Charging your EV at Home: A Simple Guide for Australian Rideshare Drivers

If you’ve made the switch to driving an EV for rideshare, or you’re thinking about it, charging at home is the easiest and most cost-effective way to keep your car ready for the road. But for many drivers, home EV charging can feel a bit confusing, with common questions we hear at our Splend hubs including, Do I need a special charger? How long will it take? What does it cost to install a home charger?

This guide will break it down, explaining how to charge an EV like a Tesla Model Y or Polestar 2 at home, set up a home vehicle charging station, and make the switch to smart, convenient EV charging.

Why home EV charging makes sense

Switching to an electric vehicle isn’t just about reducing emissions, it’s about keeping more of what you earn. With EV home charging, your car is ready every morning, running costs drop, and your power outlet can become your personal fuel station. Let's highlight the most common reasons drivers charge at home.

• Save money: Home electricity is much cheaper than petrol or public fast chargers.

• Save time: Plug in overnight and wake up with a full battery—no queues at charging stations.

• Drive with confidence: Always start your shift ready to earn.

• Peace of mind: Safe, convenient charging from a wall socket or dedicated home charger.

Understanding your Home Charging Options

Not all electric charging points at home are the same. Here’s what you need to know:

Level 1 – Standard Wall Socket

• Uses a normal household power outlet.

• Adds 10–15 km of range per hour, very slow rate.

• Suitable for occasional driving or nightly top-ups.

Level 2 – Dedicated Home Charger

• Installed by a licensed electrician.

• Adds 30–120 km of range per hour, depending on your EV and power supply of either 7kW, 11kW and 22kW.

• Smart-enabled for off-peak charging to save even more.

• Ideal for full-time Uber or rideshare drivers.

Level 3 – Public DC Fast Charger

• Adds 200–300 km in 20–40 minutes.

• Ultra-fast option found at shopping centres, service stations, and public networks.

• Best for occasional top-ups rather than daily home use.

Do I really need a Home Charger?

Even if you already own an EV like a Tesla or Polestar and have been finding other ways to charge ahead on your work day, switching to smart home charging can save you hundreds per month. Depending on your driving pattern we

• Occasional driver: A wall socket may be enough.

• Full-time driver: A Level 2 charger ensures predictable overnight charging, reduces running costs, and maximises your earnings.

Public charging is of course available for all drivers, but the big savings driving EV come if you can maximise at-home charging 

Installing a Home EV Charging Station

Setting up your charger is easier than you think:

Cost:

• Most Level 2 chargers cost $1,000–$2,000 for the unit. 

• Installation by a licensed electrician is $500–$1,500, depending on your home’s wiring. 

• Some providers like Jet Charge bundle the charger and installation from start to finish 

Setup:

Works with your home’s single-phase or three-phase power supply. 

• Only takes a few hours to install. 

• Many models come with smart features, like scheduling off-peak charging. 

Government incentives:

• Some states offer rebates or tax offsets. (Check your local EV incentives.) 

Safety First:

• Avoid using extension cords or power boards – they’re not designed for high loads. 

• Always use a dedicated circuit for your charger. 

• Hire a licensed electrician for installation – it’s safer and required for insurance. 

How long does it take to charge my EV?

Here’s a snapshot of how long it will typically take to charge popular rideshare EVs:

Did you know? Most drivers don’t charge from 0–100%. A typical nightly top-up of 30–50% usually takes 3–5 hours on a home charger.

The Bottom Line 

Home charging is the simplest way to take the stress out of everyday EV use. With the right setup, you’ll spend less on energy, save time by charging while you sleep, and always hit the road with confidence. 

For full-time Uber drivers, a dedicated home charger is one of the smartest investments you can make in your business. 

Splend's Exclusive Offer

To help our drivers make the most of EV charging at home Splend is currently offering up to a $1500¹ rebate for anyone signing up to a Pre-owned Flexi Own plan for an EV. Simply install the charger, provide us with the invoice and we will credit you the cost of the charger and installation up to $1500¹. 

Valid until 31st December 2025.

_{¹Eligible customers are those who take up a Pre-Owned Flexi Own plan for a Polestar 2, Tesla Model Y, or Tesla Model 3 with Splend between 10 September 2025 and 31 December 2025; or are an existing Splend Flexi Own customer driving one of the above vehicles and receive a direct communication from Splend inviting participation in this Promotion. Drivers must apply and be accepted by Splend to be eligible.}

FAQs: Home Charging for EV Drivers

• Can I charge my electric vehicle at home? Yes! You can use a standard wall socket for occasional top-ups, but a Level 2 dedicated home charger is recommended for full-time rideshare driving. It’s faster, safer, and compatible with smart energy plans to save you money.

• How much does it cost to install a home EV charger? A Level 2 charger typically costs $1,000–$2,000 for the unit, plus $500–$1,500 for professional installation. Splend offers a rebate of up to $1,500¹ to help cover these costs for Tesla and Polestar drivers.

• Do I need a garage to charge at home? No. You can safely charge using a standard power outlet or a dedicated home charger in your driveway, carport, or any covered space within ~10 meters of your parking spot.

• How long does it take to charge a Tesla or Polestar at home? Charging times vary by vehicle and charger. A wall socket will roughly add 10–15 km of range per hour to your EV. While a Level 2 charger (7 kW–22 kW) will add roughly 30–120 km of range per hour. Most drivers top up 30–50% overnight, which usually takes 3–5 hours.

• Can I save money with home charging compared to petrol? Absolutely. Full-time rideshare drivers switching from petrol or hybrid vehicles can save $80–$130* per week. Pairing a home charger with an EV-friendly electricity plan reduces costs even further.

• What are the benefits of a smart home charger? Smart chargers allow you to schedule charging during off-peak hours, integrate with solar panels, monitor energy use, and maximise savings. They also provide faster, more predictable charging.

• Is home charging safe? Yes, as long as you use a dedicated circuit installed by a licensed electrician. Avoid extension cords or DIY installations, which can pose risks and invalidate insurance.

_{*Savings are an estimate only and based on the following assumptions –  Vehicle driving 1000km a week. ICE (petrol or diesel) vehicle average fuel consumption of 8.5L/100km, Hybrid average fuel consumption of 4.5L/100km, and petrol cost of $1.90/L as base comparison. Electric vehicle power consumption of 17kWh/100km), At home charging with No EV energy plan or routine to charge at lowest off peak timing with an average electricity cost of $0.30 per kWh. At home charging using an EV energy plan and routine that uses off peak rate of $0.08 per kWh. Actual savings will vary depending on electricity rates, charging habits, driving behaviour and fuel prices.}