Do I Need A Home Electric Vehicle Charger?
Whether you're a current electric vehicle (EV) owner or considering making the switch, understanding the ins and outs of charging your vehicle at home is crucial. This article aims to demystify the process, offering clear explanations and practical advice on everything from understanding power and energy terms to choosing the right charger for your needs. We'll navigate through the various levels of home charging, discuss the differences between AC and DC charging, and provide guidance when selecting a charger brand in Australia.
By the end of this article, you should feel confident enough to start speaking with EV charging station suppliers (provided that's the right option for you).
Understanding kW and kWh in EV Charging
When it comes to EV charging at home, it's crucial to understand the difference between power (kW) and energy (kWh).
- Power, measured in kilowatts (kW), indicates the rate at which your EV battery charges, ranging from 1 kW to 22 kW for home charging.
- Energy, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), reflects the battery's storage capacity. Typically, an electric car can travel about 6 km for each kWh of charge.
How Home Car Charging Works
Home charging involves alternating current (AC). Everything in your home, including residential EV chargers, uses AC electricity.
EV "chargers" (the cable you connect to an EV) regulate the flow of 230V AC electricity into your car. Confusingly, the actual charger ("onboard charger") is inside your vehicle, converting AC to direct current (DC) and handling the charging process. The onboard charger usually has an upper limit of 11 kW for AC-DC conversion.
For the purposes of this article, we'll just keep referring to charging hardware as chargers.
A basic home EV charger is a straightforward device. Its primary role is to check if the car can accept a charge and, if so, safely deliver power until instructed to stop.
More advanced home chargers can also adapt their charging based on various factors like time of day, electricity prices, surplus solar energy, home battery charge levels, and remote commands from your local electricity network.
Levels of EV Charging
The industry categorizes charging speeds into three levels:
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 chargers are a cable and power brick that connects to a standard power point. They charge at 1.8 to 2.4 kW from a standard home socket.
To put into context what a Level 1 charging rate of 1.8 kW means – it will add 1.8 kWh every hour to your car’s battery. In terms of added distance you can drive, that equals about 10 km added per hour. If you plug your car in overnight (approx. 8 hours), you’ll add about 80 km of range.
If you have a 15A socket installed (or get one installed for about $500) where your car will park and have a compatible 15A charging cable, Level 1 can charge at higher speeds. A 15A plug allows a charge rate of 3 – 3.4kW, which adds about 18 km of range per hour.
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 charging needs a dedicated wall charger with its own dedicated wiring back to your switchboard. A single-phase, 7 kW Level 2 charger will add about 40km of range per hour. If you have three-phase power at home, a three-phase, 22 kW EV charger will add about 130km of range per hour if your car can handle it.
Level 2 chargers cost $900 – $2500 for the hardware and about another $500-$1000+ to install. This pricing also assumes your switchboard and mains supply can handle the extra load. If they can’t, upgrading your supply can cost thousands of dollars more.
Level 3 Charging
Level 3 chargers go far beyond what the typical residential home can handle or afford. Such chargers are exclusively DC and have an output of 50 kW to 350 kW. They cost $100,000+ to install and need a huge power supply, so you are unlikely to install one at home.
Level 3 EV chargers let you quickly top up on long trips. Tesla’s Supercharger network is the most well-known example of a Level 3 charger. The most common “V2” Supercharger has a maximum power output of 120 kW, which adds up to 180km of range in 15 minutes.
Charging at Level 3 stations too often will degrade your car battery faster
Is a Level 2 Home Charger Worth It?
Investing in a Level 2 charger can be a significant investment, but it may be worthwhile. If you;
- Own multiple EVs,
- Require faster charging because of your use case (frequent long trips, short periods with the car parked at home etc.),
- Want to utilize excess solar power,
You should give serious thought to a dedicated charger at home.
Choosing the Right EV Charger Brand in Australia
The SolarQuotes EV Charger Comparison Table (1) is a reputable and well-researched resource that compares the specs, features and prices of all EV chargers sold in Australia. Reputable brands (from budget to premium) include:
[Budget] Tesla, Ocular (Home), Hypervolt
[Mid-range] Wallbox, Schneider Electric, Fimer, EO, Delta
[Premium] ABB, Evnex, Fronius, JetCharge, KEBA, Ocular (IQ), SolarEdge, SMA
Each of the brands listed has proven its worth in the market with robust products and excellent customer service. It is recommended that you do you own research when choosing a brand, considering their track record, warranty terms, and customer support in your region. However, a SolarQuotes recommendation is an excellent shortcut if you're time poor.
Remember to install the charger in a shaded area to prolong its lifespan.
In Summary
Equipping yourself with the right knowledge about home EV charging can help you choose the right home charging solution for your requirements.
By understanding the differences between kW and kWh, the workings of home chargers, the details of AC and DC charging and reputable supplier brands, you can make informed decisions that support a productive conversation with a charging station provider (if that's the right option for you).
If you don't have solar power yet, you could be missing a major benefit of getting an EV; running your vehicle on free sunshine! To get practical recommendations on choosing the right solar power system, have a look at our article, "How To Pick The Best Solar Power System"
Getting the right installer is critical if you are getting any upgrades done. Filter the bad EV charging station installers from the good by applying the principles in our article, "How to Avoid A Bad Solar Installation"
You'll need an up-to-date switchboard if you're getting an EV charging station installed. Find out if you need an upgrade with our article, "Will I need to upgrade my switchboard?"
Want to fast-track home electrification? Join an Energy Freedom Homes Masterclass and learn to identify your needs, gain expert installation advice, and meet trustworthy tradespeople. Check your Masterclass readiness now!