Choosing an EV Charger in Perth: What to Compare
Choosing an EV charger can feel confusing, with different speeds, plugs, brands and smart features on offer. But choosing an EV charger comes down to a handful of practical questions about your car, your home and how you drive. Here is what to compare before you buy.
Start with your car
The first step in choosing an EV charger is knowing what your car can actually accept. Many EVs cap their onboard AC charging at around 7kW, so a bigger, faster charger will not charge them any quicker. Matching the charger to your car avoids paying for capacity you cannot use.
6 things to compare when choosing an EV charger
- What charging speed your car can accept
- Single-phase or three-phase supply at home
- Tethered cable or a socket you plug into
- Smart features, scheduling and solar charging
- Indoor or outdoor, and the weather rating
- Warranty, support and brand reputation
Speed and your supply
Most Perth homes are single-phase, which suits a 7kW charger, enough to fill a typical EV overnight. Three-phase homes can go faster, but only if the car can take it. Part of choosing an EV charger is checking what your supply and switchboard can handle, which an electrician can assess.
Tethered or socket?
A tethered charger has the cable permanently attached, so you just plug in, easy and convenient. A socket type means using your own cable, which is tidier and more flexible if you change cars. Neither is wrong; it is a preference worth thinking about when choosing an EV charger.
Smart features
Smart chargers let you schedule charging for off-peak power, charge from surplus solar, and track your usage from an app. If you have solar or an off-peak tariff, these features pay for themselves over time. For many people it is the deciding factor when choosing an EV charger.
Where it will live
A charger in an open carport or driveway needs a proper outdoor rating, while a garage unit has an easier life. Where the charger goes also affects the cable run from the switchboard. Thinking about the location early is part of choosing an EV charger that suits your home.
Warranty and support
A charger is a long-term purchase you will use daily, so brand, warranty and local support matter. A cheap unit with no backing can be a false economy. An electrician who installs these regularly can tell you which units are proving reliable in Perth homes.
Do not forget the install
The charger is only half the decision, the install matters just as much. The cable run, the switchboard capacity and the circuit all affect what is possible and what it costs. Getting an electrician to assess your home before you buy avoids picking a unit that does not suit.
Future cars and future needs
You may keep a charger longer than the car you bought it for. A unit with a bit of headroom and smart features tends to age better than the cheapest option. It is worth a thought about the next car, or a second EV, when you choose.
Do you even need a fast one?
For most drivers, an overnight charge at 7kW covers daily driving comfortably. Paying for more speed rarely changes anything if the car sits in the driveway all night anyway. Matching the charger to how you actually drive usually saves money.
Why use a licensed electrician
A home charger is a heavy, dedicated load that must be installed and certified correctly, and it may need switchboard work. A licensed electrician advises on the right unit and installs it to standard. The Western Power outages and network page covers the network side.
Choosing an EV charger in Perth?
ACS Electrical advises and installs home charging across the metro. Explore our EV charger installation service, EV charger cost guide or EV charging time guide. Call 0419 967 838.
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