Electric cars are taking off in Australia, and as public charging infrastructure becomes more widespread, the potential for electric cars to play a bigger role in the country’s transportation system is becoming increasingly evident. But what about charging battery-powered cars with existing home supplies? Can you charge an electric car at home? The answer is yes, but it will take some effort.
In this article, we’ve covered all the nuts and bolts of home EV charging, why you should adopt it and how you can get the maximum potential of charging an electric vehicle at home.
Is it easy to charge my Electric car at home?
If you’re looking to charge your electric car at home, it’s easy to do so! Just plug in the charger and let it work its magic. Ensure you have adequate access to the outlet and the necessary wires to connect it to your home electrical system. To ensure that you can safely recharge your electric vehicle using the correct charger, follow safety protocols beforehand. Unaccountably disregarding safety protocols may result in safety concerns.
Why Should You Charge Your Electric Car at Home?
While there are a few reasons to charge an electric car at home, the primary reason is convenience. When an electric car is not in use, plug it into a 220V wall outlet and charge it overnight via electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). This eliminates waiting in line and allows you to stay up and be filled with juice.
Home charging of a car’s battery is quick and cost-effective, making it an ideal option for those who don’t have time to go out for charging. One of the most compelling reasons is that charging costs via wall box home chargers are often cheaper than public EV chargers that’s why many Australians have already switched to home chargers.
Can I install an EV charger if I live in a condo building?
A surge in population roils Australia, and a shift in family living arrangements may result in disputes with a landlord concerning installing an electric car charger. Apartment Strata Groups and strata corporations are likely to demonstrate obstructionist stances in incidences. Which a complete EV charger installation or other short-term solution is required to maintain access to electric car charging within the apartment complex.
When you buy an EV, whether a Tesla, BMW, Porsche, or Audi. The situation is a bit more complex than in an independent home. Yes, you can charge any vehicle or your favourite Tesla with a tesla charger installation in a condo or apartment building. Just make sure that your charging location is approved by your building management. So that it truly aligns with the building’s load management system (LMS).
What types of EV chargers are suitable for the home?
Home charging is becoming considerably more popular, but before you start, there are a few things to keep in mind. One significant consideration is the type of EV charger that will be best for your house. Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers are for home use and are most suitable for charging electric vehicles. They have a plug-in receptacle (Type 2 Mennekes) to pump electric charge in just a couple of hours, but level 1 is, of course, a slow way to charge than level 2.
How long does an electric car reach full charge with a home charger?
One of the most important factors affecting the charging time required by a single-phase home EV charger is the size of your EV’s battery. A large battery (more kWh) will take longer to charge than a small battery, as the charger has to provide more current (Amps) to charge it.
The type of charger can affect how long it takes for the battery to charge from 0 to 100 per cent. Additionally, the speed of the charger (slow or fast charger) can also affect how quickly the battery can be recharged, It would take all Tesla models, and a Tesla home charger is worthwhile if you want hassle-free charging.
Home vs public charging station
Public EV chargers are majorly located in public places or shopping centres. They are capable of delivering fast charging than at home, making it easier to get a boost up instantly. However, there are also some drawbacks. The major downside of public EV charging stations is that they can be pretty expensive and time-consuming.
Public EV chargers can work well for you if you’re frequently travelling across different states or cities and need multiple charges for your car. Home chargers are super easy to install and offer convenience and affordability but have slow charging rates.
How to get a charging point installed at home?
With the declining trend of internal combustion engine cars and rocketing popularity of electric vehicles, there is no doubt that home charging points are desirous for an EV driver. You need to take into account the following things in this regard.
Make sure you have a compatible charger:
Before you can plug an electric car into your home’s charging infrastructure, you need to have a compatible charger. Fortunately, there are many types of chargers available with a rating of 3.6kW, 7kW and 22kW depending on model and make, so it’s important to choose one that will work with your electric car. For the super batteries of Tesla Model 3, the BMW i4 (76kWh, 84kWh) 22kW charger is the best bet.
Location of installation:
The process of installing an electric car charging point is simple you just need to locate a suitable spot and connect the cables. But be sure to choose a location that is easily accessible for you to charge your Tesla, Kia EV6, Nissan Leaf etc.
EV charger installation through wall socket:
Connecting your electric vehicle charger through a 220V wall socket can be easy and hassle-free. Level 1 chargers are best suitable for this purpose without any extra costs than tethered ones, just plug and enjoy.
Wall box EV charger installation:
Wall box EV chargers are level 2 chargers that offer a faster charging time than traditional or level 1 charger. However, the installation process requires special precautions, including the safety breaker installation and special wiring in some cases under the supervision of a certified professional.
Managing load of EV charger
Managing a load of a charger or PowerPoint on a home energy supply can be challenging. The extra load of EV charging damages your home’s electrical system, so address it properly. There are a bunch of strategies you can use to manage the load, including the use of smart EV chargers and balancing the utility power supply and energy consumption of the home so that the amount of load does not exceed your supplied energy. Modern Smart chargers come with dynamic load balancing and Smart app control with real-time monitoring that is vital to get the maximum benefit of EV charging.
How Much Does it Cost to charge an EV at home?
The cost to charge at home depends on your state’s energy usage rate and your electricity tariff at the time of charging. In Victoria, to charge an MG ZS EV with a 50kWh battery, on a tariff of 21c/kWh, from 10% charge to 100%, consumes about $11 (there is usually some power lost in the transfer from the charger to the battery). While in New South Wales (NSW), at a tariff of 28.54c/kWh, around $14.25 would be needed to spend.
If you utilize your home’s PV system to charge up your EV in daylight, you can get the full potential of cheap or even electricity generated by the sun for the night, you need to rely on solar battery backup or grid electricity.
How to find the best home EV charger in Australia?
With numerous models available in the market, it’s hard to decide which one is the best for you.
In a thirst to find the “best home EV charger in Australia,” it’s prime to research and compare different models and make. The price tag is one of the most important things to consider when choosing an EV charger. Many home chargers are offered at a lower cost than those found at car repair stores or major dealerships, making them an attractive option for those who just bought their first electric vehicle or want to upgrade quickly.
Another important factor is its power output and charging speed; both are crucial to getting an optimal charging experience. So Price, efficiency and maximum power output are worthwhile when purchasing a home charger online or offline. Ev powerhouse has several highly affordable EV chargers that can help you narrow your options.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, although there are pros and cons to charging an EV at home, it ultimately comes down to the individual. It is a great option if you have the extra space and Hookup Station. However, if you don’t have any of those things or you live in a city or state with high electricity costs, then charging an electric car at home may not be the best idea.
