EV Electrical Readiness Melbourne
Start with our $350 EV Electrical Readiness Check — switchboard, supply and cabling assessed, with a written report and fixed-price quote before you buy a charger.

Why This Matters
Most homes aren't designed for the electrical demands of EV charging. Installing a charger without preparation can overload your system and create safety risks.
- Continuous high electrical loads
- EV charger demand
- Modern energy usage patterns
Common Problems We Solve
Real scenarios our customers face — and how we fix them.
EV charger installation rejected
Purchased EV charger but installer refused to connect it due to insufficient switchboard capacity. Now facing unexpected upgrade costs before charger can be used.
Switchboard can't handle continuous load
Home's electrical system designed for intermittent loads. EV charger runs for hours at high power, exceeding switchboard capacity and creating safety risk.
Unclear upgrade requirements
Multiple quotes with conflicting advice about what's needed. No clear understanding of costs or whether existing system can support EV charging.
Unexpected costs after EV purchase
Bought EV assuming home was ready for charger. Discovered electrical system needs $3,000+ upgrade. Should have assessed readiness before EV purchase.
Why This Matters in Melbourne
EV adoption is growing rapidly across Melbourne's south east. Family homes in Bentleigh, Bentleigh East, Brighton East, Moorabbin, Carnegie and Cheltenham typically have the off-street parking that makes home charging practical — but also the post-war electrical systems that make preparation essential. Older homes (pre-1990) almost always require switchboard work before EV charger installation, and apartments in suburbs like Carnegie face shared-meter and body corporate considerations we assess as part of the check. We also service middle-ring suburbs including Hawthorn, Kew, Camberwell and Glen Iris.
Looking for a local electrician near you? See what we handle in your suburb — Electrician Bentleigh, Electrician Bentleigh East, Electrician Brighton East, Electrician Moorabbin, Electrician Carnegie, Electrician Cheltenham — or start from our Melbourne electrician homepage for the full range of residential and commercial electrical services.
Standards & Requirements
- AS/NZS 3000:2018 — Load calculations required for continuous high-power loads
- EV chargers typically draw 7.4kW (32A single-phase) or 11kW+ (three-phase)
- Dedicated circuit required — cannot share with other appliances
- RCD protection mandatory on EV charger circuit
- Switchboard must have spare capacity for continuous load
- Supply cable from street may need upgrade if insufficient capacity
What's included
Clear Pricing. No Surprises.
No charger sales. No brand bias. Just safe preparation.
Book Now — $350What Happens During the Service
Switchboard Capacity Assessment
20 minsInspect switchboard size, available spare ways, existing circuit loading, and main switch rating. Determine if capacity exists for EV charger circuit.
Load Calculation & Analysis
15 minsCalculate total connected load, assess diversity factor, determine maximum demand, and verify if EV charger can be added within safe limits.
Charger Location Evaluation
15 minsAssess proposed charger location, measure cable run distance, identify routing path, check for obstacles, and evaluate installation complexity.
Supply Cable & Meter Check
10 minsInspect incoming supply cable size and condition, check meter capacity, assess if supply upgrade needed from distributor.
Written Report & Recommendations
15 minsPrepare detailed report with findings, upgrade requirements (if any), cost estimates, and recommended next steps for EV charger installation.
After the Service
Detailed Assessment Report
Written report explaining current capacity, whether your home can support EV charger, what upgrades are needed (if any), and estimated costs.
Upgrade Cost Estimate
If upgrades required, receive clear pricing for switchboard upgrade, dedicated circuit installation, or supply cable upgrade. No surprises.
Charger Installation
Recommendations on charger type and location with no brand bias — we don't sell chargers. Once your home is ready, we install the dedicated circuit and commission the charger you've chosen and supplied. The report is yours either way.
Timeline for Works
Clear timeline for any required upgrades. Typical switchboard upgrade takes 1 day. Supply cable upgrades require distributor involvement (2-6 weeks).
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my house support an EV charger?+
Most Melbourne homes can — but many need electrical work first. A 7kW charger draws around 32 amps continuously, which older switchboards and smaller supplies can't always handle safely alongside existing loads. Our $350 EV Electrical Readiness Check answers this definitively for your home, with a written report and a fixed-price quote for any works needed.
How much does the EV readiness check cost?+
The EV Electrical Readiness Check is a fixed $350 including GST. That covers the switchboard capacity assessment, load calculations, charger location and cable route evaluation, supply check, and a written report with fixed-price quotes for any upgrades. If upgrade works are needed, they typically range from $950 to $4,500 — and you'll know the exact figure before deciding anything.
Should I get this assessment before buying an EV?+
Strongly recommended. Knowing your home's readiness and upgrade costs (if any) before EV purchase prevents unexpected expenses. Assessment takes 1-2 hours and provides clear cost picture.
What information do I need to provide?+
Property address, whether you have off-street parking, preferred charger location, and EV model (if already purchased). Photos of your switchboard helpful but not required.
Do you assess apartments and townhouses?+
Yes — but apartments may require body corporate approval and shared meter assessment. Townhouses typically simpler if you have dedicated meter and parking. We assess both scenarios.
How long does the assessment take?+
Typically 1-2 hours including switchboard inspection, load calculations, charger location assessment, and report preparation. You receive written report same day or next business day.
Do you install the EV charger?+
Yes — the electrical side. We don't sell charger units or push brands, which keeps the assessment independent. But we install the dedicated circuit, protection and isolation, and commission the charger you've supplied. If you'd rather use another installer, the report is yours and works for them too.
What if my home needs upgrades?+
Assessment report clearly explains what's needed and why. We provide fixed-price quotes for required work (switchboard upgrade, dedicated circuit). You decide whether to proceed. No obligation.
Can I use the report with any charger installer?+
Yes — the report is independent and can be given to any installer or electrician. Most clients have us complete the works and the charger circuit, since we've already tested the installation and know exactly what's required, but there's no obligation.
Is this assessment required by law?+
Not legally required, but strongly recommended for safety and compliance. Many homes — especially pre-1990 — do not have capacity for EV charger without upgrades. Better to know before purchasing charger.
What's included in the assessment price?+
Switchboard capacity assessment, load calculations, charger location evaluation, supply cable check, written report with recommendations, and upgrade cost estimates (if needed). No hidden fees.
How much do upgrades typically cost?+
Switchboard upgrades: $950 – $4,500. Dedicated circuit installation: $800 – $1,500. Supply cable upgrades (if needed): varies by distributor. Assessment report provides specific pricing for your situation.
What Our Clients Say
“Fast, reliable, no issues. Got the compliance certificate same day. Will use again.”
Sarah M.
Bentleigh
“Upgraded our old ceramic fuse board. Clean work, explained everything clearly. Very professional.”
James T.
Richmond
“Manage 40+ properties with True Line. Always on time, certificates delivered same day. Reliable.”
Property Plus Agency
Brighton
Why True Line
Why Melbourne Customers Choose True Line
Direct Communication
You speak with the licensed electrician responsible for your work — not a call centre or a message service.
Clear Process
You know what is happening, what it costs and what happens next before any work begins.
Professional Documentation
Certificates of Electrical Safety and compliance paperwork provided for completed work.
Safety First
Work is completed with safety, compliance and long-term reliability in mind — not quick patches.
One Trusted Electrical Partner
Electrical, air conditioning electrical, EV readiness and compliance handled under one roof.
Get a Quick Property Assessment
Not ready to book? Tell us about your property and we'll advise what you need — no obligation.
EV Electrical Readiness Across Melbourne
We provide ev electrical readiness services throughout inner and middle-ring Melbourne suburbs.
Plus more suburbs across Melbourne. Contact us to check availability in your area.
Ready to Book Your EV Electrical Readiness?
$350 — transparent pricing, professional service.
Limited bookings available this week.
