Your EV is parked, your battery is low, and your phone tells you it will take hours to charge at the nearest public charger. It’s a little ironic—driving into the future, only to be stuck waiting on yesterday’s infrastructure!
A home 3 phase EV charger changes the game. Fast, reliable, and ready when you are.
iStore EV chargers are built for Aussie homes, priced to suit real budgets, and engineered for effortless charging.
Let’s explore how to choose the best home EV charger in Australia.
What is an EV Charger?
An EV charger is a device that uses electricity from your home’s power supply to charge the battery in your electric vehicle (EV) so you can drive it.
Why a Home EV Charger Is Essential for Australian EV Owners
Public charging stations are handy in a pinch, but they’re not always practical. Queues and slow charging speeds add up to wasted time. A home EV charger puts you back in control. Just plug in overnight and wake up to a full battery.
This convenience is even more important in suburban and regional areas of Australia, where public chargers can be few and far between. With a home charger, you’re not relying on limited infrastructure or planning trips around charge stops. Your garage becomes your personal charging station.
Then there are the long-term savings. Charging at home is often cheaper than using public stations, especially if you plug in during off-peak hours when electricity demand is lower and rates are reduced, like late at night or early in the morning.
Pair your EV charger with rooftop solar, and you can drive on sunshine, cutting your energy costs even further and reducing your carbon footprint!
EV Charger Types
Level 1 Chargers
Home EV chargers typically use alternating current (AC) to charge vehicles.
Level 1 AC chargers that often come with an EV plug into a standard 230-volt (V) household outlet and typically deliver up to 2.4 kilowatts (kW) of power.
They provide a driving range of around 8–15 km per hour of charging and can take up to 20 hours to fully charge a vehicle. This slower charging rate makes them suitable for overnight charging if you drive short distances daily.
Level 2 Chargers
Level 2 AC chargers require a dedicated 240 V circuit and professional installation. They add about 30–40 km of driving range per hour and can take 4–8 hours to charge an EV fully. This faster charging speed is ideal for longer daily commutes and households with multiple EVs.
These chargers are available in single-phase (up to 7.4 kW) or three-phase (up to 22 kW). Most homes in Australia use single-phase power, which is fast enough for overnight charging. However, if your home has three-phase power—common in newer or larger properties—you can charge even faster.
Dumb vs Smart Chargers
“Dumb” EV chargers simply deliver power to your EV. They
- Don’t have any smart features or app control.
- Are easier to install and less expensive.
- Charge at full power the moment they’re connected, regardless of electricity pricing or solar availability.
- Are suitable for EV owners needing a basic charging solution.
Smart EV chargers do much more than just charge your EV. They
- Optimise energy usage by adjusting charging times based on grid demand, solar availability, and your electricity tariff schedule.
- Reduce electricity costs thanks to their energy efficiency.
- Connect to the internet to monitor charging in real-time, set schedules, track energy usage, and receive notifications through an app.
- Are suitable for EV owners wanting cost-effective charging or using rooftop solar.
Key Features To Look For in the Best Home EV Charger in Australia
- Compatibility: The charger must be compatible with your EV’s plug type and charging capacity.
- Charging Speed: Look for a charger that matches your daily driving needs. Most Level 2 chargers offer between 7.4 kW and 22 kW, which can significantly reduce charging times compared to a standard plug.
- Installation Requirements: Check if your home has single-phase or three-phase power. Some chargers also require a dedicated circuit or additional switchboard space, so confirm if any upgrades are needed before purchasing.
- Affordability: Weigh up the upfront cost of the charger with the long-term value. Features like smart charging, solar integration, or load balancing may cost more upfront but can save you money over time.
- Safety Features: Look for safety certifications, built-in protection against overvoltage or overheating, and weatherproof casing for outdoor installation.
- Easy to Use: The best chargers are intuitive, with app control, clear indicator lights, and simple plug-in functionality. Wall-mounted units with cable holders also keep things tidy.
- Sustainability: If you have solar panels or plan to install them, choose a charger that supports solar optimisation.
Apartment EV Charging and Body Corporate Considerations
Limited access to personal power supply, shared parking spaces, and a lack of installation space can make installing an EV charger in an apartment complex complicated.
You’ll also likely need approval from your body corporate before any electrical work begins. This process may involve submitting detailed installation plans that show how costs and electricity usage will be managed, and ensuring there is no impact on other residents.
How To Install and Use a Home EV Charger
- Hire a Licensed Electrician: Home EV charger installation must be done by a licensed electrician. They’ll assess your switchboard, wiring, and power supply, and let you know if any upgrades are needed before installation.
- Choose the Installation Location: Most chargers are wall-mounted in a garage or carport near where your vehicle is parked. If that’s not possible, some models have pedestal or outdoor mounting options.
- Connect and Charge: Just plug the charger into your EV, and charging will begin automatically. If you have a smart charger, you can control the start and stop times and schedule off-peak charging using an app.
- Maintain Your Charger: Keep the unit clean, check for visible wear, and follow any guidelines from your installer or manufacturer.
Why Choose iStore for Your Home EV Charging Needs?
iStore is a proudly Australian-owned, family-run company. We’re committed to providing Aussie families with competitively priced EV chargers that don’t compromise on performance or safety.
We believe all households should have access to renewable energy solutions. Our EV chargers support eco-conscious electric vehicle driving and charging, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
If you have an iStore hybrid inverter and solar battery as part of a solar energy system, an iStore home EV charger will seamlessly work with them to maximise energy efficiency and electricity savings when charging your EV.
Our chargers are also durable and weather-resistant, delivering reliable performance even in harsh local climates.
FAQs
What Is the Best Home EV Charger in Australia?
The best home EV charger in Australia is the one that’s compatible with your EV, offers a charging speed that suits your lifestyle, and works with your home’s power supply.
Features like solar compatibility, smart charging, and remote access can enhance usability, improve efficiency, and help lower running costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Home EV Charger in Australia?
That depends on the charger type, installation complexity, and any electrical upgrades. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $3,300, which includes the charger unit and professional installation.
Can I Charge My EV With Solar Power at Home?
Yes, you can charge your EV with solar power by connecting the charger to your rooftop solar system. A compatible EV charger can draw power directly from your solar panels, helping reduce grid reliance and charging costs.
How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV at Home?
A Level 1 charger can fully charge an EV in up to 20 hours, while a Level 2 charger can take 4–8 hours.
Ready To Upgrade to the Best Home EV Charger in Australia?
We’re not shy in saying that we have the best home EV chargers in Australia.
Why?
They’re durable, reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly!
Explore the best home EV chargers in Australia from iStore. Then, get in touch for advice or a quote by calling 1300 515 640 or filling out this online form.
