Charger selection
EV charger brands and features: what to compare
We don't sell hardware and we don't rank brands. Instead, here are the categories of home charger available in Australia and the specifications worth comparing before you commit.
Basic wallboxes
Fixed output, minimal electronics, no app. Reliable and inexpensive. Fine if you simply want to plug in overnight and have no solar or tariff strategy.
Watch for: Usually no scheduling, no load management and no solar diversion.
Smart chargers
App control, scheduling for off-peak tariffs, usage data, over-the-air updates and often load management to protect your main supply.
Watch for: Check whether the app requires a subscription and whether it keeps working offline.
Solar-integrated chargers
Add surplus-tracking so charging follows your solar export, often via a current sensor at the switchboard. Best suited to households with panels and daytime charging.
Watch for: Confirm it genuinely does surplus tracking, not just timed charging.
Vehicle-brand chargers
Manufacturer wallboxes designed around a particular car, usually well-built and simple. They still use the standard Type 2 connector and work with other EVs.
Watch for: Feature sets can be narrower than third-party smart chargers.
Comparison checklist
Eight specifications worth checking
Work through these before you buy — they matter far more than the badge on the front.
Power rating
7kW single phase, or 11kW/22kW three phase — matched to your car and supply.
Tethered or socketed
Attached cable for convenience, or a socket for flexibility and shared use.
Cable length
Measure from the mounting position to your charge port with the car parked normally.
Weather rating
Outdoor installations need an appropriate IP rating and UV-stable housing.
Load management
Lets the charger back off when the house is drawing heavily — sometimes avoids upgrade work.
Solar diversion
Only if you have panels and the car is home during the day.
App and scheduling
Essential if you are on a time-of-use tariff.
Warranty and support
Local support presence matters more than headline warranty length.
Common questions
Charger selection FAQ
Which EV charger is right for my car?
Almost every EV sold in Australia uses a Type 2 AC connector, so compatibility is rarely the issue. The real decisions are power rating (matched to your car's onboard charger and your supply), tethered versus socketed, and which smart features you actually want.
Should I buy the charger myself or through the electrician?
Both are common. Buying it yourself gives you control over the model; buying through the electrician can simplify warranty and support. Either way, say which you prefer when requesting quotes so the pricing is comparable.
Do Tesla owners need a Tesla charger?
No. Teslas sold in Australia charge from any Type 2 AC charger. A Tesla Wall Connector is one option among many.
What warranty should I expect?
Hardware warranties are set by the manufacturer and commonly run for a few years; workmanship is warranted by the installing electrician. Ask for both in writing before proceeding.
We are an information and quote request service — we do not carry out electrical work. All installations are performed by licensed electricians.
Keep reading
More Melbourne EV charging guides
Independent, jargon-free information to help you work out what your home actually needs.
How much does EV charger installation cost?
What actually drives the price of a home EV charger installation in Melbourne, and which parts of the job vary the most.
Read guide7kW vs 11kW vs 22kW
Charging speeds compared in plain language, including why your car's onboard charger often sets the real limit.
Read guideDo I need single or three phase?
How to tell what supply your Melbourne home has, and what changes if you want a higher output charger.
Read guideCan I charge from solar?
Solar diversion, battery integration and what to look for in a charger if you already have panels on the roof.
Read guideDo I need a switchboard upgrade?
Why some homes need switchboard work before a charger can be installed, and how to spot the warning signs.
Read guideReady to get EV charger quotes?
Tell us about your property, your EV and your electrical setup. Your enquiry is shared with up to four trusted, qualified and licensed electricians in your area, who contact you directly with a quote. Free, and no obligation.