Choosing the right EV charger

Those new to electric vehicles (EVs) may find the various options for charging at home confusing. Without the proper EV guides and EV charging solutions, you may not be able to get the best out of your EV. This blog post will explain how EV drivers can choose the correct EV charger.

This home charging guide for EV owners describes factors that you should consider when choosing home EV chargers, EV charger types, and EV charging solutions you should know. You can also read up on tips on using EV charging stations and who installs EV home charging stations. Read on to learn more!

Choice of Home EV Chargers

Charging your electric vehicle at home instead of public charging stations has several benefits. You do not need to wait in a queue and can get a more personalised charging experience. The two main charger streams for charging an EV at home are portable home EV chargers and dedicated home EV chargers.

Portable home EV chargers (Level 1)

You need to plug these chargers into your regular household socket simply. However, your electrician may still need to inspect the circuit to ensure it is dedicated to EV charging and does not cause overload.

Portable EV chargers can deliver 10A, 15A, and 32A. You may need to upgrade your socket to 15A if it is a 10A unit to use the 15A, 3.6kW models. Meanwhile, the 32A, 22kW model uses 3-phase power and has significantly faster charging times.

Here, electricians may need to install 3-phase socket outlets to go along with 2-phase electricity supplies before you can use the charger. You should note that the maximum charge limit on your car also affects charging times.

Dedicated home EV chargers (Level 2)

Level 2 chargers are dedicated and permanently installed charging units with a dedicated electrical circuit or device. The dedicated device or circuit, such as RCBO and RCD/MCB, helps protect the charging station. You need the services of a licensed electrician to install these chargers.

How to Choose Home EV Chargers

A typical Level 2 EV charger installed for home EV charging can last up to 10 years. As such, you should choose a reliable and efficient EV charger for your home or business to get the maximum benefits.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing this type of charger:

Networked vs. non-networked EV chargers

Networked EV chargers have smart features that allow for more than simple charges at set power rates of non-networked EV chargers. For instance, you monitor the charger wirelessly, and the manufacturer can troubleshoot it remotely.

Pre-installed vs. no pre-installed charging cables

A tethered charger (one with a pre-installed cable) has a cable connector. As such, you do not need to buy a separate one. On the other hand, untethered chargers can charge EVs with different connector types. They do not have fixed, integrated charging cables that allow for good cable length.

Consider the EV charging load management feature

An essential feature of EV charging that you need to consider is the EV charger load management. This is applicable to meet your workplace or apartment EV charging needs optimally.

The loads that Electric vehicles (EVs) bring to bear, the power required to charge them, and the demand for EV charging stations are serious considerations that potential EV drivers make.

Understand your electric vehicle home charging rate

The battery charging rate of your EV can depend on the EV's onboard charger and the rate of the charging station. You must consider this when choosing the right EV charging station.

Your vehicle's charging rate or speed indicates the highest amount of power your charger transfers to your EV battery during the charging process. Regular charging rates in the EV market are 3.6 kW, 7.2 kW, 11kW, 16.5kW or 22kW.

If your EV only has 3.6KW as the maximum charging rate, you cannot use a faster AC charger to boost your charging time even if you plug the car in a 22kW charger.

An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) car guide that you can visit to check your vehicle's charging rate is https://evse.com.au/car-guide/

Keep your EV's charging requirements in mind

EV owners must understand their electric car's charging requirements before buying an EV charger. You may choose a 240-volt Level 2 charger for a faster charging rate than the charging time when using a standard 120-volt outlet.

Choose compatible connector types

Your choice of charger should have a connector that is compatible with your electric vehicle. For instance, you need a Tesla connector for Tesla charger installations. Other connector types include CCS and CHAdeMO.

Choose a charger with intelligent or smart features

Doing this can give you a more convenient and optimal vehicle charging experience. Consider using smart EV chargers with Wi-Fi connectivity, flexible charging session scheduling, and load-balancing features.

Note that EV plug types may either be AC or DC charging. You can choose from the four main EV plug types: Type 1 (J1772 or SAE J1772), Type 2 (IEC 62196 or Mennekes plug), CHAdeMo, and CCS/CCS2.

Choose your EV charger type

There are several levels or types of EV chargers. You must choose the right one, depending on your EV battery.

Supplied Level 1 EV chargers

Your new electric car may come with its own Level 1 EV charger. You can plug it into standard electrical outlets. It supplies a maximum power rate of 2.4kW. Level 1 AC charging has slow charging speeds and low charging power. This option is likely inadequate if you want to charge your EV battery overnight. It is, therefore, less ideal for many drivers.

Level 2 EV chargers – AC fast charging

This is the most popular type of EV charger for home use. It can supply between 3.6kW to 9.6kW using a dedicated AC single-phase connection. Using a three-phase connection, the supply can get up to 22kW. The charging time for Level 2 EV chargers is between 5 to 8 hours for full charges.

Apart from being faster than Level 1 EV chargers, level 2 EV charging stations are more efficient and offer better technological features that increase control over the charging process.

Level 3 EV chargers - DC fast charging

This EV charger type is ideal for those who frequently drive their EVs (over 40km daily). You can conveniently plug your EV into DC fast chargers to recharge your EV quickly. DC fast EV chargers can charge your electric car within minutes, making them the fastest type of EV charger. Remember that certain EVs, like plugin hybrids and PHEVs, may have a lower acceptance rate and be unsuitable for Level 3 charging.

EV Charging Infrastructure within Australia

There are over 3,000 public charging EV stations. The number of standard EV charging stations is around 1,500. Australia also has over 450 DC fast charging stations. However, these numbers are quickly changing.

This is because public charging has practical limitations. It may be too time-consuming and costly for you. Many EV drivers find it more convenient to use home EV charging solutions. You may compare EV chargers and stations to decide your best option.

EV Charging Solutions in Australia

You should have an EV charger at home or in your business that provides the best experience with little time and effort. Apart from ensuring you get the correct EV charger, you can take the following steps.

Smart charger installations

Choosing a smart EV charger will enable you to schedule charging sessions for when there is available solar output. This way, you can use your solar system and electric car better and more cost-effectively. That way, you make the best use of your solar system and drive for free.

What to consider when choosing a smart EV charger

• Buy a compatible smart charger to support your EV's maximum charging rate.
• The charger should have fast charging capabilities for swift charging in time-sensitive situations.
• Your charger should support your EV's maximum power output and align with your home's phase power supply for an efficient and optimised charging experience.
• In other words, choose a smart EV charger that accommodates your home's power requirements.
• A faster charging 222KW smart EV charger is more suitable than a 7.4KW single-phase EV charger for your 3-phase home.
• Consider the connectivity and smart charging features of the smart EV charger. It should have Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity and energy management features to manage the charging process better.
• Your smart EV charging stations should support various EV brands and models and be able to accommodate other power sources, such as solar energy.
• Besides having smart features, your smart EV charger should have safety measures and a reasonable warranty period.

Charging electric cars with solar energy

It is possible to use your solar to charge your EV. You will incur set-up costs due to the purchase and installation of solar inverters and solar batteries. You have several enormous benefits to enjoy. You will not be affected by soaring electricity prices as you have a self-sufficient household energy source.

A residential solar installer can help you out with this installation so you can enjoy the benefits. Likewise, a commercial solar installer can provide this EV charging solution to meet your fleets' EV charging needs.

Tips on Using EV Charging Stations

Here are some valuable tips for buying and using home charging stations and public charging stations.

• Charge your home EV charger during off-peak electricity times. This is possible with a time-of-use tariff such as Synergy EV Add on electricity plan.
• An advantage of having a home solar system is that you can use it to charge your EV and save on charging costs.
• It is worthwhile to follow public EV charging station etiquette. For instance, you should not hog chargers and avoid parking in charging spots when you're not charging.
• You can conveniently use smartphone apps for different charger types to locate charging stations.  
• You may need to upgrade your switchboard as you get your EV charger installed for it to run at full capacity.
• Coiled cables have limited flexibility as the extended range offers little manoeuvrability.
• You can use the timers and 'eco-friendly' modes of electric vehicle chargers to delay charging until off-peak periods. You can also charge directly from solar.
• It is possible to use some Tesla chargers to charge non-Tesla vehicles.
• Similarly, US EV automakers are trending toward making EVs that charge at Tesla Supercharger stations. Such models will have NACS charging ports.

Who Should Install EV Home Charging Stations?

You should get a qualified electrician to install all EV charging stations. They will make sure to follow the current Australian standards (AS3000) for the installation of your electric vehicle home charging station.

You should work with them to factor in installation, charging, and charging rates before buying an EV charger and installing home EV charging stations. You can also use their associated services, such as solar panel cleaning.

Get Help Choosing the Right EV Charger

The world is keying into the EV revolution, and you should not be left out. From this post, you now know more about various choices of home EV chargers, what to consider when choosing home EV chargers, and tips on using EV charging stations.

Remember to make the proper considerations and choose the correct EV charger for your needs. A professional electrical contractor can advise you on EV home chargers and commercial EV charging solutions. They can also provide excellent EV charging services.