Why Charging Your EV from a Standard Plug Isn’t Enough.
With more and more New Zealanders switching to electric vehicles, one of the first questions drivers ask is: how do I charge my car at home? Many new EV owners in Wellington and Kāpiti start by plugging their vehicle into a regular three-pin wall socket. While this might work in the short term, it’s not an ideal long-term solution. Here’s why a dedicated EV charger is a smarter, safer, and more reliable choice.
The Problem with Standard Plugs
A standard NZ power point is rated for everyday appliances like kettles, toasters, or lamps — not for charging a large car battery. While it technically delivers power to your EV, it comes with some significant drawbacks:
Extremely slow charging – a full charge from a power point can take well over 24 hours.
Risk of overheating – regular outlets aren’t designed for heavy, continuous loads. Limited safety features – no built-in protection for your home’s wiring or the vehicle’s battery system.
For daily commuting in busy areas like Wellington, or longer weekend trips around Kāpiti, relying on a standard plug is simply impractical.
Why Install a Dedicated EV Charger?
A purpose-built EV charger provides:
- Faster Charging
Most home EV chargers will fully charge your vehicle overnight, meaning you wake up every morning ready to go. That’s a big difference compared to leaving your car plugged into a wall socket for days.
- Safer Operation
EV chargers are designed to handle high electrical loads safely. They include features that protect your home, your switchboard, and your car’s battery system — peace of mind that a standard plug can’t provide.
- Smarter Technology
Modern EV chargers, such as the New Zealand-made Evnex units we install, allow you to schedule charging during off-peak hours, monitor energy use via an app, and even integrate with solar systems. That means lower running costs and smarter energy management.
- Future-Proofing Your Home or Business
As EV ownership grows in Wellington and Kāpiti, properties with installed chargers will stand out. Whether it’s your family home or a business catering to customers, having a dedicated charger adds long-term value.
EV Chargers for Wellington & Kāpiti Homes and Businesses
At home, a charger gives you convenience and reliability. You’ll never have to worry about whether your car has enough range for the morning commute into Wellington or a weekend trip up the Kāpiti Coast.
For businesses, installing chargers shows leadership and forward thinking. Staff can charge while they work, and customers appreciate locations that support sustainable transport. With more EVs on the road every year, investing in chargers now ensures you’re prepared for the future.
Why Work with Cableworks Electrical?
At Cableworks Electrical, we specialise in EV charger installations across Wellington and Kāpiti. Our qualified team ensures your charger is installed safely, efficiently, and customised to your property. From assessing your switchboard through to installation and testing, we make the process seamless.
We’re proud to install high-quality solutions like the Evnex E2 — a smart, locally designed charger perfect for New Zealand conditions. Whether it’s for your home or business, we’ll design a system that works for you now and well into the future.
Thinking about making the switch?
Don’t rely on a standard plug. Contact Cableworks Electrical today to talk about installing a dedicated EV charger in Wellington or Kāpiti.