With many families looking to be more sustainable and save on petrol costs, electrical vehicles are becoming more common in Auckland.
So, charging those vehicles becomes a major consideration.
Many Aucklnders are considering the installation of chargers at home for convenience.
A home EV charger is a smart investment that offers faster, safer, and more efficient charging than a standard wall socket.
However, there are several important factors to consider before EV charging at home can begin. Here’s what you need to know.
Considerations For Installing An EV Charger At Home
What do you need to think about when considering whether to install an EV charger at home? These are the main things:
- The Correct Type: EV chargers are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They come in different power levels, so which charger you should install will depend on your EV’s battery capacity, your required charging speed and your budget. Level 2 chargers are the most common choice for home installations as they offer faster charging than a standard outlet.
- Your Home’s Capacity: There is only so much power an electrical system can handle and if your home already has a high electrical demand or your system is slightly older then it may not be able to handle the additional load of an EV charger. It pays to have an electrician assess your current system as you may need to upgrade your switchboard or add a dedicated circuit to ensure the safe operation of your charger.
- Charger Placement: A big consideration will be where to place your charger. You’ll want it to be close to where you will park your vehicle, but safe from weather exposure. Garages and covered driveways are ideal locations if possible.
- Connection To Solar Power: If you have solar panels, integrating your EV charger with your solar system can maximise energy savings by using renewable energy to charge your vehicle.
EV Charging Pitfalls To Avoid
There are a few pitfalls for charging your EV at home. These are some of the things to avoid:
- Using Inappropriate Outlets: While a standard wall socket may charge your EV, it will be slow! Plus, you also run the risk of overloading your home’s electrical system which can cause overheating or fire. That’s why it is essential that you always opt for a dedicated EV charger.
- Skipping Professional Assessment: It’s important that you check to see if your electrics are up to the task of charging your EV. Skipping an assessment by a professional electrician would be a big mistake. An electrician can assess your systems to ensure everything is compliant and safe.
- Choosing The Wrong Charger: Not every charger is compatible with every EV. So, it’s essential for you to select a charger that matches your vehicle’s specifications to avoid slow charging or compatibility issues.
- Ignoring Future Needs: Sure, you might have one electric vehicle now, but if you are planning to acquire more in the long term, it is a mistake to not future-proof your charging abilities. If you’re planning to own more EVs or upgrade your vehicle, choose a charger with higher capacity to future-proof your setup.
What Is Involved With EV Charger Installation?
EV charger installation may be easier than you think. By working with experienced electricians like the Retrolec team, we can have you charging at home in no time!
These are the steps we follow:
1: Assessment
We’ll come and have a chat with you at your place to evaluate your home’s electrical capacity, the condition of your switchboard and where you might want the charger installed.
2: Upgrades (If Needed)
If we discover that your current system is unable to safely handle the extra load an EV charger will bring, then we’ll undertake any necessary upgrades like adding new circuits or replacing your switchboard.
3: Installation
Once we have confirmed the details, we’ll get the charger installed. This will involve placing the charging unit, running the necessary wiring, and testing the entire system to ensure everything is operating safely and efficiently.
4: Compliance
Everything about the charger installation must meet New Zealand electrical safety standards. Our team will ensure correct procedures are followed and the installation is fully compliant.
Is Home Installation Worth It?
Yep, we believe installing an EV charger at home is totally worth it. It offers you these handy benefits:
- Convenience: Forget trying to hunt out a public charging station at crazy times of the day or night. Simply charge your EV from the comfort of your own home.
- Affordability: Charging at home is far more cost effective than using a public charging station. The savings increase further if you charge during off-peak hours or use solar power.
- Speed: A specifically designed EV charger will have your EV charged overnight. But, if you were to try relying on a standard wall outlet, it could take days to achieve the same result!
- Resale Value: EVs are becoming more and more common, so a home with a built-in EV charger becomes very attractive to prospective buyers or tenants.
Invest In Convenience
Installing an EV charger at home is an investment in convenience, sustainability and the future. But, it isn’t something you can DIY. Choosing an electrician who specialises in EV charger installations will ensure your setup is safe, efficient and perfectly tailored to your needs.
Retrolec are those specialists!
EV charger installation involves high electrical loads and specific processes. Our team will work hard to deliver you a quality system that is fully compliant with NZ safety standards so that you can charge with confidence every day. Chat with us now about getting an EV charger installed at your place.
