As EVs become many families' main car, the first question after buying is where to charge. Overnight home charging is the most convenient and usually cheaper than public stations. But installation must be done properly: charging draws high current continuously for hours, unlike ordinary appliances. Homes with unprepared electrics risk tripping breakers, overheating cables and shock hazards.
| Issue | Portable cable (socket) | Wall charger (wallbox) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slow; good for top-ups | Much faster; full overnight for most cars |
| Installation | Uses a socket, ideally a dedicated circuit rated for continuous load | New circuit installed by a qualified electrician |
| Safety | Risky on old sockets and wiring or extension leads | Designed for continuous charging with built-in protection |
| Suits | Light or temporary use | Daily driving |
Crucially, never plug a portable charger into an extension lead or an old socket shared with other appliances: hours of continuous current overheat connections and risk fire.
Time-of-use meters charge different rates for the high-demand period — weekday daytime into the evening — and the low-demand period — overnight to morning, plus weekends and public holidays. Off-peak power is much cheaper and peak power dearer than the standard rate. Overnight charging benefits fully, but the whole household's use is billed on TOU too. Homes with people working from home and running air-con on weekdays may pay more overall. Review past usage and estimate the share in each period before switching; the utility or an electrician can help.
Have a qualified electrician or certified installer survey the site and assess load and whether a meter upgrade is needed. For a larger or TOU meter, apply to the Metropolitan or Provincial Electricity Authority with the required documents. Then install the dedicated circuit, RCD and charger, and test the system. Some EV makers offer installation with partner providers, simplifying the process.
Only with the owner's written consent, agreeing costs, removal on move-out and any meter change.
Installation within your own plot usually doesn't, but if cabling crosses common areas or estate rules cover installations, inform the juristic office first.
It depends on daily mileage, the car's efficiency and your tariff. Multiply the car's energy per kilometre by monthly distance, then by the rate in your charging period.
Home EV charging is economical and convenient once the electrics are ready: check meter size and total load, install a dedicated circuit with proper protection, and decide on TOU from your real usage pattern. Read about upgrading home electrics and cutting bills on the MyProperty blog.
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