Unparalleled Convenience
Installing an EV charger at home or work offers unparalleled convenience and long-term savings. With a dedicated charger, you can power up your vehicle overnight or during the workday, eliminating the need for frequent stops at public stations.
Home and workplace charging also tend to be more cost-effective, as you can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. Additionally, by charging your EV where you live or work, you’re contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions, supporting a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
Common Types of Home Chargers
Standard Power Point Socket for Portable Charging
Most EVs come with a portable charging lead that allows you to charge from a standard 8-10Amp wall outlet (your usual 3-pin socket in NZ homes), providing about 10km of range per hour. While this method is handy for overnight stays or emergencies, it’s best used as a backup.
For regular home charging, we recommend specialised equipment for faster, more efficient charging, saving you time and money.
If you rely on this method, follow EECA’s safety guidelines, as Worksafe only endorses it as a backup, not a primary charging option.
Standard Power Point Socket for Portable Charging
Wall-mounted chargers with higher AC power ratings are a more efficient option for charging your EV at home.
These chargers can provide up to 40km of range per hour of charging, significantly faster than standard socket charging. Ideal for regular use, they allow you to “fuel up” quickly and conveniently, saving both time and money.
For optimal performance and safety, we recommend having a qualified electrician install your wall-mounted charger.
This setup is perfect for those who need a reliable, faster home charging solution.
Waterproof 15 AMP outlet EV charger
A waterproof 15 Amp outlet EV charger offers a versatile and weather-resistant solution for charging your EV at home or outdoors. This charger provides approximately 15-20km of range per hour of charging, making it a practical option for regular use.
The waterproof design ensures safe and reliable charging, even in challenging weather conditions. For consistent and efficient charging, especially if you frequently charge outdoors, this 15 Amp outlet is a robust and dependable choice.
As always, ensure the outlet is installed by a qualified electrician to maintain safety and performance.
Invest in a Wall-Mounted Charger
Installing a wall-mounted charger at home (like Evnex) gives you the flexibility to charge your EV more efficiently and conveniently. These chargers use AC power, which is gentler on your battery than public fast chargers, and they charge much faster than standard portable plugs.
Charge During Off-Peak Hours
Many New Zealand power companies offer discounted rates during off-peak hours, typically between 9pm and 7am. Charging your EV overnight during these times can save you money. Research different power plans before buying an EV to maximise your savings.
Smart Charging Technologies
Wall-mounted chargers often come with smart features, like timers that schedule charging during off-peak hours, reducing unnecessary energy use and lowering your bills. Some chargers also include home overload protection, monitoring your energy use to prevent circuit overloads.
Solar Power and Multiple EVs
You can charge your EV using solar power from your home’s solar system, potentially saving over $1,000 annually. If you have multiple EVs, load balancing technology ensures efficient power distribution across all chargers, optimising charging speed and energy use.
Minimising Your Carbon Footprint
Investing in an EV can greatly reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, but optimising the source of your charging power enhances the environmental benefits.
Use an Optimised Solar EV Charging System: An automated solar charging system maximises the use of locally generated solar energy, reducing reliance on grid power and lowering electricity costs. For instance, Evnex offers simple solar integration that prioritises clean energy for your EV.
Charge When NZ’s Grid is Most Renewable: The proportion of renewable energy in New Zealand’s grid varies with factors like wind and sunlight. Charging your EV during low-demand periods, when renewable energy is abundant, ensures a cleaner charge. Future smart chargers will automatically align charging times with peak renewable energy availability, balancing demand and supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to charge an EV at home?
The charging time for an EV at home varies depending on the type of charger you use. If you’re using a standard 8-10Amp wall outlet, you can expect to gain about 10km of range per hour of charging, meaning a full charge could take overnight or longer, especially for larger batteries. On the other hand, a dedicated wall-mounted charger with higher AC power ratings can provide up to 40km of range per hour, significantly reducing the overall charging time. With these chargers, you can typically fully charge your EV in 4-8 hours, making them ideal for overnight charging.
Can I use a regular 3-pin power socket to charge my EV?
Yes, you can charge your EV using a regular 3-pin power socket (8-10Amp) that you find in most New Zealand homes. However, this method is slower, providing only about 10km of range per hour. It’s a practical option for occasional use, emergencies, or overnight stays at locations without a dedicated EV charger. However, for regular charging at home, it’s recommended to install a dedicated EV charger, as it offers faster charging speeds and is designed for the higher demands of EV charging.
What is the cost of charging an EV at home?
The cost of charging your EV at home depends on the size of your EV’s battery and the electricity rate in your area. For example, if your EV has a 60kWh battery and your electricity rate is around 20 cents per kWh, a full charge could cost about $12. This makes EV charging significantly cheaper than filling up a petrol or diesel vehicle, especially when you consider that many EVs have lower maintenance costs as well. Over time, the savings can add up, making EV ownership more economical in the long run.
Do I need a special charger installed at home?
While it’s possible to charge your EV using a standard wall outlet, installing a dedicated wall-mounted charger is highly recommended for those who plan to charge their EV regularly at home. These chargers offer faster charging times, with some models providing up to 40km of range per hour. Additionally, they are designed specifically for EVs, ensuring safer and more efficient charging. A qualified electrician should install the charger to ensure it’s correctly set up to handle the electrical load.
Is it safe to charge my EV in the rain?
Yes, it is safe to charge your EV in the rain. Both EVs and their chargers are built with weather-resistant features to handle New Zealand’s variable climate. However, using a waterproof charger or a 15 Amp waterproof outlet is advisable for outdoor charging. These outlets are designed to prevent water ingress, ensuring that your charging setup remains safe and reliable even in wet conditions. Always ensure that your charging equipment is properly maintained and that any outdoor installations are done by a professional.
Can I charge my EV using solar power at home?
Absolutely! Charging your EV using solar power is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your electricity costs. Many New Zealand households with solar panels find this to be an effective way to power their EVs, especially when combined with a home battery storage system. This setup allows you to store excess solar energy during the day and use it to charge your EV at night, making your EV charging almost free and reducing your reliance on the grid.
What are the safety precautions for home EV charging?
Safety is crucial when it comes to charging your EV at home. It’s important to have your charging equipment installed by a qualified electrician to ensure it meets all safety standards. Regularly inspect your charger and cables for any signs of wear or damage. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for usage, and be sure to adhere to the safety advice provided by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority). They offer comprehensive guidelines on safe charging practices, which are essential to follow to prevent accidents and ensure your EV charging setup remains safe.
Can I install a DC Fast Charger at home?
While it is technically possible to install a DC fast charger at home, it is not commonly done due to the high costs and significant electrical upgrades required. DC fast chargers need a much higher power supply than typical homes provide, often making the installation complex and expensive. The cost of the charger itself can exceed $10,000 NZD. For most homeowners, an AC Level 2 charger is a more practical and cost-effective option, offering a balance between charging speed and installation feasibility.
How do I know if my home's electrical system can handle EV charging?
Before installing a dedicated EV charger, it’s a good idea to have your home’s electrical system assessed by a qualified electrician. They will check if your wiring and fuse box can handle the additional load required for EV charging. In some cases, you might need to upgrade your electrical system to accommodate a higher power charger, especially if you plan to install a wall-mounted unit. This assessment ensures that your home can safely support the increased electrical demand without overloading your circuits.
Can I schedule charging times to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates?
Yes, many EVs and home chargers offer the ability to schedule charging during off-peak hours, which can save you money on your electricity bill. Off-peak rates are typically lower than peak rates, so charging your EV during these times can reduce your overall charging costs. This feature is especially useful in New Zealand, where electricity rates can vary significantly depending on the time of day. By scheduling your charging to coincide with off-peak hours, you can make your EV charging more cost-effective.
Will charging my EV at home increase my electricity bill significantly?
Charging an EV at home will increase your electricity usage, which will, in turn, increase your electricity bill. However, the cost of charging an EV is generally much lower than the cost of fuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle. For example, charging a 60kWh EV battery might cost around $12, which is significantly less than what you would spend on fuel for a similar range. While your electricity bill will go up, the overall running costs of an EV, including maintenance and fuel, tend to be lower, making EV ownership more economical in the long term.
Safer Charging at Home
Like other electronics in your home, electric vehicles require electricity to charge, so it’s important to follow safety precautions to protect both your home and yourself.
Typically, EVs come with a portable charger meant for occasional use, similar to a spare tyre, rather than everyday charging. The safest method for home charging is using a wall-mounted unit installed by a Registered Electrician, directly connected to your home’s wiring.
For more detailed safety guidelines, visit WorkSafe and EECA.
- Use only charging adapters provided by the vehicle manufacturer or a certified EV supply equipment (EVSE) manufacturer.
- Avoid using household adapters, such as multi-boxes, double plugs, extension leads, or portable socket outlets.
- Never use damaged or modified charging equipment.
- Always have faulty charging equipment inspected by the manufacturer before use.
- Do not use a single socket outlet to charge more than one vehicle at a time.
- Ensure that your EVSE is labelled as compatible with a 230V, 50Hz supply.
- Do not use an IC-CPD charging station to power anything other than an EV.
