EV charging & connections
We support the adoption of EVs and the ability for customers to charge them on our network, including using their own solar power. With EV battery capacity increasing, more homeowners are wanting to connect faster dedicated EV chargers, also known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
What contractors should consider
To support the safe and reliable integration of EVSE charging equipment connected to our network, customers and electrical contractors must ensure installations comply with the applicable connection requirements, technical standard and relevant safety legislation.
Electrical Contractors assessing or installing EVSE at a customer’s premises must consider the following:
- Maximum demand: The installation of EVSE may increase the premises maximum demand. Electrical contractors must assess the impact of the proposed EVSE on the premises electrical load and maximum demand, including any applicable load management arrangements and determine whether changes to the existing electrical installation or protection arrangements are required
- Connection capacity: Where the assessed maximum exceeds our service fuse rating, network augmentation may be required. This may result in changes to the connection agreement, service protection arrangement or network infrastructure
- Potential upgrades costs: Additional charges may apply where service fuse upgrades, connection alterations or network augmentation works are required. A call-out and upgrade charges may apply where fuse replacement is required.
Electrical contractors should confirm the applicable connection requirements and identify any necessary upgrades before proceeding with the installations of EVSE at a customer’s premises.
EV charging options
EVSE is available in a range of configurations to suit different charging needs and electrical installation requirements.
Single-phase EV charging equipment
Customers can charge their EV from either a 10A or 15A power point connected to a primary tariff, subject to the suitability of the existing electrical installation. This enables charging from excess solar power and where available, customers may be available to take advantage of tariff options to reduce charging costs.
Customers should check with their electricity retailer for tariff options available to them.
For faster charging options, customers may choose to install dedicated EVSE to charge their EV. Single-phase charging equipment is permitted to be installed in accordance with the requirement of AS/NZS 3000.
Where a customer is connected at a multi-phase premises and chooses to install a single-phase charger, the following should be considered:
- The proposed single phase charger installation complies with phase balancing requirements in the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) clause 8.4
- The electrical installation is designed and installed in accordance with AS/NZS 3000 and other applicable standards.
Three-phase EV charging equipment
At a premises wired for three-phase, a dedicated 22kW (32A per phase) three phase charger will enable a faster charge.
Please note: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) or Vehicle-to-Business (V2B) equipment will require approval via a Connect Application. For more information, please see our Vehicle to grid EV connection web page.
Customers should check with their electricity retailer for tariff options available to them.
Updated Active Management solutions
On release of Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) Version 4 on 21 February 2024, there was a requirement for single phase chargers with nameplate rating above 20Amps to be managed connections at premises supplied at 100Amps per phase or less.
From 1 October 2026, clause 8.14.4(b) of the QECM has been withdrawn.
As a result, EVSE will no longer be required to comply with the switched loads requirements previously specified under this clause. These developments remove the need to apply Type 2 (Controlled Load Tariff) or Type 3 (Dynamic Connection or Basic Active Management via Network Device) active device management controls to EVSE connections.
This option became available from 21 February 2024 and was withdrawn on 1 October 2026. We will cease accepting applications for connections using this active management option from this date.
Existing customers with this connection arrangement can continue to use the connection with no further changes required, as we will continue to operate and support the connection.
How existing customers can opt-out
Existing customers can engage their Electrical Contractors to rewire the EVSE behind the primary main switch (with minimisation of the number of main switches) and submit an Electrical Work Request (EWR) for:
- removal of the network device (relay) when the device is no longer required for a controlled load tariff; or
- removal of the EVSE channel switch and reseal of the network device and any associated links when the network device needs to remain for existing controlled load tariff/s.
Where a customer has already submitted an EWR for the installation of EVSE Basic Active Management via network device but we have not yet attended to install the network device (relay), the customer may choose to have the Electrical Contractor:
- rewire the device behind the primary main switch (with minimisation of the number of main switches)
- contact us to cancel the existing EWR before we attend the site.
This option became available from 21 February 2024 and was withdrawn on 1 October 2026. We will cease accepting registrations for Dynamic EVSE connections from this date.
Existing customers with this connection arrangement can continue to use the connection with no further changes required, as we will continue to operate and support the connection.
How existing customers can opt-out
Existing Dynamic EVSE customers can opt out of the active management device arrangement for the EVSE by speaking to their installer who can make the necessary alterations to cease signalling via the original equipment manufacturer's app.
Please note: Care should be taken not to remove any dynamic connection settings that will affect an existing dynamic connection for solar or batteries.
Read about Dynamic Connections for energy exports.
Can EVSE still be connected to a controlled load tariff?
Yes, after 1 October 2026 EVSE customers can continue to choose to be connected to an eligible controlled load tariff. Economy (or load control) tariffs have been available in Queensland for many years, and most electricity retailers offer these to customers for appliances like hot water systems, pool pumps and air conditioners.
A dedicated EV charger may also be connected to a controlled load tariff subject to the retailers’ eligibility requirements. For example, an economy tariff (often called T33 or Controlled Load 2) generally provides electricity for a minimum of 16 hours per day, offering customers the opportunity to charge their EV during designated supply periods.
For eligibility and economy tariff terms and conditions, customers should talk to their electricity retailer.
How to connect to a controlled load tariff
To connect a dedicated EV charger to a load control tariff, submit an EWR through the Electrical Partners Portal. See Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) clauses 9.2 and 10.6 for more information.
How existing customers can opt-out
Existing customers can engage their Electrical Contractors to rewire the EVSE behind the primary main switch (with minimisation of number of main switches) and submit an EWR for:
- removal of the network device (relay or time-switch) when the device is no longer required for a controlled load tariff; or
- removal of the other loads channel switch and/or reseal of the network device (relay or time-switch) and any associated links when the network device needs to remain for existing controlled load tariff/s.