Comprehensive Guide to Installing an EV Charging Station | EV Charger Installations

Hines Electrical
1 day ago
4 min read

Electric vehicles (EVs) used to be a novelty, but now they’re a common sight on New Zealand roads. If you’re an EV owner or you’re planning to buy one soon, installing an EV charger is a smart move. Most EVs have a portable charger that can be plugged into a standard outlet, but dedicated chargers tend to be faster, safer and more economical.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s everything you need to know about EV charging stations and installation in New Zealand.

Why should you install an EV charger at home?

Installing a wall-mounted EV charger at home is a good option for several reasons. These chargers – sometimes called smart chargers or rapid chargers – offer faster charging than a standard 3-point pin charger that comes with your EV. Smart chargers are around 3X faster than a basic model. Because they use power more efficiently, they can also make it cheaper to run your EV and take pressure off the power grid.

As ownership continues to rise, having an EV charger in your home could be a selling point – and make you popular with your EV-owning friends as well.

What electric vehicles can be charged at home?

As long as you choose a compatible solution, all types of electric vehicles can be charged by a home charger, including:

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) – powered solely by an electric battery
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) – powered by both an electric motor and a gas engine
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) – similar to a HEV, but with a larger electric motor and battery

How much does an EV charger installation cost?

The cost of installing an EV charger at home in New Zealand varies depending on:

Compliance requirements – some installations will need a permit, which ups the cost.
Age of home – some homes may need an electrical upgrade to accommodate an EV charger.
Type of charger – price depends largely on the model of charger chosen, its charging speed and the length of cable needed.
Based on these factors, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 to install an EV charger in your home in New Zealand.

The different types of EV charging connectors

There are many types of EV charging connectors available:

Type 1 AC

5-pin type 1 charger
Charging speed of up to 7.4 kW
Often used for Japanese-import vehicles like the Ford Focus Electric, early Nissan Leaf models, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs and Chevrolet Volt

Type 1 DC CCS Combo 1

Adds two DC pins to the Type 1 AC connector
Charging speeds of up to 100–350 kW
Compatible with US and Canadian vehicles like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Volkswagen e-Golf, Chevrolet Bolt EV and North American models of Kia Soul EV, BMW i3 and Volkswagen e-Golf

CHAdeMO DC

Separate from the AC charging point, uses DC fast charging
Charging speeds of up to 100 kW
Used for vehicles including Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan e-NV200 and some models of Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

Type 2 or Mennekes AC

Common charging type across NZ
Generates up to 7.4 kW for single-phase at-home use, or up to 22 kW for three-phase with public charging
Can be used with most modern EVs and plug-in hybrids sold or supported in New Zealand, including Tesla Model 3/Y/S/X, Hyundai IONIQ 5/Kona Electric, Kia EV6/Niro EV, BMW i3/iX/i4/i7, Volkswagen ID.4/ID.3, Polestar 2, Mercedes-Benz EQ series, Volvo XC40/C40 Recharge, Renault Zoe/Kangoo ZE and Audi e-tron series

EU DC CCS Combo Type 2 DC

Standard charging type for public chargers in NZ
Super-fast charging of 50–350 kW
Compatible with almost all modern EVs sold in NZ, including Tesla (Model 3/Y/S/X – NZ models), Hyundai IONIQ 5/6/Kona Electric, Kia EV6/Niro EV, Volkswagen ID.3/ID.4/ID.Buzz, BMW i3/iX/i4/i7, Mercedes-Benz EQ range, Audi e-tron/Q4 e-tron, Polestar 2, Renault Megane E-Tech, Peugeot e-208/e-2008 and Volvo XC40/EX30/C40 Recharge.

Tesla

Tesla vehicles sold in New Zealand are fully compatible with the Type 2 AC plug for regular home and public charging, and the CCS Combo Type 2 (CCS2) connector for DC fast charging. The CCS2 standard enables fast charging speeds of up to 250 kW, depending on the model and charger. All current New Zealand Tesla models, including Models 3, Y, S and X, support this setup, although older Model S and Model X vehicles may require a CCS adapter upgrade to use third-party DC fast chargers.

What is a smart wall charger?

A smart wall charger is a built-in charging station for your electric vehicle. It is typically installed at home or in commercial locations, and may connect to your home network or smartphone so you can manage it remotely.

Using solar panels to charge your EV

Solar panels sit on the roof of your property and convert the energy of sunlight into electricity. The solar energy transfers to your home electrical system or a solar battery, if you have one. The EV charger then draws power from your home’s solar energy to charge your vehicle. Once you’ve installed solar panels, the energy you gain from them is free, making this a very cost-effective solution for charging your EV. It’s also one of the most environmentally friendly charging options.

What is solar matching?

Solar matching is charging your electric vehicle when your solar panels are actively generating electricity. This means you are using electricity from your solar panels when it’s being generated, ensuring you’re using clean, renewable energy instead of pulling from the grid. It’s the most economical way to use solar panels to charge your electric vehicle.

Why choose Hines to install your electric vehicle charger?

With decades of experience in the industry, we’ve got the skills to get all your electrical jobs done – including electric vehicle charging stations. We pride ourselves on installing reliable, compliant EV chargers in your home and workplace, whether it’s a single unit at home or multiple stations for a business fleet.

Get your EV charger installed by one of our qualified electricians at Hines today.

Installing an EV charger at your home or business is a smart investment for the planet and your pocket. At Hines, our experienced electricians are here to guide you through the entire installation process, ensuring everything is compliant, reliable and tailored to your needs. From smart chargers to solar integration, we’ve got the tools and expertise to power your EV journey.