More businesses are being asked about EV charging, by staff, customers, tenants and fleet managers. Installing a charger or two can be straightforward, but a workplace setup with several chargers needs more planning. The main questions are how much power the site has available, how the chargers will be managed, and how the system can grow. This guide explains how we approach it.
Types of chargers
Most workplace charging uses AC chargers, sometimes called wallboxes or Mode 3 chargers. They come in single phase and three phase versions. Single phase chargers suit sites with limited supply or vehicles parked for a full working day. Three phase chargers deliver more power where the vehicle and supply can take it.
DC fast chargers are a different category. They deliver much higher power and are generally used where vehicles need a quick turnaround, such as public charging sites or some fleet depots. They need substantial supply capacity and often involve the supply authority. For most workplaces, where cars sit for hours, AC charging is the practical choice.
Start with supply capacity
The key question is whether the site’s electrical supply can handle the extra load. EV chargers draw a steady load for long periods, and several at once can add up quickly. We assess maximum demand, the size of the incoming supply, the main switchboard and the route to the car park.
If the supply is tight, there are options. Load management can share available capacity across chargers. A supply upgrade may be possible, but it involves the network operator and can take time. We’ll explain what the site can handle and what it would take to add more.
Load management
Load management systems monitor the building’s demand and adjust the charging rate to stay within limits. When the building is busy, chargers slow down. When demand drops, they speed up. This lets a site install more chargers than the supply could otherwise support at full power.
For most multi-charger workplaces, load management is worth including from the start. It makes the most of the existing supply, reduces the chance of tripping the main breaker, and gives room to add chargers later.
Installation requirements
EV chargers must be installed by a licensed electrician in line with AS/NZS 3000 and the manufacturer’s instructions. Each charger usually needs a dedicated circuit, correct cable sizing for the load and route, and appropriate RCD protection. EV chargers need protection that accounts for DC fault currents, either built into the charger or provided at the board.
Other things to consider:
- Mounting location, so cables don’t cross walkways or get run over
- Protection from vehicle impact, such as bollards or wheel stops
- Weather protection for outdoor chargers, particularly near the coast
- Lighting and signage for charging bays
- Cable routes through car parks, including fire-rated penetrations where needed
Access and billing
Decide early who will use the chargers and how. Staff-only chargers may be free or billed back. Customer chargers may be free as a courtesy or charged per session. Tenant chargers in commercial or strata buildings need a fair way to allocate costs.
Many smart chargers support user authentication through an app or RFID card, and can report usage for billing. These features vary by brand and model, so it’s worth choosing chargers based on how you plan to use them.
Planning for growth
Most sites start with a few chargers and add more over time. It’s usually cheaper to install extra conduit, cable capacity and switchboard space at the start than to come back and do it later. A staged plan might install a few chargers now with the infrastructure ready for more.
We recommend thinking about how many staff or visitors might need charging in the future, and making sure the design can handle that without starting over.
Strata and multi-tenant buildings
In strata buildings and multi-tenant commercial properties, EV charging raises questions about shared supply, metering and approvals. Individual owners installing chargers one by one can quickly use up the building’s spare capacity. A coordinated plan approved by the body corporate or building owner is usually the better approach. We cover this in our strata electrical maintenance guide.
Solar and batteries
Sites with solar can use daytime generation to supply charging when vehicles are parked, which suits workplaces well. Some chargers can prioritise solar output. Batteries add flexibility but add cost and complexity, so they’re worth considering as part of an overall energy plan rather than for charging alone.
Incentives and rebates
Government and industry programs for EV charging change regularly and vary between Queensland and NSW. We don’t quote rebate amounts, because eligibility and funding change over time. Check current programs before you commit.
Fleet charging
Businesses running electric fleet vehicles have different needs from staff charging. Fleet vehicles often return at the same time and need to be ready for the next shift, so the design has to deliver enough energy overnight across every vehicle. Scheduling and load management matter even more here, and the charger count, supply capacity and depot layout should be planned together from the start.
Maintenance
EV chargers need periodic checks like any other electrical equipment. Cables and connectors get handled daily and can be damaged. Firmware updates, RCD tests and visual inspections keep chargers reliable. We can include chargers in a regular maintenance contract alongside the rest of the site.
Getting started
Our commercial EV charging service covers offices, retail sites, fleet depots, strata buildings and industrial sites across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern NSW. We’ll assess supply capacity, recommend chargers and load management, and give you an upfront written quote. If the switchboard needs work to support charging, we can include a switchboard upgrade in the same scope.
Safety note: electrical work in Queensland and NSW must be done by a licensed electrician. This article is general information, not advice for your specific property. If something looks or smells wrong, switch off at the main switch if it’s safe to do so and call an electrician.