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Charging Your Electric Car At Home: The Basics And What You Need To Know

Charging your electric car at home is convenient and can be cost-effective, but it requires some preparation and understanding of the process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

Types of Charging Stations:

Level 1 Charger: Uses a standard 120-volt outlet from your home's domestic socket. This AC "Trickle Charging" method typically takes longer to charge.

Level 2 Charger: Requires a 240-volt outlet and can charge your car at speeds up to 22kW, significantly faster than Level 1 chargers.


Installing a Home Charging Station

  1. Hire a qualified electrician, such as Electrifying Australia, to install the charging station.

  2. Ensure your home’s electrical system can handle the additional load.

  3. Choose a location for the charger that offers convenient access.


Choosing the Right Charger

Select a charger compatible with your electric car's model specifications; some vehicles support only single-phase charging, while others benefit from three-phase charging capabilities.

Check the charger's charging speed (kilowatts) and efficiency ratings.


Understanding Charging Times

  • A Level 1 charger typically maxes out at 3.7kW, requiring over 15 hours to charge a 70kWh battery from 0% to 100%.

  • Level 2 chargers can max out between 11kW to 22kW, charging the same battery in approximately 6 hours.


Cost Considerations

  1. Calculate electricity costs based on your utility rates and charging times.

  2. Some utilities offer special rates for electric vehicle (EV) charging during off-peak hours.

  3. EV charger costs range from approximately $700 for basic models (up to 7.4kW) to $3000 for smart chargers (up to 22kW).


Other Considerations:

  • Homes with single-phase electrical setups require a single-phase capable EV charger (up to 7kW).

  • Homes with three-phase connections can choose between single-phase or three-phase EV chargers.

  • Examples of electric vehicles that require single-phase charging include BYD Atto 3, MG 4 Exite/Essance/X-Power, Lexus UX300e, and Nissan Leaf.

  • Vehicles like BYD Dolphin, BMW iX, Tesla models, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV9, and others support both single-phase and three-phase charging.

Photo Credit: Drive.com.au


Considering getting an EV Charger at home? We can help!

Electrifying Australia is committed to helping NSW residents make the switch to clean energy. We offer a wide range of EV chargers from renowned brands such as Tesla, MyEnergi, Fronius, Wallbox, Smappee, and more.


Together, let's power a brighter future for Australia!

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