EV Charger Installation

Home EV Charging — Getting Set Up

Charging your electric vehicle at home is the most convenient and cost-effective way to keep it topped up. Most EV owners do the bulk of their charging overnight, taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates and waking up to a full battery each morning.

While you can charge from a standard 10-amp power point, it's slow — typically adding around 10-15 kilometres of range per hour. A dedicated Level 2 wall charger (also called an EVSE) connects to a 32-amp circuit and delivers around 40-50 kilometres of range per hour, meaning a full overnight charge is easily achievable for most vehicles.

We install all major charger brands and can advise on which unit suits your vehicle and household setup. Whether you drive a Tesla, BYD, Hyundai, MG, or any other make, the process is the same: we assess your electrical system, recommend a charger, and handle the installation from switchboard to wall mount.

What the Installation Involves

Every home is different, so the first step is assessing your existing electrical infrastructure. We check your switchboard capacity, the mains supply rating, and the distance from the board to where the charger will be mounted — typically in the garage or carport.

Most Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 32-amp circuit with its own RCD protection in the switchboard. If your board is older or already at capacity, a switchboard upgrade may be needed before the charger can be installed. We'll identify this during the assessment and include it in your quote.

The charger itself is wall-mounted near your parking spot, with cabling run from the switchboard. Installation is usually completed within half a day for a straightforward setup. More complex jobs — such as long cable runs, three-phase connections, or commercial installations — may take longer.

Once installed, we test the full circuit, verify the charger is communicating correctly with your vehicle, and walk you through the settings.

Charger Types Explained

There are three levels of EV charging, and understanding the differences helps you choose the right setup.

Level 1 (standard power point): Uses a portable cable plugged into a regular 10-amp socket. Charges at roughly 2.3kW, adding around 10-15km of range per hour. Fine as a backup, but too slow for daily use if you're driving more than short distances.

Level 2 (dedicated wall charger): The most common home charging solution. Runs on a dedicated 32-amp single-phase circuit at 7.4kW, delivering 40-50km of range per hour. Some homes with three-phase power can support 22kW chargers for even faster charging.

Level 3 (DC fast charging): Commercial units found at public charging stations. These are not suitable for residential installation due to their power requirements and cost, but we do install them for commercial clients with appropriate electrical supply.

For most households, a Level 2 single-phase charger is the practical choice. It charges the car overnight with capacity to spare.

Solar and EV Charging

If you already have solar panels — or are planning to install them — pairing solar with an EV charger makes strong financial sense. Many modern chargers can be configured to prioritise solar energy, charging your car with excess generation during the day rather than exporting it back to the grid.

Some chargers offer built-in solar integration features, while others work with your existing solar inverter's monitoring system. We can advise on the best setup based on your solar system size and typical driving patterns.

As CEC-accredited solar installers, we can handle both the solar and EV charger installation together, ensuring the switchboard and electrical system are set up to manage both efficiently.

Commercial EV Charging

For businesses, providing EV charging is becoming an expected amenity for employees and customers. We install commercial charging solutions for workplaces, retail locations, and multi-unit residential developments.

Commercial installations often involve multiple charge points, load management systems to prevent overloading the building's electrical supply, and network-connected chargers that allow usage tracking and billing. We work with you to design a system that fits your site's electrical capacity and usage requirements.

Current Incentives

As of 2026, Victoria doesn't have active state-level rebates specifically for residential EV charger installation. The previous Victorian EV subsidy program closed in June 2023 and the $100 annual registration discount ended in January 2026.

However, the federal Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption remains available for eligible electric vehicles acquired through novated leases, which can make the overall cost of EV ownership — including a home charger — significantly more affordable.

We stay across any new incentive programs as they're announced and can point you in the right direction if rebates become available.

Ready to install a home or workplace EV charger? Storm Electrical Solutions can assess your property, recommend the right setup, and get you charging. Call (03) 4050 7937 or send us a message through the contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install a home EV charger in Melbourne?
A typical home installation runs between $1,500 and $3,000 including the charger unit, depending on the charger brand, cable run length, and whether your switchboard needs upgrading. We provide a fixed quote after assessing your property so there are no surprises.
Do I need to upgrade my switchboard for an EV charger?
Possibly. A Level 2 charger draws 7.4kW on a dedicated 32-amp circuit, which requires sufficient spare capacity in your switchboard. If your board is older or doesn't have room for an additional circuit, an upgrade will be needed first. We check this during our initial assessment and include it in the quote if required.
Can I charge my EV from solar panels?
Yes. Many modern EV chargers can be configured to use excess solar generation, reducing your charging costs to near zero during daylight hours. The effectiveness depends on your solar system size and when you're typically charging. We can set up your charger to prioritise solar energy if you have panels installed.