A home EV charger is a one-time job you want done right the first time. Most of what goes wrong is avoidable — and it almost always traces back to skipping the assessment and chasing the cheapest number. Here are the mistakes we see, and how to sidestep them.
1. Going the DIY or unlicensed route
Fixed EV-charger wiring must be done by a licensed electrician, with a Certificate of Compliance — it's a legal and safety requirement, and it's what your insurer expects. A cheap "cash job" with no certificate can cost you far more later.
2. Buying more charger than your car or home can use
Paying for a 22kW charger when your home is single-phase, or when your car only accepts 7–11kW AC, is money spent on speed you'll never see. The right charger is the one matched to your car and supply, not the biggest number on the box.
3. Ignoring the switchboard until install day
An older or full switchboard sometimes needs work before a charger goes in. A good installer checks this up front and tells you — a bad one discovers it on the day and hits you with a surprise.
4. Not checking grants and finance first
Businesses and fleets can miss thousands in grant funding by booking before anyone checks; home buyers can miss the 0% finance that makes it $0 upfront. Grants and finance come first, then the quote — not the other way around.
5. Leaving it too late
Booking after the car arrives means weeks on public chargers. The fix is simple: start when you have a delivery date, and have it installed before the car turns up.
Every one of these is avoided by the same thing: a proper assessment before any work. That's how we quote — switchboard, car, supply and grants all checked first, with a Certificate of Compliance on completion.
Want it done right the first time? Book a free assessment — or read up on why it needs a licensed electrician.
Common questions
What is the biggest mistake when installing an EV charger?
Skipping a proper assessment and chasing the cheapest number. It leads to unlicensed work with no compliance certificate, the wrong charger for your car and home, and surprise switchboard costs on the day.
Can I install an EV charger myself to save money?
No — fixed EV-charger wiring must be done by a licensed electrician with a Certificate of Compliance. It's a legal and safety requirement, and an uncertified 'cash job' can cost far more later and void insurance.
How do I choose a good EV charger installer?
Pick one that assesses your switchboard, car and supply up front (not on the day), checks your grants and finance first, uses licensed electricians, and provides a Certificate of Compliance on completion.
Want this sorted for your home?
We check every grant you qualify for — free — then install before your car arrives.