EV Charger Installation in Geelong: What to Know Before You Book

The short answer

Installing a home EV charger usually means a licensed electrician checks your switchboard, runs a dedicated circuit with safety switch protection, mounts the charger, and gives you a Certificate of Electrical Safety when the work is done. Most Victorian homes are single phase, which supports charging at up to 7.4 kW. A meter or phase change is usually not needed.

If you already have solar, or plan to, your charger can be set up to make the most of it.

Single phase or three phase?

Single phase is common in Victorian homes and supports AC charging at up to 7.4 kW. For most people charging overnight at home, that is plenty.

Three phase can support 11 kW or 22 kW charging, but only if your car can accept the higher input. Many cars can't take a full 22 kW on AC, so a bigger charger doesn't always mean faster charging. Check your car's specifications before paying for more than it can use.

What an electrician checks on a site visit

Switchboard space. Your charger needs its own circuit. If there's room in your switchboard, adding it is usually a straightforward change. If the board is full or old, it may need work first.

A dedicated circuit with safety switch protection. The charger shouldn't share a circuit with anything else, and it needs safety switch (RCD) protection.

Where the charger goes. Distance from the switchboard to where you park affects cable runs and cost.

APM Energy installs EV chargers in line with AS/NZS 3000 (the Australian wiring rules) and relevant network requirements.

Do I need a meter or phase change?

Usually not. A meter change is unlikely for a home charger. A phase or mains upgrade is generally only needed if you want faster charging than single phase allows, or you plan to charge more than one EV at the same time.

Charging your car from solar (and a battery)

If you're weighing up solar and a battery at the same time, our guides on solar and battery cost in Geelong and home battery rebates in Victoria cover the numbers.

What to ask an installer

• Are you a licensed electrician? EV charger installation is electrical work and must be done by one.
• Will I get a Certificate of Electrical Safety? In Victoria, electricians must issue one for all electrical installation work. Keep it with your home records.
• What warranty do I get? Ask about both the charger's product warranty and the installer's workmanship warranty.
• Will my switchboard need work? Get this answered before you agree a price.

Frequently asked questions

I'm renting. Can I install a charger? You'll need the owner's permission in writing first.

Do I need a new meter? It's unlikely.

Is there a rebate for EV chargers? According to SEC Victoria, there are currently no federal or state rebates for EV smart chargers.

Which cars can you install chargers for? Our chargers are compatible with all major EV brands, in single or three phase, with smart charging available.

Book your EV charger installation

APM Energy installs home and business EV chargers across Geelong, following a clear six-step journey: consultation, system selection, a detailed proposal, installation by qualified electricians, commissioning, testing and handover, and ongoing support. Solar installer in Geelong

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