Dear Drive… Will the dealer help me install an EV charger?

A reader contacted and asked:

Buying an electric car has the potential to be a Christmas Day 'batteries not included' scenario on a full-size scale. Well, not really as all models are supplied with a standard wall charger, but you get the idea.

For buyers of large-battery EV and PHEV vehicles, a high-power home-charging solution is crucial. We've already discussed the need for single or three-phase power (hint: three-phase is better, but single-phase should work for most people), but getting a hand from the dealer to keep your new EV full of electrons is becoming a key part of the service.

Nissan in the UK recently announced the installation and supply of a home charger could be rolled into the lease payment on a new Nissan Leaf.

We spoke to Nissan here in Australia who said the same can essentially apply locally.

"In short, yes, a customer can arrange for the installation of a home charger through the Nissan [dealer] network."

"The process is designed to be relatively straightforward and easy for the customer – where they select their charger at the point of sale. The dealership can then bundle this into the total price of the vehicle and this can be included in the finance package as well", a Nissan spokesperson told Drive.

In this way, the inclusion and installation of the charger is treated in the same way as a tow pack or any other accessory.

Some brands, like Porsche, even include the charging unit as part of the purchase of the car. Drive spoke with Porsche Australia who noted, "owners or prospective owners can request a home energy check to determine the suitable charging options for a particular home. The [Porsche] Home Energy Manager and Charging Dock Hardware are included in the vehicle's drive-away price."

Installation here does need to be managed by the customer, as costs will vary in regard to electrical system supply (a Porsche Taycan can utilise a three-phase 32-amp circuit for 22kWh charging).

Mercedes-Benz offers a solution somewhere in between and can bundle the branded charging Wallbox into the purchase price of the car, but have a standard installation cost that customers are eligible for.

Nissan, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche use Jet Charge as a preferred service partner and installer for their selected charging solutions.

What is involved with installing a charger? That's our next project - so stay tuned!

Have a question about your next set of wheels or just need some car advice? No query is too big, small or obscure! Call in to the radio show (Trent on 2GB Sydney 1:30pm Monday and 9pm Wednesday, 5AA South Australia 1:30pm Tuesday, and James on 3AW Melbourne 9pm each Thursday), or contact us by email here: contactus@drive.com.au.