How to Choose the Best Location for Your Home EV Charging Station

To choose the best location for your home EV charging station, consider convenience and access. It should allow you to park easily and reach your car’s charging port. You should also protect the spot from rain and sun, either inside your garage or with a weatherproof outdoor setup.

A licensed electrician should always handle the installation to ensure safety and compliance with Australian standards. As more Australians switch to electric vehicles (EVs), having a reliable home charging station is becoming a must-have.

Keep reading to learn how to do site selection for your EV charger and make charging at home simple and stress-free.

Key Factors When Choosing an EV Charging Location

Picking the right spot for your EV charging station can make your daily routine easier and safer. The goal is to make charging convenient while protecting your charger, car, and home from unnecessary wear and tear. Be sure to consider the following factors.

1. Convenience and Accessibility

In charging, convenience is everything. You want a spot that fits your habits and makes plugging in quick and easy. Focus on these points:

• Parking location or routine: Pick a place close to where you park your EV: your garage, carport, or driveway.
• Electric car’s charge port: Mount the station on the same side as your EV’s charging port so the cable reaches easily.
• Cable management: Keep cables tidy and out of the way. Use wall brackets or retractors to prevent tangles or tripping hazards. Make sure the cable can reach comfortably without blocking pathways or creating risks for kids, visitors, or deliveries.

2. Electrical and Installation Requirements

When setting up your EV charging station, safety and proper installation come first. Because EV chargers draw a lot of power, it’s important to plan carefully and work with a licensed electrician. The right setup ensures your charger runs smoothly and complies with Australian electrical standards.

Here are the main things to consider:

• Proximity to the switchboard: Install your charger as close as possible to your home’s main switchboard. Long cable runs can increase installation costs and may require thicker or custom cabling.
• Dedicated circuit: Australian regulations require every EV charger to have its own dedicated circuit directly from the main switchboard to handle the heavy electrical load.
• Electrical system capacity: A licensed electrician will assess if your home’s switchboard can support a Level 2 charger. Older homes may need upgrades before installation.
• Hard-wired installation: Level 2 chargers must be hard-wired for faster, more reliable charging. Only a qualified electrician can complete this work safely.
• Connectivity: If your charger has smart features or mobile app integration, make sure the installation spot has a strong Wi-Fi or 4G signal for remote monitoring and scheduling.

3. Safety and Environment

Safety should always come first when choosing where to install your home charger. Whether it’s inside your garage or on an outdoor wall, the goal is to keep your setup safe, durable, and compliant with Australian standards.

Indoor vs Outdoor Installation

Both indoor and outdoor setups can work well. It depends on your home and parking layout.

• Garage (indoor) installation:
  • Pros: Protected from the weather; secure and convenient year-round.
  • Cons: May take up space or create clutter.
• Driveway or exterior wall (outdoor) installation:
  • Pros: Great for homes without garages; modern chargers are weatherproof and flexible.
  • Cons: Needs a high IP rating (IP65 or higher) and may require bollards or guards for protection.

Other Key Safety Tips

• Ventilation: Ensure indoor setups have good airflow since chargers can produce heat.
• Impact protection: Keep the charger out of high-traffic areas or install protective posts.
• Mounting height: Mount at least 800 mm above the ground as required by Australian standards.
• Professional installation: Always hire a licensed electrician. DIY work is unsafe and illegal.

Typical EV Charging Locations in Australia

Choosing the right spot for your EV charger often comes down to your home’s layout and where you park most of the time. Each option (garage, carport, or driveway) has its own advantages and a few things to watch out for.

Understanding these typical setups can help you plan the safest and most practical installation for your charging routine.

• Garage
  • Pros: Excellent protection from the weather, added security, and often a shorter distance to the switchboard.
  • Cons: May require clearing some space for easier access.
• Carport
  • Pros: Provides solid shelter from sun and rain.
  • Cons: Detached carports may need a new circuit, which can increase installation costs.
• Driveway or side of house
  • Pros: Ideal for homes without covered parking and easy to access.
  • Cons: Needs a weatherproof charger, good lighting, and tidy cable setup for safety.

After reviewing your options, contact a licensed electrician to confirm your chosen location meets all Australian safety standards.

Power Up with the Right EV Charger Location

The best spot for your home EV charging station strikes a balance between convenience, cost-efficiency, safety, and compliance. Always have your charger installed by a licensed electrician to make sure it meets Australian standards and runs safely for years to come.

As EVs become more common across Australia, planning your setup now will help you stay ready for the future of driving.

For expert advice and professional installation, contact Canny Electrics on 1300 522 446 or visit our EV Charger Installation page. We’ll help you find the perfect spot and power your EV the smart way.