Welcome to Bunnings Trade. Not a trade customer? Go to bunnings.co.nz
Sign in or sign up
Job list
Sign in to your account
With job lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Job Lists
In the old days you’d buy a new car, drive it home, park it in the garage and that was it. These days – as electric vehicles (EVs) become more and more popular – buying a new car takes a little more thought. That’s why we’ve created this guide to all the must-have accessories and essential charging equipment you need to keep your electric car on the road.
Before you invest in an EV, you have to consider how you’re going to charge it. If you’re thinking of installing a 3-phase EV charge, you’ll need to know what type of power your EV can take, as well as what type of power you have in your house – is it single phase or three phase? A qualified installer (electrician) – Bunnings can organise one for you – we’ll be able to help you here. Note that EV chargers must be installed by a qualified electrician. Then you need to decide which type of home EV charger works best for your space – that could be a hardwired wall charger or an EV charging cable (also sometimes known as a portable charger). When it comes to wall chargers, which are the preferred option for quick charging at home, Bunnings ranges Arlec, Deta, DeWalt and Tesla.
Select the EV charger that best suits your needs and budget. For a full rundown on wall chargers, read ‘How to choose the right EV charger for your car’.
Whether your car comes with a charging cable or you have to buy it separately, you need to research EV charger cables. Some cables, like Tesla charging cable, are designed to go from Tesla Wall Connector to the car, while others have the three-pin plug that fits into a standard household power point.
EV charging cables also come in different lengths, as well as different amperages, which affect charging times. “The plugs that go into a standard powerpoint will take about 20 to 24 hours to charge a vehicle,” Neil says. “Some people will use them at home but they’re generally bought for travel.” Standard extension cords can’t be used for EV charging.
A Type 2 EV charging cable for taking on the road with you is also essential. While some public chargers, like Tesla Superchargers, have inbuilt cables, others don’t, and a type 2 socket (with seven pins) is compatible with all type 2 charging stations. Check out the full range of charging cables to find what you need for home and away and consider a DeWalt Carry Bag or Arlec Cable Case for packing cables into your car, too.
See How to charge your EV when you’re away from home for more charging tips.
If you’re like the rest of us, you’ll have to clear space in the garage for the wall charger. “The things to take into consideration are where you’ll have it mounted in relation to the charging port on the car,” Neil says. “I’ve got mine so it’s only about a metre from the car.”
You’ll also need to consider where your fuse box is. “This has a big impact on the cost of installation,” he says. If the fuse box is a long way from the electric vehicle wall charger, then the installation cost is likely to be greater.
You’ll need a place close to your driveway for your EV charger. That might be on the side of the house or on a pole. Again, only a qualified electrician can install the charger.
If you are charging outside, an Arlec Waterproof Protector will protect the plug from the elements, and an Arlec Anti-Theft Tyre Lock is a great option to deter your cable from being stolen.
There are some EV charging accessories that make your garage neater. “The cable is quite heavy and it’s long so it can be a tripping hazard,” Neil says, suggesting an Arlec 1M cable protector is a good investment. It sits over the cable protecting it from car tyres and minimising the risk of falls. Other cable management devices include the Arlec Cable Retractor and the Arlec Wall Mount Bracket. “It attaches to the wall and has a levered arm so you can position the cable over the top of the car,” Neil says.
Check out the entire range of EV charging accessories to help you set up your dream charging station at home.