An EV charger site assessment checks how the proposed charger fits the vehicle, property and daily charging needs. It should happen before committing to a charger based on its maximum advertised output. The useful result is a suitable installation scope, including any limitations or enabling works.
For assessment, circuit design and charger installation, explore GMB’s EV charger installation service.
Start with driving and parking patterns
Explain typical travel, how long the vehicle is parked and whether more vehicles may be added. Overnight home charging, shared visitor charging and a working fleet have different priorities. The fastest charger is not necessarily the most useful choice for every site.
The vehicle’s AC charging capability can limit what it accepts, regardless of the wall charger’s rating. Confirm the exact vehicle and charger specifications together. Allow for cable reach and parking orientation without relying on a lead stretched across a pedestrian route.
Assess supply and switchboard capacity
The electrician reviews the existing supply, board and other significant loads. A dedicated circuit and suitable protection need to be designed for the charger and installation. Physical space in the board does not establish available electrical capacity.
Load management may help coordinate charging with other demand, but its suitability depends on the equipment and site. If a three-phase or other supply-side upgrade is needed, GMB delivers the Level 2 work through its accredited Level 2 ASP partner. Do not assume every installation requires that upgrade.
Check the cable route and ownership constraints
Distance from the board, finished surfaces, underground sections and external exposure can affect installation. A garage beside the board and an allocated bay in a shared basement are very different projects.
Strata and commercial sites may need approval for common-property work, metering arrangements and future shared capacity. Clarify who owns and pays for the electricity, who can approve the route and whether the building has a wider charging plan. Avoid an individual installation that conflicts with that plan.
Ask what commissioning and handover include
Confirm charger supply, mounting, circuit work, configuration and testing in the quote. If the unit relies on communications or an app, check connectivity and any account or service requirements before installation.
At handover, ask how to operate the charger, what configured limits apply and what to do if protection trips or a fault appears. Keep product and installation records together. Charging speed depends on several conditions, so a site assessment should not promise a universal distance-per-hour outcome.
- Provide the vehicle model and preferred charger details.
- Identify parking, access and cable-route constraints.
- Discuss simultaneous household or business loads.
- Resolve approvals and billing before booking installation.