Frequently Asked Questions
Faqs About Electric Vehicles
Do I need to buy a specific charging socket for my Electric Vehicle?
Thankfully all EV Powerhouse Type 2 charging units (both portable or fixed) are compatible with all EV manufacturers. For added peace of mind, also note that most EV vehicles are supplied with additional adapters (making EV vehicles even more versatile).
Which EV Charging Station/Unit is most suitable to my EV?
Charging Stations/Units vary in terms of power, cable length, aesthetic presentation, and how a client intends to use it (everyday use, personal use, backup charging unit, for use in multiple locations, etc).
To help aid clients in choosing which charging unit is most suitable for their EV vehicle, feel free to use the EV car guide page, or alternatively contact EV powerhouse through our Contact Us page, and our team of experts would be more than happy to assist you in finding the right charging unit for your vehicle.
How much money can I save with an Electric vehicle?
At EVPowerhouse, we understand that managing our finances can be stressful, with an EV some of that stress can be elevated. An EV can save clients up to 80% in terms of charging the vehicle instead of filling it with petrol/diesel. An EV also has lessened servicing, repairs, and tax expenses. Not to mention that EVs are also Eco-friendly and help curb our carbon footprint.
Can I charge my Electric Vehicle using a standard household plug?
Although it is possible to charge an electric vehicle using a standard household plug, it is strongly not recommended to do so on a frequent basis. The reason for this is that the chargers demand a high electrical load, and therefore it is advised that a distinct charging point be fixed by a professional electrician to meet the electrical supply needed.
In travel or emergency situations where a fixed charging point is unavailable, we have a range of portable charging units and leads that may interest you.
How long does it take to charge an EV?
The time it takes to charge an EV depends not only on the charging unit being used but also on the make and model of the EV. Rapid charging stations (found at service stations, public locations, etc.) can charge most EVs approximately. 80% charge in under 30mins.
However, these charging stations have limited availability and are quite expensive. EV Powerhouse offers a range of Type-2 chargers (including but not limited to our portable and in-home charging units), which depending on the power output, are highly efficient at charging EV vehicles in a reasonable amount of time (most can charge the vehicle overnight within the 6-8 hour range).
What are the Charging Procedure steps?
- Pull up to the charging point and turn off your car
- Make sure your car is unlocked with no charge settings/timers turned on
- Plug the Type 2 Male end into the charging unit – Make sure to firmly push so the pins fully latch
- Plug the Type 2 Female end into your cars charging port – Make sure to firmly push so the pins fully latch
- Lock your car and leave to charge. (Also locks the cable if car supports)
- After charging always remove the plug from the car first and then the charging unit.
- The male plugs top pin is positioned further back as a safety feature so the power disconnects first when unplugging
How far can I go on how long a charge?
This has many factors to give the correct answer but roughly in an ideal situation.
- 3.6kW Charger – 25 kilometres / hour.
- 7.2kW Charger – 50 kilometres / hour.
- 11kW Charger – 75 kilometres / hour.
- 22kW Charger – 150 kilometres / hour.
But this still means that a mid-market EV model can be fully charged in up to 8 hours(depending on the battery size and on the EV board controller). Whilst you sleep. You can use Ev charging time calculator for more precise results.
Faqs About EV Chargers
What is the ideal EV cable length?
We offer a range of EV cable lengths for customisation of any parking space, cables 5 meters or greater in length are highly recommended in order to charge the vehicle no matter how it is parked.
Which Charging unit should be purchased if I plan on charging in multiple locations (home, secondary address)?
EV Powerhouse offers a range of portable charging units which are not fixated and are convenient ‘plug-in’ models. It is recommended that a distinct charging point be Installed by a professional electrician in each location to meet the electrical supply needed for optimal use.
If this is impossible and a standard house plug is to be used, EV Powerhouse has a range of leads that may interest you.
What are the most commonly used types of charging units available?
- TCL (Trickle Charge Lead): These leads are primarily supplied with the vehicle at the time of sale. They are mainly used in PHEV Hybrid (Electric/Petrol) run vehicles and are not designed nor are they capable of fully charging the battery overnight. EV Powerhouse do not supply these.
- Portable charging units: Portable charging units give clients the convenience and practicality to charge anywhere in which they have access to a standard household plug socket (excellent for overnight stays and visits). EV Powerhouse offers a range of portable EV Chargers.
- Type 2 hard-wired charging units: EV Powerhouse offers an extensive array of Type-2 chargers (including but not limited to in-home charging units), which depending on the power output, are highly efficient at charging EV vehicles reasonably of time.
- Rapid charging units: Rapid charging stations (found at service stations, public locations, etc.) can charge most EV vehicles approximately. 80% charge in under 30mins. However, these charging stations have limited availability and are quite expensive to use.
What’s the difference between 7kw and 22kw charging?
A 22kw charger has the ability to charge your EV up to 22kw per hour. This will be 3 times faster than a 7kw charger. However, most households can only maintain a 7kw supply as their electrical supply is single phase, as opposed to most commercial buildings which are three-phase. 7kw is perfectly adequate to fully charge a current EV overnight.
How much power do I need my station to have?
The power needed depends on the power acceptance of your electric vehicle. But in general 32Amp (7.2kW) charger is enough for most cars.
Faqs About Installation
Can all EV Powerhouse charging units be installed outside?
EV Powerhouse prides itself on the quality of its products and has made sure that any charging units supplied by us are sturdy enough to be labelled as weather resistant and safe to use both indoors and outdoors.
Do EV charging units need any maintenance?
When installed correctly and used properly, EV Powerhouse charging units are quality products that need little to no maintenance. In the event of malfunction or damage all parts of EV Powerhouse charging units are replaceable.
EV Powerhouse charging units with built-in online connectivity functions allow our expert team and clients to remotely diagnose and repair the unit. An important feature to equip our clients with extra protection in the event of a glitch in the charging unit being used.
What are the Charging Procedure steps?
- Pull up to the charging point and turn off your car
- Make sure your car is unlocked with no charge settings/timers turned on
- Plug the Type 2 Male end into the charging unit – Make sure to firmly push so the pins fully latch
- Plug the Type 2 Female end into your cars charging port – Make sure to firmly push so the pins fully latch
- Lock your car and leave to charge. (Also locks the cable if car supports)
- After charging always remove the plug from the car first and then the charging unit.
- The male plugs top pin is positioned further back as a safety feature so the power disconnects first when unplugging
Other Faqs
What does EV Powerhouse warranty cover?
EV Powerhouse warranty covers all EV charging units and their parts for 2 to 3 years.
We stand behind the quality of all our products. Terms and conditions apply; more details can be viewed on the EV Powerhouse Warranty policy.
What are the Common EV Charging Problems ?
- Pins not latching – Make sure to use considerable force when plugging in the cable and wiggle until the pins make a full strong connection.
- Charge settings on car – Make sure you have no timers or other settings turned on.
- Car is locked – the car needs to be unlocked and turned off to start the charging process.