Quoting EV Charger Installs Without Getting Burned
Home EV charging is one of the fastest growing jobs in the trade. Here's how to price it properly.
Electric vehicle sales in Australia keep climbing, and almost every new EV owner wants a proper charger at home. For electricians, that's a steady stream of well-paid work. It's also a job with plenty of ways to lose money if the quote doesn't account for the switchboard, the cable run and the supply.
Typical price ranges
For the installation alone, a straightforward single-phase 7kW wall charger near the switchboard often costs somewhere in the range of $800 to $1,500 including GST. Long cable runs, trenching, a switchboard upgrade or a three-phase 22kW unit can take the total well above $2,500. The charger itself is usually extra, often $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the brand and smart features. Treat these as indicative only and price from your own rates.
What actually drives the price
- Distance from the switchboard. Every metre of cable, conduit and labour counts, and garages at the far end of a block add up fast.
- Switchboard capacity. Many older boards have no space or can't safely take the extra load. A board upgrade is often the biggest hidden cost.
- Supply capacity. A maximum demand calculation tells you whether the existing supply can handle continuous EV charging alongside the rest of the house.
- Single phase vs three phase. Three-phase charging is faster but needs three-phase supply, and costs more to install.
- Load management. Smart chargers that throttle when the house is busy can avoid an expensive supply upgrade.
- Solar integration. Clients with solar often want the charger to use excess generation, which affects charger choice and setup.
How to quote EV jobs properly
Ask for photos of the switchboard, the meter and the proposed charger location before you quote. That one step catches most of the surprises. Then give tiered options: a basic install with the client's charger, a standard install with a smart charger, and a premium option that includes a board upgrade or load management. Clients choose faster when they can see the trade-offs clearly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home in Australia?
Installation of a standard single-phase home EV charger typically costs around $800 to $1,500 including GST, plus the cost of the charger. Long cable runs, switchboard upgrades or three-phase units can push the total past $2,500.
Do I need a switchboard upgrade for an EV charger?
Not always. It depends on whether the existing switchboard has space and whether the supply can handle the extra load. An electrician should check the board and run a maximum demand calculation before quoting.
Is a CCEW required for an EV charger installation in NSW?
Yes. Installing a dedicated EV charger circuit is electrical installation work in NSW and requires a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work lodged through the BCNSW eCert portal.
Should I install a 7kW or 22kW EV charger?
Most homes are well served by a 7kW single-phase charger, which can refill a typical daily commute overnight. A 22kW charger needs three-phase supply and a compatible vehicle, so it only makes sense in specific situations.