Most Brisbane homes do not need three-phase power for EV charging. A 7kW single-phase charger refills any EV overnight and installs from $990. Three-phase (for 22kW charging) only makes sense if you already have it, drive very high daily kilometres, or are future-proofing. Where three-phase already exists, a 22kW install runs $1,500 to $2,200; adding three-phase from scratch is a larger network job quoted after an Energex assessment.
Do you actually need three-phase for an EV charger?
For the large majority of Brisbane households, the honest answer is no. A 7kW single-phase charger adds roughly 40km of range per hour, which fully recharges almost any EV overnight on off-peak power. Three-phase 22kW charging sounds appealing, but it only pays off in specific situations: you already have three-phase at the property, you drive very high daily kilometres, you run more than one EV, or you are deliberately future-proofing a new build.
There is also a catch most people miss: the charging speed is capped by your car’s onboard AC charger, not just the wall unit. Many EVs sold in Australia top out at 7kW or 11kW onboard, so they physically cannot use a full 22kW even on three-phase. We break this down fully in our 7kW vs 22kW EV charger guide.
What three-phase 22kW charging costs when you already have it
If your home already has three-phase power, installing a 22kW charger is straightforward and priced much like any Level 2 install, with a bit more allowed for the three-phase circuit and protection.
| Scenario | Connex price |
|---|---|
| 22kW three-phase charger install (three-phase already present) | $1,500 – $2,200 |
| 7kW single-phase install (what most homes need) | from $990 |
| Switchboard upgrade if required first | from $800 |
| Single-phase to three-phase conversion (new mains + Energex) | Quoted after site assessment — a larger network job |
The charger unit itself is separate if you supply your own. For a full cost breakdown of a standard install, see our EV charger installation cost guide.
What if your home is single-phase? (upgrading to three-phase)
Converting a single-phase home to three-phase is a much bigger job than installing a charger. It typically involves an application to Energex, new mains cabling from the street, a new meter, and sometimes a service or switchboard upgrade. Because the network connection differs from house to house, we quote it only after a site assessment rather than quoting a figure blind.
Our practical advice: for the overwhelming majority of homes, converting to three-phase purely to charge an EV is not worth the cost. A 7kW single-phase charger already refills your car overnight. The main reasons to convert are broader — a large home with heavy electrical load, multiple EVs, ducted air conditioning plus a pool, or a new build where three-phase is cheap to run in from the start.
Three-phase vs a switchboard upgrade — they are not the same thing
These two often get confused. A switchboard upgrade modernises your existing board — replacing ceramic fuses, adding safety switches (RCDs) and making room for the EV circuit — and can be done on single-phase. Going three-phase is a network-level change to the supply feeding your home. Many EV installs need a modest switchboard upgrade; very few need a phase conversion. See do I need a switchboard upgrade for an EV charger to check which applies to you.
How Connex assesses whether three-phase is worth it
We start with how you actually drive and what your switchboard looks like today. In most cases the recommendation is a 7kW single-phase charger — it is cheaper, faster to install, and does the job. Where three-phase genuinely helps, we confirm what is already at the property and, if a conversion is involved, handle the Energex application and quote the full scope up front. We also follow the Energex rules and QLD compliance requirements for EV circuits so the install passes and is safe. Connex is a licensed Queensland Electrical Contractor (Lic #92217) with a lifetime workmanship guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
No. The large majority of Brisbane homes are single-phase, and a 7kW single-phase charger refills any EV overnight, adding around 40km of range per hour. Three-phase (for 22kW charging) is only worth considering if you already have it, drive very high daily kilometres, or want to future-proof. A standard single-phase install is from $990 at Connex.
Where three-phase power is already present at the property, a 22kW three-phase charger install typically runs $1,500 to $2,200 at Connex, depending on cable run and switchboard work. If a switchboard upgrade is needed first, that starts from around $800.
This is a larger network job, not just a charger install. It usually involves an Energex application, new mains from the street, a new meter and sometimes a service upgrade, so the cost varies widely by site. We quote it only after a site assessment. For most homes it is not worth it purely for EV charging, because a 7kW single-phase charger already refills the car overnight.
No. 22kW charging requires three-phase power. On single-phase the practical maximum for a home charger is 7kW. Importantly, most EVs sold in Australia have an onboard AC charger limited to 7kW or 11kW anyway, so many cars cannot use the full 22kW even with a three-phase charger. See our 7kW vs 22kW guide for the full breakdown.
For most Brisbane households, no. A 7kW single-phase charger adds around 40km of range per hour and fully charges an EV overnight on off-peak power. Three-phase 22kW makes sense mainly for very high-kilometre drivers, multiple EVs, or homes that already have three-phase. Connex assesses your usage and switchboard and recommends the option that actually suits you rather than the most expensive one.
Book a three-phase or EV charger assessment in North Brisbane
Not sure whether you need 7kW single-phase or 22kW three-phase? We will assess your switchboard and driving needs and recommend the option that actually suits you. Call Connex on 0474 207 609 or book an EV charger installation across North Brisbane and Moreton Bay.
Reviewed by Lee Gundenswager (Lead Electrician, Connex Lic #92217) and Darren Standring (Owner).