Is it worth installing an EV charger at home?

As the world transitions to clean energy, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular choice for many Tasmanians.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have lower emissions and are much better for the environment than traditional petrol and diesel cars. See our article with more information on this here.

We often get questions about charging EVs and what is needed, so we wrote an article about how to charge your EV here.

Around 80% of EV charging happens at home in Australia. Home charging is often more affordable and convenient than public charging, and there is an opportunity to maximise the benefits of solar panels too.

We also get asked is it worth installing an EV charger at home?

In our view, it is not critical and you can make do without an EV charger, but a home EV charger is convenient, saves money and can also help the environment by charging with renewable energy.

Let’s dive into some of the considerations to help you decide.

Phil next to an EV charger installation, ZJ Beny

Convenience

One of the primary benefits of installing an EV charger at home is convenience and peace of mind.

When you buy an EV, it will often come with a plug and cord, called a ‘granny charger.’

This charger plugs into a normal power point, and will charge your EV very slowly (at around 2kw per hour). This means that an EV with a decent sized battery (60kwh for example) can take around 30 hours to completely charge from empty to full.

This is definitely manageable for many people, but can become a real pain especially if you do a lot of driving, forget to charge your car or buy a second EV for your household.

An EV charger installed by a licensed electrician can charge your car at over double the rate of a normal power point (up to 7kwh).

This means that you can completely charge your EV battery from empty to full overnight if you need to, or give it a quick boost if you forgot to plug it in before a long trip.

It eliminates the uncertainty of finding an available public charger and ensures that your EV is always ready when you need it.

We have two EVs now (check out our electric tradie van here), and so need a charger to make sure we can keep both vehicles charged up and ready to go.

Cost savings

Public charging infrastructure is improving, but still has some way to go in Australia.

Many of the fast public chargers are in great locations on highways and are an excellent option for longer trips.

However, they often charge customers 40 to 60 cents per kwh of power used.

This means that for a large battery, a full charge can cost up to $40AUD using the fast public chargers.

While this is much cheaper than a full tank of fuel, home charging is a much more affordable.

If you can charge your car from home on an off peak (cheaper) tariff, there are huge savings to be made with a full charge costing under $10.

A home EV charger means that you can charge your EV faster when the power is cheaper. This is often during the middle of the day, overnight or on the weekend (depending on your power plan).

If you have solar panels, you can reduce the cost of charging your vehicle even further using an EV charger.

Many EV chargers are solar aware, so you set them up so that they only charge your EV from excess solar power not being used by your home. This system stores and makes the most of excess energy, that would otherwise be fed back onto the grid.

We love making the most of our beautiful Tasmanian sunshine.

This not only helps you save money but also maximises the environmental benefits of your EV.

A solar aware Zappi charger sending solar power into our car battery :)

Increased property value

Installing an EV charger at home can also boost your property value.

As EVs become more widespread, homebuyers are increasingly looking for properties with EV charging capabilities.

By investing in a home charger, you’re not only meeting your current needs but also future-proofing your home for potential buyers.

Environmental impact

By charging your EV at home, especially if you have a solar system in place, you can significantly reduce carbon emissions.

This is because even in Tasmania, we import energy onto our grid from coal fired power plants (see more information on this here).

By generating and using your own clean energy, you can contribute to a greener grid and help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Happy EV charger installation customer in Acton Park, Tasmania

The installation process

You might wonder about the installation process and cost.

While there is an upfront investment involved, the benefits often outweigh the initial expense.

At This is Electric, we specialise in fast and professional installations, tailored to fit your home’s specific needs.

We will guide you through the whole process, from initial consultation to ongoing support, ensuring your home charging solution is reliable and efficient.

We ensure your charging system operates at its best for the long run, providing peace of mind and continued performance.

Conclusion

So, is it worth installing an EV charger at home? The answer is yes.

The convenience, cost savings, increased property value, environmental benefits, and reliability make it a smart investment for any EV owner.

By choosing This is Electric for your installation, you’re not just investing in a high-quality service but also contributing to a sustainable and fairer future for our community and planet.

Ready to take the next step?

Contact This is Electric today to receive your free, no-obligation quote and start your journey towards a cleaner, greener future.