Do I Need a Dedicated EV Charger at Home or Work?

So, you’ve just bought an electric or hybrid vehicle - and like many others, you’re enjoying the benefits that come with it. Quiet, efficient, and cheaper to run… 

But with new tech comes new questions.

 

  • Can I just plug my EV into a standard power point?

  • Will my solar system be enough to charge it?

  • What’s the deal with these wall-mounted EV chargers?

 If you’ve been wondering the same. These are some of the most common questions we hear from clients — so we’ve put together this quick guide to help clear things up and point you in the right direction.

 

 

Can I Charge My Car Through a Standard Household Power Outlet?

 Yes, you can - but there are a few important things to be aware of.

 Most electric vehicles come with a basic lead that allows you to plug into a standard household outlet. It works, but it’s very slow. A typical 10A outlet will deliver around 2.4 kW, which means charging a Tesla Model Y from empty could take up to 25 hours. A BYD Shark, with a smaller battery, might take around 12 hours to reach full charge.

 Another common issue we see is burnt-out power outlets or charging leads. These outlets aren’t designed for continuous high current over long periods. The extended draw creates heat, and if the plug or outlet is worn or not making perfect contact, hot spots can form — leading to arcing, melting, or even fire risks.

 If you’re planning to charge your vehicle regularly at home or work, a dedicated EV charger is a far safer, faster, and more reliable option.




I want free electricity! Can I just charge using my solar system?

Yes you can, but again- Its not completely straight forward

Most chargers don't have the in-built smarts to differentiate between regular electricity and PV generated power.

At the moment, there are two go to chargers for us that have this capability.

 

  • Zappi EV Charger

The UK-built Zappi EV charger is available in both 7kW (single-phase) and 22kW (three-phase) models, making it suitable for standard residential homes as well as properties with three-phase power.

 

One of Zappi’s standout features is its ability to work intelligently with your solar system. It includes a current transformer (CT clamp), which can be installed either hardwired or wirelessly. This CT device is fitted around the main incoming supply cable and is responsible for monitoring both grid import and solar export.

 

Using this data, the Zappi dynamically adjusts how much power is delivered to your EV — allowing it to prioritise surplus solar energy, limit grid usage, or charge as fast as possible depending on the mode selected (Eco, Eco+ or Fast). It’s a smart solution for homeowners looking to maximise self-consumption of solar power or simply reduce energy costs when charging.

  • Fronius Wattpilot Go

The Fronius Wattpilot Go is a smart and portable EV charger designed for flexibility and energy efficiency. Available in 11kW and 22kW versions, it’s ideal for homes with three-phase power and can be moved between locations as needed. One of its key features is seamless solar integration — when paired with a Fronius solar inverter and the Fronius Smart Meter, the Wattpilot can automatically adjust the EV charging rate based on excess solar production. This allows homeowners to prioritise self-consumption, reduce grid reliance, and take advantage of variable electricity tariffs where available. The charger can be controlled via the Fronius Solar.wattpilot app, giving users full visibility and control over their charging preferences and energy usage.




Does my homes electricity supply have the capacity to charge my car?

A question definitely worth considering.

Many homes around Ocean Grove and the Bellarine are older and often run on single-phase power, with main switches rated for 40 amps or less.

 While some EV wall chargers — like those from Tesla, BMW, and other manufacturers — can complicate things by drawing high current without any built-in load control, the good news is there are smarter options available.

 

Zappi and Fronius Wattpilot chargers offer dynamic load management, meaning they can automatically adjust the EV’s charging rate based on your home’s current power usage. This helps avoid overloading the main switch and ensures your charging setup stays safe and compliant — even on a limited supply.




At the end of the day, choosing the right EV charger for your home or business isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety, efficiency, and future-proofing your setup. Whether you’re on a single-phase supply or managing a growing solar system, investing in a smart charger like the Zappi or Fronius Wattpilot can save you from costly electrical upgrades and give you greater control over your energy use.

 

If you’re unsure what your home can handle or which charger is best for your setup, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help you make an informed decision.

Jordan Timms