What is Compare My Build?

An interactive comparison platform for home buyers to evaluate builders, plans, and inclusions in their region side-by-side.

What is an EV-ready home?

An EV-ready home has a dedicated high-amperage circuit (usually 32A on a 240V supply) installed to the garage, ready to connect an EV charger without additional electrical work.

How much does it cost to add EV charging at build time?

Adding a dedicated EV circuit at build time typically costs $500–$1,500. Adding it after construction can cost $2,000–$4,000 due to access and trenching requirements.

Do builders include EV charging as standard?

Very rarely. Most builders offer it as an add-on. Given the low cost at build time, it's worth requesting if you plan to own an EV.

Free for home$Spot costly upgradesCompare real builder

Free for home buyers$Spot costly upgradesCompare real builder inclusions

Home›Build Knowledge Hub›Building Process›Energy Efficiency›EV Charger Ready Homes

Energy Efficiency

EV Charger Ready Homes

What 'EV ready' means in a new home build, the cost to install EV charging capability, and why it's worth including at build time.

4 min·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated June 2025

Introduction

Electric vehicle (EV) ownership is growing rapidly in Australia. If you're building a new home, installing EV charging capability at build time is dramatically cheaper than retrofitting later — and with EV sales accelerating, it's an increasingly sensible future-proofing investment.

Feature	Standard Garage Outlet	EV-Ready Circuit
Outlet type	Standard 10A GPO	Dedicated 32A circuit
Charging speed	~8km range per hour	~30–50km range per hour
Install cost at build time	Included	+$500 – $1,500
Retrofit cost (after build)	—	$2,000 – $4,000
EV charger connection	Very slow (not recommended)	Compatible with all AC chargers

Common Builder Inclusions

›EV-ready circuits are rarely included as standard — request it as an add-on
›At build time, the cost is minimal — conduit and cable runs are easy during framing
›A 32A circuit in the garage provides Level 2 EV charging capability
›If you're adding solar, pairing with EV charging allows you to charge from the sun
›Ask your builder: 'Can you include a 32A EV-ready circuit to the garage for [price]?'

Tip

The cost difference between a standard garage GPO and an EV-ready 32A circuit is typically $500–$1,500 at build time — but $2,000–$4,000 or more if retrofitted. It's one of the most cost-effective future-proofing additions available in a new build.