Most electric cars come with a portable charger, but a dedicated wall-mounted charger is safer, faster and more convenient. Here is what is involved in getting one installed properly.
Step 1: choose the charger
- Portable charger: plugs into a suitable socket; slowest option, fine for low daily distances.
- Wall charger (single-phase): common for homes, typically up to about 7 kW.
- Wall charger (three-phase): faster, up to 11 kW or more, if your home has a three-phase supply.
Your car's onboard charger limits AC speed, so check its rating before paying for a more powerful wall unit. See why charging can be slower than rated.
Step 2: check your electrical load
An EV charger draws a steady, high current for hours. A qualified electrician should check:
- Your sanctioned load and whether it needs to be increased with your DISCOM.
- Whether you have single-phase or three-phase supply.
- Spare capacity in your distribution board.
- Other heavy loads that run at night, such as air conditioners and water heaters.
Step 3: wiring and safety devices
- A dedicated circuit from the distribution board to the charger.
- Cable sized for the charger's current and the cable length.
- A suitable circuit breaker and residual current protection (RCD/RCCB) of the right type.
- Proper earthing, checked by the electrician.
- Weather protection if the charger is outdoors.
Never charge an EV from an ordinary household socket using an extension cord or adapter. Sockets and cords not designed for long, high loads can overheat.
Step 4: permissions
- Independent house: usually only a load increase, if needed, from your DISCOM.
- Apartment: approval from your housing society for cable routes and the charger location, and agreement on how electricity is billed. See charging in apartments.
The main cost items
- The charger itself.
- Cable, conduit and protection devices, which depend heavily on the distance from your meter to the parking spot.
- Electrician's labour and any civil work.
- DISCOM charges if your load is increased.
- A separate meter, if your society requires one.
After installation
- Use the charger's schedule or app to charge during cheaper hours where your tariff allows.
- Keep the cable tidy and check it for damage.
- Have the installation inspected if you notice heat, burning smells or tripping breakers.