Electric vehicles (EVs) are incredibly popular in Australia right now, and the public’s fascination with them is only growing. 

Whether you are interested in purchasing an EV or you already own one, it’s important to hire a professional EV charging installer when you want to get a convenient charging system for your property – whether it’s for a residential installation or commercial job. 

Here’s what you need to know about the services and costs of EV charging installation so you can hire the right service for your needs on hipages.

When should you hire an EV charging installer?

Installing an EV charging station is no simple task – and unfortunately it’s something that you definitely can’t DIY. Instead, it requires a professional, or multiple professionals, with specialised knowledge and expertise about electrical systems and particularly EV charging infrastructure.

Here’s when you might want to hire an EV charging installer:

• You’re ready to buy an electric vehicle: When you buy an EV, having a dedicated charging station at your home or workplace is hugely convenient and an efficient way to keep your vehicle charged.
• You want to upgrade your existing EV infrastructure: If you already have a charging station but need to charge multiple vehicles or get faster charging speeds, an EV charging installer can upgrade your system.
• You’re setting up commercial charging stations: For businesses or organisations that need public or fleet charging stations, hiring an EV charging installer will make sure your installations are functional and up to spec.

What services does an EV charging installer offer?

EV charging installers provide many different services depending on your particular needs. These include:

• Site assessment: A professional installer will assess your location to determine the best place for the charging station to live, taking into account things like accessibility and electrical requirements.
• Choice of equipment: Based on your vehicle and model type, as well as its charging requirements, an EV charging specialist will help you choose the most appropriate charging equipment, capacity and compatibility.
• Installation: Your installer will handle the installation process from beginning to end, including electrical work, wiring, mounting the charging station, staying compliant with codes and regulations, and much more.
• Maintenance and repairs: After your system is installed, the EV charging installer can provide ongoing maintenance support and repair services to keep your charging station in tip-top condition.

Why is it important to hire a licensed EV charging installation service?

Licensed installers have all the necessary training and expertise required to safely and reliably install these complex systems. Not only does this reduce the risk of electrical hazards, but their knowledgeable can be immensely helpful when it comes to local regulations and codes, ensuring your installation is up to spec.

Working with a licensed installer will also mean you get warranties on the equipment and the installation itself, which can bring many customers peace of mind. Finally, licensed installers will have liability insurance to protect you and your property in case of any unexpected accidents.

What’s the difference between residential and commercial EV charging installations?

In terms of electric power, commercial installations require a much higher capacity to handle multiple charging stations at once. On the other hand, residential installations usually only cater to single vehicle-charging needs. Commercial installations may also need load-management systems to efficiently distribute power across multiple charging stations; residential installations focus on optimising the charge for just one vehicle.

User access is another big difference. Commercial charging stations may come equipped with various payment systems and access-card software to cater to public or fleet charging. Residential installations, by contrast, are private and accessible only to the property owner or authorised users.

How much does EV charging installation cost?

That depends on several factors. The type of charging station you choose plays arguably the biggest role in calculating the total cost. Different levels of charging (Level 1, Level 2, DC fast charging, Supercharging for Teslas, etc.) and the specific charging equipment used can also influence the cost. You can read our EV charging installation cost guide for more detailed information on prices.

If your electrical infrastructure needs upgrading to support higher charging capacities, it may also raise the cost significantly. Make sure you also take into account things like the distance between the charging-station location and the power source (additional wiring and materials can eat into your budget).

How long does it take to install an EV charging station?

It all depends on how simple or complex it is to install your preferred EV charging system, as well as the existing infrastructure of the property where it will be installed. Simple residential installations can often be done in just a few hours, whereas more complex commercial projects may need several days and multiple workers.

There are also other potential disruptions like council permits and safety-standards approvals, the supply of your preferred EV charging equipment, as well as any additional electrical work needed – all of which can and will affect the installation timeline. Make sure you discuss the estimated installation time frame with your EV charging installer to make plans accordingly.

What to think about when choosing the best EV charging installer for your project

• Experience and expertise: Look for installers with a proven track record and experience in EV charging installations. Closely check their certifications and industry affiliations that may back up their expertise.
• Reviews and recommendations: Read customer reviews and talk to other EV owners or businesses that have had charging stations installed for recommendations.
• Comprehensive services: Choose an EV charging installer who offers a wide range of services, from on-site assessment to ongoing repairs and maintenance.
• Upfront prices: Request detailed cost estimates and make sure your installer provides a transparent quote with no hidden fees.
• Customer support: Consider the level of customer support offered by the installer, including their responsiveness and availability for future support.

What should you ask an EV charging installer before hiring them?

Before finalising your decision on an EV charging installer, make sure you ask them:

1. Are you licensed and insured?
2. Can you provide references from previous installations (with pictures, if possible)?
3. What charging equipment brands do you prefer to work with?
4. What’s your warranty like for both the EV charging equipment and the installation itself?
5. How long have you been doing EV charging installations?
6. How long do you expect it will take to finish the installation?
7. Can you take care of any necessary permit and approval processes yourself?
8. Do you also provide ongoing maintenance and repair services?

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.