EV Charger Buying Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before You Buy
Before buying a home EV charger in New Zealand, check 10 things: your supply type (single or three-phase), the cable run distance, your switchboard's age and capacity, the power level you actually need, your car's onboard charger limit, solar diversion if you have panels, OCPP compliance, weather rating for the mounting spot, warranty terms, and finally get multiple installed quotes from EWRB-registered electricians. Typical installed cost is $2,500-4,000.
Key Takeaways
- •Check your supply type (single or three-phase) and your car's onboard charging limit before choosing hardware.
- •The cable run from switchboard to charger drives installation cost: longer runs and trenching add real money.
- •If you have solar, prioritise diversion-capable chargers: Evnex, myenergi Zappi, Fronius Wattpilot or SolarEdge.
- •OCPP compliance future-proofs the charger for smart tariffs and energy management platforms.
- •Compare full installed quotes (typically $2,500-4,000) from EWRB-registered electricians, not bare unit prices.
In this guide
The 10-Point Checklist
1. Check your power supply type. Single-phase (most NZ homes) supports up to 7.4kW; three-phase supports up to 22kW. Full guide here.
2. Measure the cable run. Walk the route from your switchboard to where the charger will mount. Longer runs mean more cable, more labour and sometimes trenching; a charger near the board is the cheapest install.
3. Check your switchboard's age and capacity. Ceramic fuses or a full board mean upgrade territory; a modern board with spare ways is usually fine. Switchboard guide.
4. Choose your power level honestly. 7.4kW restores roughly 40km of range per hour: ample for overnight charging. Only pay for 22kW if your supply and your driving genuinely demand it.
5. Check your EV's onboard charger. The car sets the AC ceiling: a 22kW wall unit cannot speed up a car limited to 7.4kW. Read the spec sheet before buying hardware.
6. Decide on solar diversion. If you have panels, a diverting charger (Evnex, Zappi, Fronius Wattpilot, SolarEdge) charges the car on surplus worth only 7-12c/kWh in export. Solar charging guide.
7. Consider OCPP compliance. The Open Charge Point Protocol keeps the charger compatible with future energy platforms and smart tariffs; Evnex carries the newest version (2.0.1).
8. Match the weather rating to the location. Fully exposed outdoor mounting needs a properly weatherproof unit; a garage or carport is kinder to any charger. Check the IP rating on the exact model quoted.
9. Compare warranties, and remember the CGA. Warranty terms vary by brand; the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 also applies to the hardware and the installation regardless of warranty paperwork.
10. Get multiple installed quotes. Typical installed pricing is $2,500-4,000 with the labour component alone at $800-1,200. Every quote should name the exact charger model and include the circuit, protection, certification and any switchboard work. Get free quotes here.
Red Flags to Watch For
Walk away from installers who:
- Quote without assessing your switchboard (in person or via clear photos)
- Are not EWRB-registered electricians, or are vague when you ask
- Suggest skipping the dedicated circuit or proper protection
- Push unbranded chargers at suspiciously low prices
- Pressure you to commit on the spot without a written, itemised quote
A quality installation protects your home, your car and your warranty cover. The cheapest quote that cuts the wrong corner is the most expensive one on a long enough timeline.
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