in control — and saves you time.

9. Prepare for the Future (Not Just Today)

EV ownership is only going to grow. Preparing your home properly now can increase property appeal and save you money long-term.

A good tradie will help you think beyond your current car and recommend solutions that:

• Support future EV models

• Allow for faster charging later

• Integrate with solar and batteries

It’s about setting your home up once — and setting it up right.

Final Thoughts

Switching to an electric vehicle is a smart move, but home charging works best when it’s planned properly. From assessing your electrical system to choosing the right charger and installer, a little preparation goes a long way.

If you’re ready to get started, posting a job on ServiceSeeking.com.au is an easy first step. You’ll connect with qualified electricians who can assess your home, explain your options, and install your EV charger safely — so you can plug in with confidence and enjoy the drive ahead. 🚗⚡