Key Takeaways
- Level 2 chargers are the most popular EV charging solution in Australian homes, offering much faster charging than Level 1 units.
- Available in 7kW (single-phase) and 22kW (three-phase) models, they can provide between 30 to 140 km of range per hour.
- Ideal for shared visitor bays or future-proofed parking bays with load management systems.
- Upfront costs are higher—$2,000 to $6,000 per apartment—but enable scalable, phased rollout.
- Not suitable for all buildings, particularly where electrical capacity is limited.
- Always conduct a feasibility study to understand electrical constraints and costs before proceeding.
Level 2 EV chargers are becoming a go-to solution for electric vehicle owners across Australia—but are they the right fit for your apartment building? In this episode of Solar Choice’s Apartment EV Charging Education Series, we explore how Level 2 chargers work, what installation looks like in strata environments, and whether they make financial and technical sense for your property.
What Is a Level 2 EV Charger?
A Level 2 EV charger is a dedicated unit that requires a hardwired electrical connection, typically to a single-phase or three-phase supply. Unlike Level 1 chargers that plug into a normal household outlet, Level 2 chargers can deliver significantly faster charging speeds.
Most Level 2 chargers come in two types:
- 7 kW Single-Phase Charger: Delivers 30–50 km of range per hour.
- 22 kW Three-Phase Charger: Delivers up to 140 km of range per hour.
These chargers are commonly seen in home garages, commercial car parks, and increasingly in strata complexes with forward-thinking energy planning.
Charging Speeds: What to Expect
A 7 kW charger is more than adequate for most users, especially if charging overnight. It can replenish an EV from nearly empty to full in about 6–10 hours. Three-phase 22 kW chargers, meanwhile, can charge a typical EV battery in 2–4 hours—perfect for high-usage scenarios or shared infrastructure.
For many EV owners, just a few hours of charging each night is enough to meet daily driving needs.
Ideal Use Case: Shared Visitor Bay Chargers
If your building is only planning to install one or two shared chargers, such as in visitor parking bays, then Level 2 chargers—preferably three-phase—are highly recommended. These provide faster turnaround, prevent long queues, and make better use of shared infrastructure by enabling more residents to charge throughout the day and night.
Chargers in Every Bay: The Role of Load Management
If your building is considering adding a charger to every private parking space, Level 2 chargers should be part of a comprehensive EV charging ecosystem. This includes a load management system that allows chargers to:
- Communicate with each other
- Respond to total building load
- Avoid overloading the electrical infrastructure
Without this system in place, multiple Level 2 chargers operating at once can lead to power supply issues, or force the chargers to throttle down and operate at lower speeds—defeating their primary benefit.
To learn more, refer to Episode 4 in this series on EV Load Management Systems.
Pros of Level 2 Chargers for Apartments
1. Faster Charging
Level 2 chargers drastically reduce charging times, enabling residents to charge in a few hours rather than overnight.
2. Flexible Installation Models
Level 2 chargers can be installed for shared use, individual ownership, or as part of a future-ready backbone system that allows phased rollout over several years.
3. Scalable Over Time
With proper planning, infrastructure (conduits, switchboard capacity, load control) can be installed upfront, while individual residents add chargers later when needed. This deferred cost model can ease budget pressures for strata committees.
Cons of Level 2 Chargers in Strata Buildings
1. Higher Installation Cost
You can expect $2,000 to $6,000 per apartment to install the required infrastructure. This varies depending on building size, layout, and electrical system complexity.
2. Limited Versatility
Unlike Level 1 chargers, which use standard power points and can double as general outlets, Level 2 chargers are dedicated solely to EV charging.
3. Electrical Load Constraints
If your building has a small margin of excess electrical capacity, multiple Level 2 chargers operating simultaneously may overload the system or cause chargers to throttle. In some cases, this results in Level 2 chargers functioning no better than slower alternatives—wasting your investment.
Why Load Management Systems Are Essential
A properly designed load management system helps protect the building’s electrical infrastructure while allowing smart power allocation to EV chargers. This ensures:
- Fair distribution of charging across users
- Peak demand is avoided
- System performance aligns with available grid capacity
Without load control, even top-tier Level 2 hardware may underperform due to grid limitations.
Final Takeaways for Strata Committees
Before choosing Level 2 chargers for your apartment building, consider these steps:
- Conduct a professional feasibility study to assess available power and cost implications.
- Understand the infrastructure cost per apartment, especially when scaling to multiple bays.
- Consider load management systems as mandatory if installing more than one or two chargers.
- Use three-phase chargers in shared visitor bays to maximise utility and avoid long charging times.
- Plan a staged rollout to spread costs and align with growing EV adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Level 2 EV charger?
A Level 2 EV charger delivers 7 kW to 22 kW of power and must be hardwired into the electrical system. It charges faster than Level 1 chargers and is the most common option for home and commercial use.
How fast do Level 2 chargers charge in apartments?
A single-phase (7 kW) charger provides around 30–50 km of range per hour. A three-phase (22 kW) charger can deliver up to 140 km per hour, depending on your vehicle.
How much does a Level 2 charger cost to install in an apartment building?
Installation costs typically range from $2,000 to $6,000 per apartment, depending on building layout, wiring, and infrastructure needs.
Do we need load management for Level 2 chargers in every bay?
Yes. Without load management, simultaneous charging from multiple bays can overload your building’s electrical system and reduce charger performance.
Can Level 2 chargers be shared?
Yes. They are ideal for shared use in visitor bays, especially when using a three-phase charger to maximise daily throughput.
