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Should I install an EV charger during the build or after handover?

Most buyers plan the electrical provision (conduit and a dedicated circuit from the meter board to the garage) during the build, then install the actual charger after handover. This gives you the flexibility to shop around for the best charger and take advantage of falling prices. The provision costs $200–$600 during the build; retrofitting a circuit through finished walls costs $500–$1,500+.

What size circuit do I need for an EV charger?

For a standard 7kW single-phase charger, a 32A dedicated circuit is required. For an 11kW–22kW three-phase charger, a 32A three-phase circuit is required. Your builder's electrician will install the circuit from the meter board to the garage. Ensure the circuit is on its own breaker, separate from other loads, to handle the continuous high current of EV charging.

Do I need three-phase power for an EV charger?

No — single-phase power (standard in most Australian homes) supports a 7kW charger, which provides 40–50 km of range per hour of charging. This is sufficient for most overnight charging needs. Three-phase power supports 11kW–22kW chargers for faster charging, but is only needed if you have a large battery EV, drive long distances daily, or have multiple EVs. Three-phase upgrade costs $1,500–$3,000+.

Can I use a standard power point for EV charging?

Technically yes — a standard 10A power point can charge an EV using a portable charger (Level 1), but it's very slow (10–15 km range per hour) and not recommended for regular use. For reliable, safe daily charging, a dedicated Level 2 charger on a 32A circuit is recommended. Using a standard power point for regular charging can also overload the circuit if other devices are on the same circuit.

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Lighting, Electrical & Power

EV Charger Preparation Guide: What to Plan During Your Build

How to prepare your new home for electric vehicle charging — circuit sizing, charger types, positioning and costs.

6 min read·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated July 2026

Cost estimates only: Any building or upgrade figures in this guide are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Costs and inclusions vary by project, supplier, location and time. Confirm current written prices and specifications directly with your builder, suppliers and relevant trades.

Key Takeaways

EV adoption is increasing — plan a charging provision during the build, even if you don't own an EV yet
A dedicated 32A circuit from the meter board to the garage costs $200–$600 during the build; $500–$1,500+ after
Single-phase power (standard) supports a 7kW charger — sufficient for most overnight charging
Three-phase power supports faster 11kW–22kW charging but costs $1,500–$3,000+ to upgrade
Plan the charger position (garage wall, carport) and ensure the circuit reaches it

Why Plan for EV Charging Now?

Electric vehicle adoption is accelerating across Australia. Even if you don't own an EV today, you may own one within the next 5–10 years. Planning an EV charging provision during the build — a dedicated circuit and conduit from the meter board to the garage — costs $200–$600. Retrofitting the same circuit after handover requires running cables through finished walls, chasing plaster and potentially upgrading the switchboard — costs $500–$1,500+.

Tip

Even if you don't plan to buy an EV soon, the cost of an EV charging provision during the build ($200–$600) is small relative to the total build cost and adds future flexibility and resale value. Homes with EV charging provisions are increasingly attractive to buyers as EV adoption grows.

EV Charger Types

EV Charger Types — Power, Cost & Suitability

Type	Charging Speed	Cost (charger + install)	Suitable For
Level 1 — Standard power point	10–15 km range per hour	$0 (use existing point)	Emergency/top-up only; very slow
Level 2 — 7kW single-phase	40–50 km range per hour	$1,000–$2,500 (charger + install)	Most homes; overnight charging
Level 2 — 11kW–22kW three-phase	60–120 km range per hour	$2,000–$4,500 (charger + install)	Large battery EVs; fast home charging
DC fast charger	Not for home use	$15,000–$50,000+	Commercial/public use only

What to Plan During the Build

Dedicated circuit — a 32A circuit from the meter board to the garage (or carport), on its own breaker, separate from other loads
Conduit — a conduit (pipe) from the meter board to the garage wall where the charger will be mounted, so cables can be pulled through without cutting walls
Switchboard space — ensure the switchboard has space for an additional circuit breaker for the EV charger
Charger position — plan where the charger will be mounted (garage wall, carport post) and ensure the circuit reaches that position
Weatherproofing — if the charger will be outdoors (carport), ensure a weatherproof enclosure is planned
Three-phase consideration — if you want fast charging (11kW–22kW), consider upgrading to three-phase power during the build ($1,500–$3,000+)

Watch Out

Don't rely on a standard power point for EV charging. While technically possible with a portable charger, it's very slow (10–15 km per hour), can overload the circuit if other devices share it, and isn't designed for the continuous high-current load of regular EV charging. A dedicated 32A circuit is the minimum for safe, reliable home charging.

Single-Phase vs Three-Phase

Most Australian homes have single-phase power, which supports a 7kW charger (40–50 km range per hour). This is sufficient for most overnight charging — a typical EV battery (60–80 kWh) charges from empty to full in 8–12 hours. Three-phase power supports 11kW–22kW chargers (60–120 km range per hour), for faster charging. Three-phase is only needed if you have a large battery EV, drive long distances daily, or have multiple EVs. Upgrading to three-phase during the build costs $1,500–$3,000+.

Charger Positioning

Plan where the charger will be mounted:

Garage wall — the most common position; near where the car parks; protected from weather
Carport post/wall — for homes without a garage; needs a weatherproof charger and enclosure
Driveway-side wall — for outdoor parking; needs weatherproofing and potentially a bollard for protection
Ensure the charging cable can reach the car's charge port from the mounted position
Consider cable management — a cable holster or retractable cable holder keeps the cable tidy

Future-Proofing Your Home

EV charging is just one part of future-proofing — see the complete guide.

Read the Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

All costs are real-world examples only. Actual costs vary by builder, electrician, charger brand and installation complexity. Government rebates for EV chargers may be available in some states. Always confirm EV charging provisions and pricing at your electrical appointment.