EV Charger Maintenance Tips for Aussie Homes
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.