Booking an EV charger install is easy. There might be a site inspection, a quote, then the install itself. Either the charger is supplied or you can get a helping hand from your electrician on what brands and models work best for your needs.
This guide walks through the whole process, from the first phone call to the day you plug in for the first time, so you know what to expect and what to ask.
How does EV charger installation work? The process from start to finish
Get a preliminary quote (via photos or a phone call). Most Sydney installers can give a ballpark same-day for install.
Site inspection or detailed photo review to confirm switchboard capacity and cable route
Written fixed-price quote
Any strata or Level 2 approvals lodged if required
Charger ordered if the electrician is supplying it
Install day (usually one day for a straightforward job)
Testing and commissioning
CCEW compliance certificate issued
First charge
Benefit from the savings
Total timeline for a straightforward Sydney home: Install in 2-6 hrs depending on the level of switchboard works required.
Apartment installs or ones needing Level 2 upgrade: 6 to 12 weeks with strata approvals and level 2 connections.
What the electrician actually checks before quoting
A competent EV charger install starts with checking the site, not with quoting a price sight unseen.
Switchboard capacity. The electrician confirms whether the existing switchboard has spare amperage for a new dedicated EV circuit. If it does not, a switchboard upgrade may be part of the quote.
Supply type (single-phase vs three-phase). Determines the maximum charging rate the property supports. Older Sydney homes are usually single-phase. Newer homes, larger heritage homes, or homes with existing solar may be three-phase. A lot of new or renovated houses are changing to three-phase to help support induction cooktops and solar.
Cable route from switchboard to charger location. Distance matters (voltage drop on long runs), and so does whether the cable has to pass through finished walls, ceilings, or common property.
Charger location. Where you park, how you plug in, exposure to weather, and mounting surface (brick, timber cladding, concrete garage wall).
RCD and safety protection. New EV circuits need a dedicated RCD (Residual Current Device). Existing switchboards without proper safety switches often need work to accommodate this.
Existing loads on the property. Air conditioning, solar, heat pumps, and large appliances all draw from the same supply. A good installer factors these in.
Meter and network connection. For a straightforward install, the meter is untouched. For an install requiring a supply upgrade, Level 2 work with Ausgrid or Endeavour is triggered.
Questions to ask before you book
Are you a licensed electrician (NSW) and are you experienced with EV chargers specifically? (Ask for the licence number.)
Are you Level 2 authorised, or will Level 2 work need to be subcontracted? (Only relevant if the supply might need upgrading.)
Have you assessed my switchboard capacity, or is your quote assuming it is fine?
Is the quote fixed price or an estimate?
Does the price include cable, breakers, isolator, and mounting hardware?
Does it include the CCEW (Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work) certificate?
What is the labour warranty?
Have you handled apartment/strata installs before? (For strata properties only.)
Common surprises after booking
Switchboard is at capacity. Requires a switchboard upgrade to accommodate the new circuit. Adds A$2,500 to A$5,500 to the job.
Cable route is longer than expected. Longer runs need thicker cable to avoid voltage drop, adding A$200 to A$800.
Wet-area or outdoor install. Requires IP-rated hardware and weatherproof enclosures, adding A$150 to A$400.
Existing wiring behind the switchboard is old. Older rubber-insulated cable may need replacement before the new charger circuit can be safely added.
The car does not support the maximum charger rate. Not a cost surprise, but disappointing if you paid for a 22kW charger and the car maxes out at 11kW. Check car specs first.
What happens on EV charger install day
For a standard Sydney home install, install day runs like this :
Electrician arrives, confirms the plan
Power off at the switchboard
New RCD and circuit breaker fitted to the switchboard
Cable run from switchboard to charger location
Charger mounted on the wall
Wiring connected and tested
Power on, testing on the highest supported charge rate
Charger configured (Wi-Fi, app, tariff schedule)
Handover and demonstration
CCEW issued
Power off duration: typically 2 to 4 hours during the day.
What to have ready for install day
Space cleared around the switchboard
Clear access to where the charger will be mounted
Wi-Fi credentials for smart chargers
Your EV parked nearby for a live test
Any rebate paperwork if it needs to be signed
Copy of any strata approval (for apartments)
After install
Charging schedule setup. Most smart chargers let you set overnight charging windows to match off-peak tariffs. This can save A$300 to A$800 per year on charging costs. Smart chargers can be programmed to work on electricity tariff rates.
App and account setup. Tesla, Zappi, Wallbox, and other smart chargers pair with a mobile app for monitoring, schedules, and remote start-stop.
Solar priority (if applicable). If you have solar and a load-managing charger, configure it to prioritise charging from surplus solar.
Rebate paperwork lodged. Any applicable NSW EV charger rebates need to be filed within a set window after install.
Costs at a glance
Full details in our EV charger installation cost guide. Summary:
Standard 7kW single-phase install: A$1,200 to A$1,600 fitted
11kW three-phase install (with three-phase supply): A$1,800 to A$2,800 fitted
Install with switchboard upgrade: A$3,500 to A$6,500
Install with supply upgrade (single to three-phase): A$6,500 to A$14,000
Apartment install: A$2,500 to A$5,500
Book an EV charger site check
Arconex assesses your switchboard and site for a fixed-price EV charger quote in all Inner West Sydney and South Sydney suburbs. Send a photo of your switchboard and where you park and we can start with a preliminary quote same day.
Frequently asked questions
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Expect a multi-step process rather than a single visit: a preliminary quote, a site inspection to confirm switchboard capacity, a fixed-price written quote, any required approvals, the install itself (usually one day), testing, and a CCEW compliance certificate before your first charge.
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Most Sydney home installs take a single day, usually 4 to 6 hours on site.
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Only if the install requires work on the supply between your property and the network (upgrading single-phase to three-phase, moving the meter). Standard installs do not.
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Rarely. Even for a straightforward install, the charger has to be ordered, and any strata or supply upgrades need approval first. Most jobs run 1 to 3 weeks from quote to install.
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Some Sydney installers hold common models (Zappi, Tesla Wall Connector) in stock. Less common models can add 1 to 4 weeks lead time.
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Yes, or a nominated adult. Access, sign-off, and app setup all require you.
