A wall charger is the default suggestion at the dealership. For most drivers it's more than they need. Here's how to tell which camp you're in.
If you drive under about 150 km a day, a 15 A portable charger on a dedicated outlet covers it overnight (about 194 km in 10 hours) for a fraction of a wall charger's $1,200–$2,300 installed cost. A 7 kW wall charger makes sense for long daily drives, two EVs sharing one charger, or tight charging windows.
| 10A portable | 15A portable | 7 kW wall charger | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charger price | $183.99 | $239 | Sold with installation |
| Installation | None | Dedicated 15 A/20 A outlet | Dedicated 32 A circuit, possible switchboard upgrade |
| Typical all-in cost | $183.99 | $239 + outlet install | $1,200–$2,300 installed |
| Range per hour | ~13 km | ~19 km | ~42 km |
| 10-hour night | ~129 km | ~194 km | A full charge for most EVs |
| Takes it with you | Yes | Yes (needs a 15 A outlet) | No |
| Suits renters | Yes | If the landlord agrees | Rarely |
| Daily driving | Hours on 10A | Hours on 15A | Hours on 7 kW | Enough overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 km | 3.1 h | 2.1 h | 1.0 h | Portable 10A |
| 80 km | 6.2 h | 4.1 h | 1.9 h | Portable 10A |
| 120 km | 9.3 h | 6.2 h | 2.9 h | Portable 10A |
| 150 km | 11.6 h | 7.7 h | 3.6 h | Portable 15A |
| 200 km | 15.5 h | 10.3 h | 4.8 h | Wall charger |
| 300 km | 23.2 h | 15.5 h | 7.2 h | Wall charger |
If none of those apply, start with a portable charger. You can always add a wall charger later, and the portable one becomes your travel cable. See what each install involves.
The sweet spot for most homeowners: about 50% faster than 10 A for a fraction of a wall charger's cost.
No install at all. The right start for renters, and the backup everyone keeps in the boot.
Not usually. If you drive under about 150 km a day, a 15 A portable charger adds about 194 km overnight, which covers it. A wall charger suits long daily drives, two EVs, or short off-peak windows.
Typically $1,200–$2,300 installed for a single-phase 7 kW charger, depending on the charger, cable run and whether your switchboard needs work.
Yes, when it's RCM-registered and plugged straight into a suitable outlet, ideally on its own circuit. Never use an extension lead, powerboard or adapter.
Yes. Many owners do. On a dedicated 15 A outlet it adds about 19 km per hour, so most daily driving is replaced overnight.