As an electrician, choosing the best EV charging hardware for the job is key to ensuring safe, efficient, and long-lasting installations. With the rapid growth of EV adoption and the ever-evolving range of chargers on the market, selecting the right hardware can feel like navigating a maze. This guide breaks down the critical factors to consider and equips you with the knowledge to make confident recommendations to your clients.
Understand Your Clients’ Needs
Every client has unique requirements, and understanding these is the first step to selecting the right hardware. Consider these questions:
- Home vs. Business Use: Is the charger for residential use, or will it support a fleet or commercial operation?
- Billing and Access Solutions (For Business): If the charger is for a business, do they need features like billing systems, RFID cards, or app-based user management to support employee or customer use?
- Vehicle Type and Charging Needs: Does the client own a specific EV model, or are they preparing for multiple vehicle types?
- Smart Charging Integration: Does the client require a smart charger that can integrate with other household energy systems, such as solar panels or home batteries, to improve energy efficiency?
- Smart Charging Connectivity: For commercial applications, consider whether the charger needs to connect to a load management system or have internet connectivity.
- Future-Proofing: Are they planning to add more EVs in the future? Will they benefit from scalable solutions or higher-capacity chargers?
- Budget Constraints: How much is the client willing to spend upfront, and are they aware of potential government grants or rebates?
Know the Key Hardware Options
The EV charging market offers a wide range of hardware, and understanding the strengths and features of each type is essential to provide the best solutions for your clients.
Wall-Mounted Chargers
Ideal for residential installations and commercial businesses, wall-mounted chargers are compact, cost-effective, and easy to install. Options like Zappi, integrate well with home solar setups, enabling clients to charge sustainably.
Pedestal-Mounted Chargers
These are perfect for high-traffic areas or fleet management. Pedestal chargers offer durability and are designed for outdoor installations. They can often support dual-vehicle charging, making them an efficient choice for businesses and public spaces. When installing pedestal chargers, it’s also important to consider impact protection, such as bollards and wheel stops, to ensure long-lasting performance and safety.
AC Fast Chargers
AC chargers, available in 7kW or 22kW, are suitable for most homes and commercial businesses and can typically be installed using existing switchboard supplies.
DC Rapid Chargers
Businesses, public charging or commercial clients with high-turnover charging needs will benefit from DC Rapid chargers. They significantly reduce charging time, minimising downtime for fleets or customers. These chargers are particularly valuable for highway rest stops, large car parks, shopping centres and commercial hubs.
Portable Chargers
For clients who prioritise flexibility, portable chargers are an excellent option. While not as powerful as fixed solutions, they provide convenience for travel, emergencies, or occasional use. Typically, they are plugged into a standard 10A or 15A power point, making them easy to use on the go.
Connector Compatibility: Getting It Right
Ensuring that the EV charger is compatible with your client’s vehicle or fleet is critical for a successful installation. Connector types vary depending on the charging speed (AC or DC), so it’s important to align the hardware with the specific requirements of the vehicles involved.
Type 2 Connectors (AC Charging)
Type 2 plugs and sockets are the Australian standard for AC charging, making them suitable for most residential and commercial installations. They are reliable and widely compatible with modern EVs. Type 2 charging cables are available in 7kW or 22kW options. The EV charger can either be tethered with a cable or untethered, allowing the driver to use their own cable when charging.
- Example EVs: Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6.
- Chargers: Autel MaxiCharger AC Lite, Zappi AC Charger.
CCS2 Connectors (DC Fast Charging)
CCS2 (Combined Charging System Type 2) plugs and sockets are the most popular option for DC rapid charging in Australia. Essentially an enhanced version of the Type 2 connector, they feature additional pins to support rapid DC charging. This standard is widely adopted by modern EVs. For DC charging, the EV charger is typically tethered with the CCS2 cable supplied.
- Example EVs: Tesla Model Y, BMW iX, and Volkswagen ID.4.
- Chargers: X280, Zerova, Kempower Movable
CHAdeMO Connectors (DC Fast Charging)
Primarily used by Japanese EV models, CHAdeMO connectors are less common in newer vehicles but remain relevant for older models. One advantage of CHAdeMO is its support for bi-directional charging (vehicle-to-grid, V2G, and vehicle-to-home, V2H), which is appealing to clients interested in advanced energy management. However, V2G requires the installation of specialised EV chargers.
- Example EVs: Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Why Dual-Standard Chargers Are a Smart Choice
For public or commercial installations, consider dual-standard chargers that support both CCS2 and CHAdeMO. These chargers maximise flexibility, accommodating a broader range of vehicles and ensuring that no EV owner is left out.
- Example Dual-Standard Charger: Autel Maxicharger DC Compact
By selecting chargers that support Type 2, CCS2, or CHAdeMO, you ensure that your installations are future-proof and meet the diverse needs of your clients’ EVs.
Additional Considerations: Know What’s in the Box
Selecting the right hardware goes beyond choosing the charger itself. You’ll need to consider:
Additional Components:
Some chargers require extra parts to unlock their full functionality. For example:
- Autel chargers need CT clamps and additional components to enable home energy monitoring or solar compatibility.
- Zappi chargers often requires an additional accessory called the Hub to enable remote monitoring and control features. The Hub connects the charger to the internet, allowing users to manage charging sessions and monitor energy usage through the myenergi app.
- Connectivity: An internal 4G modem may be required if there is no Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity available.
Socket vs. Tethered Chargers:
- Tethered chargers come with a fixed cable, providing convenience for daily users. They are typically used in homes for AC chargers and in commercial settings for DC rapid chargers.
- Socket-only chargers (untethered): require the user to provide their own cable, which is less convenient. These chargers are typically used in commercial and public sites for AC charging, mainly because the EV charger provider wants to reduce maintenance of the charger cable and plug. Most DC rapid chargers in commercial and public sites are tethered for added convenience.
Cable Length:
When recommending tethered chargers, ensure the cable length is sufficient to reach the vehicle’s charging port without strain. Standard lengths are typically 5m or 7m, but longer cables may be required in specific setups.
Smart Features: Add Value and Future-Proofing
Modern EV chargers offer a range of smart features that not only enhance the user experience but also add significant value for both residential and commercial clients. Highlighting these capabilities can help clients future-proof their investment while addressing specific needs.
Wi-Fi & App Integration
Many chargers come with apps that allow users to:
- Monitor energy consumption.
- Schedule charging sessions during off-peak hours.
- Receive real-time updates and notifications.
- Perform over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates to keep the charger up to date.
Solar Integration
Products like Zappi allow clients to charge their EVs using surplus solar energy, reducing energy costs and promoting sustainable practices. For clients using solar setups, this feature can be a major selling point.
Dynamic Load Management
To protect a property’s electrical system, some chargers include dynamic load management, which balances energy usage across devices. This prevents overloads and ensures that charging can occur without disrupting other appliances.
Access Control with RFID Cards
For business or public installations, RFID cards or fobs are an essential feature. They allow clients to:
- Control who can use the charger.
- Monitor usage for individual users or vehicles.
- Provide seamless access to employees or customers.
- Provide for software payment systems such as Chargefox.
Billing Integration for Businesses
Chargers with built-in billing systems or compatible software can track energy usage, generate invoices, and provide detailed reports. This is particularly useful for commercial clients who need it for fleet management or for billing employees, tenants, or customers for their charging sessions.
By understanding and promoting these features, you can help guide clients toward chargers that not only meet their current needs but also offer scalability and efficiency for the future, ensuring they get the most value from their investment.
Factor in Installation Requirements
Power Supply
Understanding the site’s power supply is a critical step in selecting the right EV charger for your clients. The type of electrical connection—single-phase or three-phase—determines the maximum charging capacity that the system can support.
Single Phase Connections: A single-phase connection is common in most residential properties and can typically support chargers with a maximum output of 7.4kW (32A). This level of charging is ideal for homeowners, small businesses with limited charging demand and properties where upgrading to a three-phase connection isn’t feasible or cost-effective. It is typically protected by a single-phase 40A RCBO in the switchboard for each EV charger.
Three Phase Connections: Traditionally associated with commercial or industrial applications, three-phase power is becoming more common in residential properties, particularly in new builds or energy-conscious homes. Three-phase connections support chargers with outputs of up to 22kW (32A) and are well-suited for homes with high energy needs, future-proofing, light-commercial applications, and faster charging speeds. They are typically protected by a three-phase 40A RCBO in the switchboard for each EV charger.
Cable Length & Management
Longer cables offer flexibility but can be cumbersome. Chargers with built-in cable management systems or cable hangers enhance usability and help maintain a tidy installation. Most larger DC chargers require cable management systems due to the weight of the charging cable.
Site Considerations
Assess whether the location is exposed to weather elements. Outdoor installations require hardware with robust IP ratings, such as IP65, for water and dust resistance. Additionally, impact protection, such as bollards and wheel stops, should be considered for commercial sites.
Assess Current Load Capacity: Verify that the site’s existing electrical system can handle the additional load of an EV charger without causing disruptions.
Upgrade Potential: For clients with single-phase power but high future needs, discuss the potential benefits of upgrading to three-phase.
Balanced Charging: Recommend chargers with dynamic load management to ensure the EV charging process doesn’t overload the system or affect other appliances.
By matching the charger’s power capacity to the site’s electrical connection and client needs, you’ll ensure optimal performance and customer satisfaction.
JET Charge can assist with advice on when to incorporate Dynamic Load Management systems such as CORE.
Highlight Quality and Work With Trusted Suppliers
Recommending trusted brands is key to maintaining your reputation as a professional electrician. By partnering with suppliers like JET Charge, you’ll have access to high-quality products backed by robust warranties and support. For example:
- ChargeMate: Made in Australia to suit commercial installations and harsh outdoor conditions, is backed by a three-year warranty.
- myenergi: Known for its Zappi AC charger with seamless solar integration and smart features, ideal for residential clients prioritising energy efficiency.
- Kempower: Perfect for fleet and commercial applications.
Make it a point to inform clients about warranty terms and post-installation support, as these factors significantly influence their long-term satisfaction.
A reliable supplier like JET Charge ensures you have the best hardware, timely technical support, and the expertise to navigate any challenges. Our range includes trade discounts, expert advice, and ongoing updates, making your projects smoother and more efficient. You’ll find detailed warranty periods and terms for every product on their respective pages in the Partner Store, ensuring transparency and peace of mind for your purchases.
Stay Ahead with Training
The EV market evolves rapidly, and staying ahead of technological advancements is essential for electricians. Consider investing in specialised training to enhance your expertise and gain a competitive edge. JET Charge offers valuable information and resources in the Partner Store to help you upskill your EV charging knowledge.
Take the Confusion Out of the Process With the JET Charge Partner Store
Selecting the right EV charging hardware can be overwhelming, but we’ve made it easy. The JET Charge Partner Store takes the guesswork out of the process by curating a selection of the best EV chargers on the market.
Our range features trusted brands like myenergi, Autel, Tesla, and Kempower offering solutions tailored to residential and commercial applications. We prioritise quality, compatibility, and value to ensure your installations are dependable and future-proof.
By choosing the JET Charge Partner Store, you’ll:
- Save time researching chargers with our pre-vetted selection.
- Enjoy trade discounts and expert support.
- Provide clients with reliable, high-performance hardware that stands the test of time.
Visit the JET Charge Partner Store today to explore our handpicked selection and simplify your projects from start to finish.
Selecting the right EV charging hardware is about balancing your client’s needs with the technical capabilities of the products. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to deliver safe, efficient, and future-proof installations.
Partnering with trusted suppliers like JET Charge and staying informed about new technologies will help you remain competitive and build a reputation as an industry leader in EV infrastructure.
Visit the JET Charge Partner Store and start your journey to seamless installations today!