Two thirds of Kiwi EV owners charge their car with a 3-pin plug, but many people are now choosing to install a wall-mounted charger at home.

Not all wall chargers are created equal – a smart wall-mounted charger offers benefits that other EV chargers don’t.  

Find the right charger

Smart wall chargers are at least 3x faster than a 3-pin plug, they are much safer to use and save on electricity costs.

Unlike standard wall-mounted chargers, they also offer future-proof technology which can optimise your charging to fuel your vehicle when demand for electricity is lower and more likely to come from cheaper renewable sources, saving you money on electricity and supporting you to reduce household emissions and pressure on the national grid.  

Check out EECA’s list of recommended smart chargers, chosen for their energy efficiency and ‘grid smartness’.  

What you need to know

  • When to buy

    • At the same time as your new EV
    • When you’re ready to upgrade your existing charger

  • Tech lifespan

    10-15 years

  • Upfront costs

    • $1000–$1500 (charger)
    • $500–$1000 (installation)*

Why choose a smart wall charger over a 3-pin plug

  • Faster charging – Smart EV chargers can be at least 3x faster than a 3-pin plug – the basic charger type that often comes with your EV. 
  • Save money – Some electricity retailers offer EV plans, or time-of-use plans which reward consumers with cheaper rates at off-peak times of day. With a smart charger, you can programme charging start times to take advantage of this, and eventually power companies will offer plans for smart charger owners that automatically optimise charging to these off-peak times (which can vary day-to-day), meaning you will always charge at a lower-cost rate.
  • Convenience – App connectivity lets you automate your charging preferences, as well as change them remotely. Programme your desired level and time of charge. You can ensure your car is always fully charged in time for next use – just set and forget. Your smart charger app also makes it easy to access your charging data.
  • Cleaner – By setting your EV to charge off-peak, it is more likely to be charged with electricity generated from renewable sources. Smart charging is also more efficient than a 3-pin plug – you use less electricity to get the same level of charge.
  • Safety – Smart chargers can ‘load balance’ your home’s electricity supply, which means that they can power down automatically when your household is using lots of power at once, reducing the risk of overload. This is especially important if the wiring in your home is older. Running long cables to your vehicle should be avoided at all costs.
  • Smart grid ready – When demand flexible products become more widespread, smart EV chargers will be able to react to signals from the electricity grid and reduce the level of charge or turn off when electricity is expensive and ramp up or turn on when electricity is cheaper. You’ll use the least amount of electricity for the lowest cost without even having to think about it. Learn about demand flexibility

Cost savings**

Travelling 100km, including road user charges (RUCs), costs:

  • $19

    for the equivalent petrol car

  • $19

    for an EV charged by a public fast charger

  • $13

    for an EV charged at home on a standard rate

  • $11

    for an EV charged at home on an off-peak (overnight) rate

Charging at home off-peak, on time-of-use electricity plans is like buying petrol at around $1.60/litre, depending on your provider. This includes road user charges.***

Installation considerations

  • Off-street parking – You can mount a smart charger on an internal or external wall, but you can’t run a cable across a footpath to the street. Choose an external wall if you keep your car in the driveway, rather than running a cable from inside the garage onto to the driveway.
  • Check your wiring – Engage an electrician/charger specialist to assess the current state of wiring in your home.  
  • Give your charger some space – Ensure there’s sufficient space on either side of your intended installation spot so the charger doesn’t overheat.
  • Keep it within reach – Install the charger between 1.2-1.4m above ground level, ensuring you can read and touch the displays. Check the plug can reach both sides of your car, in case a future car has its port on the opposite side. 
  • Keep it out of the way – Install the charger out of your car’s path, and away from doorways or anywhere you might trip on the cables. 

After installation:

  • Ensure you’ve received a certificate of compliance from your installer, including an electrical safety certificate.

Read more about installation considerations in the publicly available specification (PAS) for smart chargers(external link)

Common questions

Is your power plan right for you?

Power companies offer plans that reward you for using energy during off-peak times, like nights and weekends, when demand across the country is lower. These plans, often called off-peak, time-of-use, flexi or ecosaver, can save you money while helping the grid stay sustainable.

These plans typically offer free or discounted power at specific times, like after 9pm or during weekends. They are especially great for households that use more energy during off-peak hours, like charging EVs overnight.

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