Understanding your EV Charging options in Australia

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The EV Charging set up can be confusing at the best of times, so here is a quick explanation of the three different types of EV Chargers currently available in Australia

Level 1 Charging

Level 1 charging often called “trickle charging” is the technical jargon for plugging your car into an ordinary 240V household outlet. For an average EV (Tesla Model 3, BYD Atto 3, MG4, Hyundai Ioniq and more) this equates to around 12km of range per hour of charge or about 22 hours for a full re-charge for a standard Tesla. It would usually be uncommon to be completely re-charge from empty to full, instead EV drivers are usually “topping up” their batteries after having driven a small number of km that day. For example, if you had driven 60km that day then it would take approximately 9 hours to charge you back to full from that level.

Level 1 charging can be useful when charging overnight or as a portable EV charger option, but is probably too slow to help on longer road trips, as you will require a faster charge in a shorter period of time. They are a cheaper alternative to installed EV chargers, as the product itself is cheaper and no installation is required. This type of charger is more suitable for plug-in hybrid vehicles as they require less charging time.

Who Should Use It?

If you only drive short distances or have a plug in hybrid a level 1 charger may be all you need. It is perfect for on the go and for those looking for a cheaper alternative.

What types of Level 1 Chargers Do We Offer?

At EVSE we pride ourselves in providing you with a turnkey solution, therefore we sell and provide mostly level 2 and DC fast chargers. In saying this we do have a select few portable electric level 1 chargers available.

Level 1 EV Charger

Type 2 Portable EV Charger: The Type 2 Portable EV Charger is designed for use with a standard Australian wall socket. It features a 10 Amp plug, delivering 2 kW of power and adding approximately 12 km of range per hour of charge. The charger is equipped with a 5-meter cable, an LED display showing temperature, time, power, and status, and comes with a 2-year warranty. It is compatible with a wide range of EV models, including BMW, Hyundai, Renault, and Tesla, and is rated IP66 for water and dust resistance.

Smart Portable Type 2 EV Charger: The Smart Portable Type 2 EV Charger features a 10 Amp plug, delivering 2 kW of power and adding about 12 km of range per hour of charge. It includes Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring and control via the EVSE Master app, allowing users to schedule charging sessions and view real-time charging reports. The charger is lightweight, waterproof (IP66), and comes with a 5-meter cable. It’s compatible with all EV models in Australia and includes a 2-year warranty.

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 charging requires installation by a licensed professional. The vehicle’s onboard charger draws power from the charging station and converts it into a direct current to charge the vehicle’s battery. This option allows for a wide range of charging speeds, ranging from 7.2 kilowatts to 22 kilowatts (kW), or about 112km of range per hour of charging. The first generation Tesla Model Y can only use 11 kW, about 50km of range per hour, or about 8 hours for a full charge from empty. The BYD Atto 3 on-board charger is limited to 7 kW, therefore it can charge at a range of 58km per hour and will be fully charged in roughly 7 hours.

Many level 2 chargers can be found in public places such as shopping centres, universities and commercial building garages. They are much faster than level 1 chargers, therefore more practical for those frequently travelling. Another great benefit is that home setups can be customised and tailored to your needs by adding smart features, such as, scheduled charging and remote monitoring.

Who Should Use It?

Level 2 Chargers are perfect for those who need to charge their vehicle more frequently and for a shorter period of time. They are more convenient then overnight trickle chargers, and still ensure you wake up fully charged every morning.

What types of Level 2 Chargers Do We Offer?

Level 2 EV ChargerThe Ocular LTE Plus is a smart home EV charging station equipped with a 6m Type 2 cable and Bluetooth connectivity for app-based control. It offers 7kW single-phase charging, adding up to 50km of range per hour. The charger features a colourful LCD display showing real-time charging data, customisable charging schedules for cost efficiency, and robust protection against various electrical faults. It’s designed for easy wall or stand mounting and is compatible with all Type 2 EVs in Australia.

The Ocular IQ Home comes in both a 7kW and 22kW EV charger with a 5m Type 2 cable, designed for residential use. It features three charging modes (Fast, Solar Assist, and Solar Only) to maximize efficiency and use of renewable energy. The charger is compatible with all EVs in Australia and includes an app for remote management, real-time monitoring, and scheduling. It also supports load management to prevent electrical overloads and is built for indoor and outdoor use with IP55 protection.

 DC Fast Charging

DC fast chargers represent the fastest option for EV Charging currently available and utilise a direct current. DC fast chargers can be used on all EV models although adaptors or specific plugs may be required to use the charging station. DC fast charging stations are most frequently found along motorways and petrol stations but will become more accessible as the EV revolution rises. Governments, councils and business have already begun to invest in necessary EV infrastructure providing grants and funding for both businesses and individuals. DC fast chargers can give you 65km of range for every 10 minutes of charge, and are ideal for road trips and long distance journeys. Charging with a DC fast charger allows you to almost fully charge your EV in the time it takes you to finish a coffee.

Conveniently found along highways and urban areas, DC chargers are the perfect form of charging for road trips and necessary quick top ups. They are easy to use, often integrating your most commonly found charging networks and allow users to control or monitor their charge completely from their app. As they are quite costly, they are less commonly found and are not suitable as an at home charger.

Who Should Use It?

DC Fast Chargers are perfect for those taking long road trips and require a full charge in the time it takes to stop for lunch. This type of charger is the best option for those who want to minimise downtime during their trips.

What types of DC Fast Chargers Do We Offer?

DC Fast EV ChargerThe Ocular Titan 60kW Credit Card EV Charger is a powerful, dual-port DC charger capable of charging two EVs simultaneously. It delivers up to 360km of range per hour and features an 8-inch touchscreen, dual CCS2 connectors, and a robust protection suite. Designed for high-traffic commercial areas, it supports credit card payments and remote management via OCPP. The charger is suitable for wall or floor mounting and includes load management capabilities.

The Ocular DC Charger 60kW floor mounted is a powerful, dual-port DC charger that delivers up to 360 km of range per hour of charge. It supports charging two EVs simultaneously with dual CCS2 connectors, each providing 30kW. Designed for public and fleet use, it features an 8-inch LED display, robust metal casing, and compatibility with all major EV brands. It offers high efficiency (>95%) and includes various electrical protections, remote management capabilities via OCPP, and options for credit card payments.

For more information regarding your various Electric Vehicle charging options visit www.evse.com.au or contact us at 1300 406 210 and let the team at EVSE Australia help navigate you through the technical details to find the best solution for your home or office EV Charging. 

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