20 January 2025

Everything You Need to Know Before Getting a Home EV Charger

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a popular choice for Australians looking to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace a cleaner future. If you’ve recently made the switch to an EV—or you’re thinking about it—one of the first steps is figuring out how to charge your vehicle conveniently at home. Installing the right EV home charger can save you time, make your life easier, and ensure your car is always ready for your next drive.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important factors to consider when picking a home EV charger. From power output to connector types and smart features, you’ll learn how to make a choice that simplifies your EV experience and enhances your charging efficiency.

Power Output: How Fast Do You Want to Charge?

The first thing to think about is how quickly you want your EV to charge. The power output of a charger determines its speed.

Level 1 Chargers (around 1.2kW to 2.4kW):

These chargers plug straight into a regular household outlet. While they’re the most basic and affordable option, they’re also the slowest. You can expect it to take anywhere from 11 to 20 hours for a full charge, depending on the model. This might be fine if you only drive short distances and can charge overnight, but it’s not ideal for busy EV owners.

Level 2 Chargers (around 7kW to 22kW):

These chargers are a game-changer. They require a dedicated power circuit but can fully charge most EVs in 3 to 8 hours. A 7kW charger is perfect for most households, but if you drive a lot or plan to upgrade to a larger EV, you might want to future-proof it with a higher-output option.

At KDEC, we offer reliable Level 2 chargers that are fast, safe, and designed to meet your everyday needs.

Connector Types: Will It Work with Your Car?

Next up, make sure your charger is compatible with your vehicle’s connector type. There are two main connectors to know about:

Type 1 Connector

This is common in older EVs and some vehicles imported from North America and Japan.

Type 2 Connector

The standard for most modern EVs in Australia and Europe. If you’re buying a new EV, chances are it uses a Type 2 connector.

Before you choose a charger, double-check your EV’s specifications. KDEC offers Type 2 chargers, which are widely compatible with vehicles in Australia—so you’re covered for today and into the future.

Smart Features: Making Charging Easy and Efficient

Today’s newer EV chargers come with handy smart features designed to make charging simpler and more efficient. These features let you get the most out of your charger while saving time and energy. Some of these features are:

• Wi-Fi Connectivity:
  You can monitor your charging progress, control schedules, and track energy usage using an app on your mobile device.

• Scheduled Charging
  Set your charger to run during off-peak electricity hours to save money on your energy bill.

• Load Management:
  Smart chargers balance the energy use in your home, so you won’t overload your electrical system.

• Energy Monitoring:
  See exactly how much energy your EV is using and how much it’s costing you.

• Solar Compatibility:
  Integrating your home charger for electric vehicles into your existing solar power system allows you to save money on your monthly electricity bills.

Installation: What You Need to Know

The EV home charger installation process isn’t something you can DIY. This needs to be done safely and properly by a professional electrician. Here’s what to plan for:

• Electrical Capacity:
  Your home’s power system needs to handle the charger’s energy demands. Licensed and knowledgeable electricians, like our team members, can assess this and suggest any upgrades if needed.

• Location:
  Choose a convenient, weather-protected spot for your charger, like a covered garage or carport.

• Professional Installation:
  Always hire a certified electrician to handle your EV car charger installation. KDEC’s specialists can install your EV charger efficiently and ensure everything meets Australian safety standards.

Why Choose KDEC for Your EV Charger?

At KDEC, we’re committed to helping Australians make the switch to clean energy without the hassle. Our EV chargers, such as the Fronius Wattpilot, Tesla GEN 3 Wall Connector, SolarEdge EV Charger, and EVS Ocular Charger, are designed for fast, reliable home charging. From choosing the right charger to installing it safely, we make the process simple and stress-free.

Whether you’re new to EV ownership or looking to upgrade your setup, we’ll help you find the perfect solution that suits your lifestyle.

Ready to Charge Up? Let’s Get Started

Choosing the right home charger doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering factors like charging speed, compatibility, smart features, and installation, you can find a charger that works perfectly for your needs.

KDEC’s specialists are here to make it easy for you to power up your EV at home. Get in touch with our friendly team today to explore our range of home EV chargers.