The electric car revolution has been progressing quickly, due to the fact that it is more environmentally friendly than traditional cars. One of the main drawbacks of owning an electric car is that they require a charging station. This can be a significant inconvenience for drivers who are often required to hunt down charging stations and wait for them to become available.
However, EV smart chargers can now be installed in homes and workplaces allowing electric vehicles to charge quickly, saving you time and money. The charger can be programmed to charge during off-peak tarrifs, enabling drivers to save on electricity bills too.
What are home charging stations?
Home chargers are small devices that work with electric vehicles and allow them to charge at home. They are usually powered by electricity, but can also be powered by your solar panels. The charger can be plugged into an electric vehicle, or plugged into a vehicle’s battery to known as Vehicle to Grid.
Is it worth installing a home charging unit for Electric vehicles?
The answer to this question is a clear “yes”. According to a study conducted by the US Department of Energy, more than 80% of drivers who own an electric vehicle will charge their vehicle at home.
The electric car market is booming and Governments, are noticing. Governments around the world, including South Australia’s have recently announced the Electric Vehicle Charger Scheme which will be providing a subsidy to those who install a Smart EV charger in their home.
How can I install a home EV charging station?
A licensed and certified electrician will need to install your new EV charger, and it is important to choose the correct home charging station before installing it. EV Charge Australia can install the latest generation charging stations wherever it’s convenient for you to charge, work or home.
How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Vehicle At Home?
The price of charging an electric vehicle depends on what type of electric vehicle you buy and where you will be charging it. Other things that might impact the cost of charging your car are the following
- Your electricity rates
- Whether you charge during peak hours
- The type of charger that you use
The average cost of electricity in Australia is $0.30c per kW. To cover 100km, this would cost you an average $5.40c on the standard tariff, with figures decreasing on lower tariffs. In comparison, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, it will cost an average $16.65 to travel 100km with petrol in your tank and $7.50 per 100km with diesel.
How much does it cost to install a charging station at home?
The cost to install an EV charging station will vary depending on the type of charger you choose. There are three main types of chargers to consider: Mode 2, Mode 3, and Mode 4. A Mode 2 charger is just simply a 240-volt outlet. A Mode 3 charger is an AC charger usually 7kW for single phase and 22kW for 3 phase power supplies. AC charging stations deliver mains AC current to the vehicle, requiring the vehicle’s on-board charger to rectify the AC current to DC and manage the charging process. A Mode 4 Charger is a DC fast to rapid charger. DC Charging stations deliver high voltage DC current to the vehicle battery bypassing the vehicle’s on-board charger.
If you’re looking into buying a new electric car, it is a good idea to invest in a home recharging device.
