As electric vehicle adoption continues to surge across the country, so do more Aussie households plugging in their cars at home. Data from the Electric Vehicle Consortium (EVC) shows that in 2024 alone, Australians purchased around 114,000 new battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, smashing the previous record of 98,000 sales in 2023.

As demand grows, so does the need to maintain home charging set-ups. For new or aspiring EV owners, it's important to know that a well-cared-for EV charger not only ensures safe and efficient charging, but also helps extend the life of your unit and avoids costly repairs.

This guide will cover practical maintenance tips to get the most out of your EV charger.

Why Maintaining Your EV Charger Matters

Firstly, you may not have even considered that EV chargers need maintenance. Perhaps you thought they were mostly set-and-forget. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Just like any electrical device, especially ones exposed to the elements or regular use, a little upkeep goes a long way.

How exactly?

When you have DC fast charger, portable charger, or AC power, regular maintenance helps make your EV home charger last longer. It also ensures safe and efficient charging, and reduces the risk of overheating. Most importantly, staying on top of minor wear and tear can help prevent costly repairs or even a full replacement down the track.

Best Practices for EV Charging Maintenance

Building a simple habit of regular checks can save you a lot of hassle in the long run. A quick visual inspection once a week or so can help catch issues early. Things to keep an eye out for:

• Frayed cables;
• Cracked casings;
• Loose plugs;
• Signs of rust around wall-mounted units.

Was your charger installed on a dedicated circuit by a licensed electrician? This is important because it avoids overloading your home’s electrical system, as well as ensuring safer, more reliable charging.

We recommend avoiding using low-quality or mismatched charging equipment. While cheaper, it can reduce efficiency and even void warranties. Stick with certified, compatible charging equipment designed for your EV and local standards. The peace of mind is worth it alone.

Finally, try to charge during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper and the grid is less stressed. Not only is it more economical, but it’s better for faster charging your EV, and for your EV charger longevity too. Again, it's all about establishing habits. Like brushing your teeth, make it a routine to plug in your EV overnight.

Quick Pre-Maintenance Safety Checks

Before you do any maintenance, follow these simple steps to stay safe and spot early signs of trouble:

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

Safety first. Switch off the EV charger at your home’s switchboard to avoid electric shock during inspection or cleaning.

Step 2: Inspect Cables and Ports

Look for frayed wires, cracked insulation, loose connectors, or signs of wear on the charging plug and socket.

Step 3: Check for Water, Dust, or Insects

Make sure there’s no water pooling around the unit, no dust clogging vents, and no signs of insects or pests, especially in outdoor set-ups.

Step 4: Look for Signs of Overheating

Watch for discolouration, burn marks, warped casing, or any plastic smells that could indicate heat damage or internal faults.

Cleaning Your Home EV Charger Safely

Just like you give your car a little TLC whenever you wash or vacuum her, so you should with your EV charger. Keeping it clean helps prevent grime, salt, or debris from interfering with its performance.

• Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth with a mild detergent and water solution to gently wipe down the exterior.
• Never spray water or cleaning products directly into charging ports or electrical components. Instead, use a damp cloth here.
• Adjust your cleaning frequency based on your environment. If you live in a coastal area with salt air or lots of dust inland, check and clean the charger more regularly. As a rule of thumb, aim for about once a month. For indoor or sheltered units, every quarter is usually enough.

Loving your EV means regular, careful cleaning of your charger also. It can extend the life of your unit and keep it looking and working like new.

Software Updates & Smart Charger Diagnostics

Modern EV chargers, especially those paired with smart charging features in vehicles like Tesla, BYD, Hyundai IONIQ, or MG ZS EV, often come with built-in software that requires occasional updates to stay efficient and compatible.

How to Check for Updates

Most smart chargers allow you to check for firmware updates via a companion app or web portal. Some brands even update automatically over Wi-Fi. It's important because keeping your charger's firmware up to date helps improve performance, ensures compatibility with newer EVs, and may patch any safety or efficiency bugs. If your charger has LED status lights, learn what they mean. Blinking red might signal a fault, while a flashing blue could simply mean it's updating or in standby mode.

When in doubt, check the user manual or the manufacturer's app for diagnostic information, or refer to Google or YouTube, where you will likely find an answer.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

There might be situations where a quick clean or cable check just won’t cut it, and you need to call in a licensed electrician.

First, if you notice a burning smell, get on the phone ASAP. Additionally, if you see discoloured casing or exposed wires, stop using the charger immediately. These are potential signs of burning and safety hazards.

Now, if your charger cuts out mid-charge, won’t start consistently, or trips your circuit breaker, there may be an issue with the wiring or load that needs professional diagnosis. We suggest not trying DIY when there's electronics involved, unless you've been trained.

Finally, we're in Australia, so it's important to stay compliant unless you want an infringement. In Australia, all EV charger installations and repairs must meet strict electrical standards. Having work done by a licensed electrician provides peace of mind that your set-up is compliant with regulations and protected by your home insurance coverage.

If in doubt, don’t risk it. A licensed electrician can safely test, repair, or replace your charger and ensure everything is up to specifications. The investment can save you from bigger issues (and bigger bills).

Seasonal Considerations for Aussie Homes

Australia’s weather can be unforgiving, especially within the last decade of so. If it's not bushfires, it's floods or epic storms. As such, it’s important to consider how the seasons affect your EV charger.

If you experience extreme heat in summer, we're talking 40+ degree days, it can stress electrical components. This is why it's smart to install your charger in a shaded and well-ventilated area to reduce overheating and prolong its lifespan. Additionally, try to avoid charging during the middle of these extreme heat days.

For flooding and storms, ensure your charger is mounted well above ground level and protected from potential water ingress. During storms, unplugging your charger (if safe to do so) can prevent surge damage. For areas like Sydney and Brisbane, avoid charging during your intense storms.

In high-risk bushfire zones, avoid installing chargers near flammable vegetation or in areas without adequate clearance. Use non-combustible mounting surfaces and follow local safety regulations to minimise fire hazards.

Planning for the seasons helps keep your charger safe, compliant, and running efficiently all year round. This is where an experienced electrician can provide invaluable advice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes we see people make while maintaining their EV charger:

• Neglecting regular checks;
• Cleaning while it's connected;
• Letting water or cleaning products enter ports or electrical components;
• Using a pressure washer (can do more harm than good);
• Using extension cords;
• Charging during extreme weather;
• Ignoring warning signs such as charger flashes or your EV app shows a fault.

And, for your car battery’s health, avoid letting it fully deplete before charging. This will improve the battery life.

Future-Proofing Your Charger

As EV ownership continues to grow, it’s smart to future-proof your charger for long-term use. You may use it for your next EV, after all. On that note, make sure your charger is compatible with a wide range of EVs, not just your current model. Moreover, it's worth investing in a unit that supports higher charging capacities to handle future EV models and potential multiple-vehicle households.

Optimise your charging routine by setting habits. You can use timers as reminders for using off-peak rates, and pairing with smart home systems for greater efficiency. And, if you're looking to cut running costs and boost sustainability, consider integrating solar power. It's a great feeling knowing that your EV is being powered by free and clean energy from the sun.

Why You Should Consider a Professional for EV Charger Installation

To get yourself off on the fight foot, we highly suggest hiring a professional electrician to install your EV charger. Not only will they know the best location and type of charger and safety compliance, they provide peace of mind that everything is set up to ensure optimal performance.

Are you buying an EV or considering it? Contact our friendly and professional team at Easther Electrical for the best advice for your EV charger installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do home EV chargers need maintenance?

Yes, regular visual checks, cleaning, and occasional servicing of your electric vehicle supply equipment help ensure your EV charger stays safe, efficient, and long-lasting.

Should I charge my EV to 80% every night?

Charging to around 80% is ideal for daily use and your electric vehicle chargers and EV battery health, but nightly charging depends on how much you drive each day.

How do I prepare my house for EV charging?

You’ll need a dedicated circuit, an accessible installation point, and a licensed electrician to ensure your electric car home charger meets safety and capacity requirements.

Is it OK to leave my EV charger plugged in all the time?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to leave your EV charging cable plugged in to charge your EV, as long as it's installed and the charging speed is functioning properly.

You've probably noticed the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road. The likes of Teslas and other models are rapidly becoming the future of transportation, but potential buyers still have reservations about making the switch from combustion engine cars (petrol-powered) to electric.

One of the most common questions potential buyers ask is: how fast do electric vehicles charge? The answer depends on several factors. So, in this guide, we’ll break down EV charging speeds, explain the different charging levels, and specify how long it takes to charge popular electric car models.

What Affects EV Charging Speed?

EV charging speed isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on several key factors.

Battery Size and Capacity

Just like a bigger fuel tank takes longer to fill, a larger battery takes longer to charge. A high-capacity EV battery will need more time to reach full charge compared to a smaller one. The benefit, however, is that larger batteries store more electricity and thus come with longer range.

Charger Type and Level

Charging speed varies depending on whether you’re using a slow Level 1 charger, a faster Level 2 charger, or an ultra-fast DC charger.

State of Charge (SoC) and Battery Health

Charging slows down as the battery gets fuller and older batteries may not charge as efficiently as new ones.

EV Charging Levels Explained

Not all EV chargers are the same. There are three levels, and the speed at which your car charges depends largely on the type of charger you’re using.

Level 1 Charging (Slow Charging)

This is the most basic type of EV charging, using a standard household outlet. This is what you would use at home if you do not have a proper EV charger installed. It’s convenient but slow taking anywhere from 8 to 40 hours to fully charge a battery. Most EV users rely on this type of charger for overnight charging.

Level 2 Charging (Standard Charging)

This next step up is Level 2 chargers, which you can have installed at home by a quality Wollongong electrician, usually inside or around your garage. Level 2 uses a 240V power source, cutting charging time to around 4 to 8 hours. Most EV brand dealerships offer Level 2 home chargers as an optional purchase when buying your EV. Besides being in homes, you can also find Level 2 EV chargers installed at workplaces and public charging stations.

DC Fast Charging (Rapid Charging)

The "Rolls Royce" of charging, or should we say, the "Tesla" of chargers. DC charging is for those who demand a quick top-up. DC fast chargers (also known as rapid chargers) use direct current (DC) to charge EV batteries more quickly, bypassing the car's onboard converter. As a result, DC charging speeds can charge an EV to 80% in as little as 15–45 minutes. These high-powered chargers are found at highway rest stops, shopping centres, and EV charging networks like Tesla Superchargers.

Charging Times for Popular Electric Vehicle Models

The type of electric vehicle model will influence charging time. Here's a handy comparison.

It's important to note that these times are averages and can vary based on factors like the vehicle's battery capacity, charger efficiency and the vehicle's max charge rate.

Tips to Optimise EV Charging Time

There are a few hacks you can implement to help optimise EV charging time.

1. Use Level 2 Charging Whenever Possible

Find opportunities for Level 2 charging whenever possible, even if it's not for a full charge as it will reduce your charging time on a Level 1 charger later.

2. Charge Overnight

Most electric car drivers make a habit of plugging in their cars overnight, whether they use Level 1 or Level 2 charging. This is an off-peak time which helps you avoid high electricity rates. Furthermore, your battery gets charged while sleeping, without affecting your daily schedule.

3. Don’t Always Fully Charge

To maintain battery health, it’s generally best to avoid charging to 100% unless needed for long trips.

4. Avoid Deep Discharges

On the flip side, try to keep your battery’s charge level above 20% to avoid putting excessive strain on the battery, which can improve its lifespan.

5. Keep Battery Temperature Optimal

Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can slow down charging times and affect battery life. As the car regularly heats, try to park in shaded or temperature-controlled areas whenever possible. Underground carparks are ideal.

Future of EV Charging Speeds

The future of EV charging is looking incredibly promising with innovations coming through regularly. These include ultra-fast charging technology and even wireless charging systems that could significantly reduce charging times. Who knows, one day it might be as quick as filling your car up with petrol.

As the demand for EVs grows, the need for reliable charging infrastructure will continue to rise. If you're thinking about making the switch to EVs and would like to explore your options, install a home charging station, or learn more about EV infrastructure, contact Easther Electrical today to get your EV charging sorted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an electric car to charge at a charging station?

Charging stations are typically Level 2 chargers, but the time it takes for an electric car to charge also depends on the car’s battery capacity. A rule of thumb is anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

How long does it take to charge an electric car in Australia?

In Australia, charging an electric car can take anywhere from 30 minutes at a DC fast charger to around 8-12 hours with a Level 2 charger at home. It all depends on which level of charging is used.

What is the speed of electric vehicle charging?

The speed of electric vehicle charging varies by level type, which affects charging speed. DC fast chargers provide the fastest charging speeds, often adding up to 100 km of range in about 10 minutes. Tesla Superchargers are an example of this technology.

How much does it cost to fully charge an electric car?

The cost to fully charge an electric car depends on your local electricity max charging rates, but it typically ranges from $10 to $20 for a full charge.