Thinking of buying an electric car? Here’s the lowdown on the charging costs and your options.
The electric revolution has arrived in Australia, with the market share of Electric Vehicles (EVs) growing rapidly in recent years.
In the first six months of 2023 alone, 8.4% of new car sales in Australia were Electric Vehicles (EVs). The figures are up from the same period in 2022, when just 3.8% of new vehicle sales were electric.
According to the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), there are now approximately 130, 000 EVs on Australian roads and among these, approximately 109,000 are fully battery powered-cars, with the remaining 21, 000 being hybrid vehicles.
If EV sales continue to increase at the same pace for the rest of the year, it is estimated the fleet should reach close to 180,000 by the end of 2023.
This surge can be attributed to a combination of factors such as enticing government incentives, environmental concerns, declining EV prices, improved battery capacity, and cost savings from soaring petrol prices.
And if you’re one of the 548,000 Australians planning to buy an electric vehicle in the next four years, it’s crucial to understand the financial aspects of how much charging your EV can set you back, the available options, and the strategies you can use to save on powering up your electric car.
So buckle in, as we address most common questions about charging an electric car, the costs involved and options available and take a sneak peek into the future of EVs in Australia.
What is EV charging?
Before we dive into the details of charging an electric car, let’s begin by defining what an Electric Vehicle (EV) is.
An electric vehicle (EV), whether it’s an electric car, electric scooter, or electric bike, utilises one or more electric motors powered by a battery pack instead of traditional liquid fuels (e.g., petrol or diesel) to accelerate and drive.
Depending on the type of EV, the electric motor either supplements a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) or powers the car completely.
To charge an EV, it is connected to a charger, the EV to a charger, which provides the electricity needed for recharging. Different types of chargers are available, like level 1, level 2, and DC fast chargers, which we’ll discuss later.
Generally, there are four types of EVs in Australia: hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), battery electric vehicles (BEV) and Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).
1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
A battery electric vehicle is fully electric or an all-electric car, meaning they are entirely powered by electricity and do not require petrol to operate.
To operate, BEVs require charging, which can be accomplished either through a home charger, a fast charging station, or by harnessing energy through regenerative braking—a process that converts the kinetic energy generated during braking into electrical energy to recharge the battery.
Given that BEVs rely solely on electricity, BEVs do not have any form of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), which includes petrol, diesel, or LPG engines. They also lack a fuel tank and exhaust pipe.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) typically feature significantly larger battery capacities and higher kilowatt-hour (kWh) outputs compared to comparable hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Consequently, the advanced battery technology in BEVs often leads to a higher cost compared to other types of EVs.
2. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) run on a combination of regular fuel (such as petrol) and electricity.
Picture it as a car with two power sources: a traditional engine and an electric motor, accompanied by a small battery.
Like BEVs, HEVs use a regenerative braking system to recharge the battery. So, while you do fill up with fuel like a regular car, an HEV allows you to cover more distance on a single tank compared to a standard vehicle.
In general, HEVs are engineered for fuel efficiency. They employ the electric motor for smooth acceleration and deceleration, and when you hit higher speeds, the conventional engine takes over. The best part is that you drive them just like any other car, without the need to worry about plugging them in for recharging.
3. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) integrates an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) with an electric motor and battery pack, much like a hybrid, but with notable differences.
Compared to HEVs, PHEVs generally have larger battery packs and more powerful electric motors, with the electric system doing most of the heavy lifting while driving. This allows PHEVs to rely predominantly on their electric system for propulsion, and they have the capability to operate in electric-only mode, effectively turning off the ICE.
Driving a plug-in hybrid car is quite similar to driving a regular hybrid, as the vehicle will automatically recharge the battery and switch between the ICE and electric power based on the driving conditions.
What makes PHEVs standout is that you have the choice to refuel a PHEV with either gasoline or electricity to suit your needs.
4. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are similar to BEVs in that they solely use electrical energy for driving, but their method of energy storage differs significantly.
Unlike BEVs, which store electrical energy from a charger, FCEVs produce their own electrical charge through a chemical reaction, often involving hydrogen. This means that FCEVs can be fuelled with hydrogen and do not require traditional ‘charging’ from the grid.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
On average, you can expect to pay between $0.40 and $0.70 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at public fast charging stations in Australia.
Charging your electric car at home is usually much cheaper. For example, if you’re on a standard electricity plan with a flat tariff of $0.30 per kWh, it would cost you around $18 to fully charge the same electric car at home.
While these are the average prices, take note that the price of fully charging an electric car varies on the size of the battery and the electricity rate at the charging station you use.
In addition to charging costs, some charging stations may attract extra fees such as idle fees if cars are left in designated electric vehicle spaces after their charging session.
How long does it take to charge an EV?
EV charging an electric car can be done at home or at any public charging stations. Fully charging a car can be done in just 30 minutes, or it may take as long as half a day.
Here are the five main factors can that affect an EV’s charging speed:
Battery size
Think of your EV’s battery like a petrol tank. The bigger the tank, the more it takes to fill it up. So, it makes sense an electric car with a massive battery will naturally need more time to charge because there’s a lot more “fuel” to pump in.
Battery status (empty v full)
Charging an EV from empty to full is like filling a water tank from scratch; it takes more time. Imagine trying to fill a swimming pool compared to topping off a half-filled bathtub – one clearly takes longer!
Maximum charging rate of vehicle
Your EV has a “thirst limit” when it comes to charging speed. Even if you plug into a super-speedy charging station, your car can only charge at its own maximum rate. It’s like a sports car driving on a speed-limited road – it won’t go faster than allowed.
Weather conditions
Charging can take longer in colder temperatures, particularly when using rapid chargers. This is because cold temperatures can affect the performance of the battery and charging equipment. Take note that consistent exposure to extremely cold temperatures can potentially damage the EV battery prematurely. To help speed things up, you can use heated air to warm up the battery while charging.
Can you recharge your EV by solar panel?
Yes, if you have solar panels installed, you can use them to charge your electric vehicle (EV).
Solar-generated electricity from solar panels can be processed by a PV inverter or a solar inverter, transforming it from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), which your EV charger and most household appliances use.
By connecting your EV charger to a PV inverter, you establish a direct link between your EV and the clean, solar energy produced by your panels. Most installations will have an inverter as standard but it’s important to check.
Aside from the environmental benefits of choosing this charging method, EV drivers who go for solar charging also get to pocket some serious savings.
Researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) crunched the numbers and found that homeowners who charge their EVs during the day using solar power and a battery energy storage system (BESS) can score fantastic savings – up to a whopping 39.6% less in annual energy costs compared to folks with petrol cars.
What are the different types of EV chargers in Australia?
For most people, refueling a vehicle has been as simple as visiting a petrol station for a quick refill and hitting the road again within minutes.
But if you’re making the transition to owning an electric car, it’s going to take time to adjust to the ‘new normal’ of topping up your car. The first thing to understand is that, unlike petrol and diesel vehicles, there are multiple ways to charge your car. You primarily need to consider two key factors: charging levels and charging types.
Charging levels refer to the power at which you can charge your electric vehicle, and they are grouped into a few main categories (Levels 1 to 3). Meanwhile, charging types are about the physical plug connector that fits into your electric car.
Level 1 EV charging (AC Slow Charging)
Level 1 charging is the slowest method for charging electric vehicles (EVs). It involves using a standard power cable that’s plugged into a regular wall outlet to provide a modest 2 kilowatts (kW) of power.
Level 1 charging is most suitable for hybrid vehicles or for individuals who drive infrequently. It operates on alternating current (AC) with a slow charging rate ranging from 1.4 kW to 3.7 kW, similar to plugging your EV into a standard household power point at home or work.
When using a Level 1 charger, you can typically expect to add a range of about 10 to 20 kilometres to your EV’s battery after one hour of charging. This method is commonly used for overnight charging or during the day when the vehicle is not in use, gradually replenishing the battery by 100 to 200 kilometers over an extended period.
Level 1 charging is best suited for EVs with smaller battery sizes, such as those found in Petrol-hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), or when longer charging times are acceptable.
It can also serve as a supplemental charging option at work for people driving over 40 kilometres per day or as an alternative for those who cannot charge at home due to the absence of a garage or dedicated parking space.
Level 1 charging is best suited for individuals who drive fewer than 4,000 kilometres per year, as it is a slower charging method compared to higher-level options.
Level 2 EV charging (AC Fast Charging)
Level 2 charging is the most common home and public level and involves using a dedicated wall-mounted unit, often referred to as ‘home chargers,’ which is typically installed by an electrician.
These chargers are notably faster than their Level 1 counterparts, adding an average range of 30 to 130 kilometres per hour of charging, although the specific rate may vary depending on the individual car’s configuration.
Using the same 40kWh battery example, a Level 2 charger running 7kW would take about 5.7 hours to charge an electric car.
Level 2 charging provides a wide range of charging speeds, going up to 19.2 kilowatts (kW), which is about 112 kilometers of added range per hour. This faster charging is possible because it operates at higher voltage and amperage levels. However, it requires tougher equipment and stronger wiring to handle the extra electrical current and the resulting heat.
Level 3 EV charging (DC Fast Charging)
Level 3 chargers are the fastest method of charging your EV. These chargers can deliver more than 50kW an hour, meaning most EVs would be charged in less than an hour.
Typically, it offers 70 kilometers of range for every 10 minutes of charging, requiring more power than your household electricity supply, which generally exceeds your daily commuting needs.
Most Level 3 chargers can only be found at EV public charging stations due to their higher price tag. This is because this charger level requires significant panel and service upgrades.
Choosing the right EV charger for you
When selecting an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station, it’s essential to keep in mind the following critical factors that can significantly influence your experience:
Power output
One of the primary considerations is the power output of the charging station. As discussed, different charging levels (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3) offer varying charging speeds, ranging from slower, household-level charging to rapid, high-powered charging. Depending on your driving habits and how quickly you need to charge your EV, you’ll want to choose a station with an appropriate power output to meet your needs.
Cost
The cost of the charging station, including installation and any necessary electrical upgrades, is another crucial factor. Level 1 chargers are typically the most affordable, while Level 3 chargers can be substantially more expensive due to their more complex installation requirements. Consider your budget and long-term cost projections when selecting a charging station.
Compatibility
Ensure that the chosen charging station is compatible with your specific EV make and model. Different manufacturers may use various charging connectors, so it’s essential to confirm that the station you select can accommodate your vehicle’s plug type. Additionally, consider whether the station is suitable for your daily charging needs, such as home charging or public charging infrastructure.
How many EV charging stations are in Australia?
As more people make the switch to EVs, public charging stations across the country continue to expand.
As of 30 June 2023, the Electric Vehicle Council estimated the number of high-power public charging locations stood at 558, while the number of individual high power public EV chargers in service was 967.
The figures mark a 57% increase in high-power charging locations compared to the same time in 2022. Note that many of these locations have multiple charging bays in place, to support multiple cars charging simultaneously.
Charging at home versus on the road
When it comes to charging your EV, whether you’re at home or on the road, there are some key differences to consider:
Charging at home
The time it takes to charge your EV at home depends on a few factors:
Battery Size
The larger your EV’s battery (typically between 40kWh and 100kWh), the more power it will require to recharge.
Charging Equipment
The speed of charge depends on whether you have a dedicated home charger or if you’re charging directly from a regular wall socket.
Power Type
Your home’s power supply matters too. It can be single-phase or three-phase power. You can determine this by checking your switchboard, usually located in the garage or near the front door. A single main switch indicates a single-phase connection with one power feed, while three main switches signify a three-phase connection with three power feeds. Three-phase power usually allows for faster EV charging.
Charging on the road
When you’re out and about, you have the option to charge your EV at the growing number of destination charging stations across the country. Many highways offer fast or ultra-rapid charging to get you back on the road swiftly.
Additionally, destination charging stations are being installed in various locations, such as car parks, public parks, community centers, shopping centers, libraries, and popular landmarks.
It’s worth noting that some destination chargers may not have their own charging cables (e.g. AC charging cables) for security reasons. Therefore, it’s essential to carry a compatible lead or adapter in your EV.
Consider keeping a charging cable and adapter in your car as well, ensuring you can also plug into standard power points in Australia in case of an emergency.
And if you’re an electric vehicle owner travelling or commuting daily in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or virtually anywhere across the country, Parkhound has your EV charging needs covered.
Our network of EV-friendly parking spaces ensures that you can work or travel with the confidence knowing that you’ll have access to convenient and cost-effective charging options. Say goodbye to range anxiety and hello to worry-free EV travel with Parkhound.
Are EV charging stations free in Australia?
Public EV charging stations are sometimes free but not always. Here are some areas you’ll likely find free EV charging stations in Australia.
1. Shopping centres and businesses
Many businesses, universities, shopping centres, and markets offer free electric vehicle (EV) charging. These locations provide various charging options, including slow AC and fast DC charging points.
Keep in mind that it’s wise to consider if driving out of your way for free charging is worth the range consumed, and be prepared for potential wait times. Use online maps or apps dedicated to EV charging to find these facilities.
2.Hotels and motels
An increasing number of hotels, motels, and AirBnb hosts are offering EV destination charging for guests. These options may range from standard power outlets to Level 2 charge points capable of delivering 22kW AC power.
Charging your EV while parking overnight can save you money, compared to using public fast chargers. To check if your accommodation offers electric vehicle charging, you can check the website/listing or contact the accommodation provider; or search using Google Maps and filter “electric vehicle charging”
3. National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA Charging Stations)
NRMA’s fast DC chargers operated by Chargefox in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia currently offer free charging to all EV owners, with no limits. However, this service is expected to become exclusive to NRMA members in the near future. If you’re a member, take advantage of this free charging opportunity while it lasts.
Tips for saving money on EV charging
Charge your EV at night
Electricity rates can vary throughout the day. To save money, consider charging your electric vehicle during off-peak hours, typically at night. Many utility companies offer reduced rates during these times, making it more cost-effective to charge your EV.
Take advantage of discounts
Keep an eye out for special promotions, loyalty programs, or discounts offered by charging providers or electric vehicle manufacturers. Some companies offer free charging credits, reduced rates for memberships, or referral bonuses that can help you save on charging costs.
Use a smart charger
Smart chargers are designed to optimise charging efficiency and cost savings. They can automatically adjust charging rates based on factors like electricity rates, grid demand, and your vehicle’s battery state. Investing in a smart charger can help you maximise savings over time.
Explore home charging options
While public charging can be convenient, consider installing a Level 2 charger at home. This allows you to take advantage of lower residential electricity rates and eliminates the need for frequent trips to public chargers. In some regions, there may be incentives or rebates available for home charger installation, further reducing your upfront costs.
Plan your charging
Be strategic about when and where you charge your EV. For longer trips, plan your charging stops in advance to take advantage of fast-charging public stations and minimise downtime. Avoid emergency charging situations, which may lead to higher costs at certain locations.
Monitor your charging habits
Keep track of your charging habits and energy consumption. Some EVs and charging apps provide detailed information about your charging history and costs. Analyzing this data can help you identify opportunities to save money by adjusting your charging patterns.
Consider solar power
If you have a home solar power system, consider using the energy it generates to charge your EV. Charging with solar power can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost of charging your electric vehicle while reducing your environmental footprint.
Explore government incentives
Depending on which state or territory you live, there may be government incentives or tax credits available for EV owners. These incentives can help offset the initial cost of the vehicle and charging infrastructure, providing long-term savings.
Are you an EV owner looking for a convenient parking space?
Parkhound is also leading the charge in the EV revolution by offering access to parking spaces equipped with EV charging stations in major cities across Australia.
You also have the flexibility to choose a space that fits your needs. Whether you require night parking, an all-day stay, evening parking, or a short-stay space, we’ve got a space for you. Visit the pages below to see available rentals with EV charging spaces in your area.
Did you know that if you own a parking space with an EV charging station, you can help improve accessibility for electric vehicles? By becoming a Host on Parkhound, you can contribute to this positive change and provide convenient charging options for EV owners while also generating income.