Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular due to the current petrol price fluctuations, and people are looking for more sustainable and environmentally friendly options for transportation. When looking at the costs involved, one must factor in the cost of the equipment, the EV installation cost by the electrician, and the cost of the electricity every time you charge the vehicle.
What equipment do you need to charge an electric car at home?
The hardware that transfers energy from an electrical source to charge an EV battery is known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). It is sometimes referred to as a charging station and is located outside of the vehicle or as part of a charging cable. The charger in the vehicle transforms the power entering the vehicle from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Faster EVSE that uses DC power does not need an internal charger because the electricity is sent directly into the battery without conversion.
In Australia, the Type 2 (Mennekes) plug is used for AC charging, while both the CCS and CHAdeMO plugs are utilised for DC charging.
The cost of equipment to charge an electric car at home can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The most important factor in determining the cost is the type of charger you install. If you send us an email or give us a call we can recommend you the best option for your requirement.
There are three main types of residential chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 DC Fast Chargers.
Level 1 – trickle chargers use standard 240-volt AC outlets and are the slowest but most affordable option, taking about 6 hours to 48 hours to charge a car, dependent on the battery size in the car.
Level 2 – chargers require 240-volt AC outlets and can charge a car in about 4 hours to 24 hours. These are the most common chargers for residential use, and most manufacturers recommend you install one of these in your home.
Some Level 2 chargers also come in a three-phase option. Three-phase options can be up to three times faster, but if your vehicle doesn’t have a big battery or you don’t have a three-phase connection at home it might not be worth it.
Level 3 DC Fast Chargers are the quickest option, able to charge a car in under an hour, but they also come with the highest price tag. DC Level 3 necessitates major panel and service improvements, making it the most expensive to deploy. Nowadays, DC Chargers are appearing as infrastructure across cities, much like gas stations, to supply commuters with convenience and efficiency. Typically, every 10 minutes of charging results in 70 km of range. These stations use more power than the average home, so it’s likely to be a little more than you’ll need for your everyday commute. This charger is recommended for petrol station operators, highways, street-side charging, fleet vehicles, and commercial customers. Charge stations start at $25,000 for a stand-alone (not networked with other stations) and can cost more than $60,000 for a smart, networked charge station.
How much do electricians charge to install a charger for an electric car?
The cost of installation for a charger for an electric car can range from $500 to $10,000. The average cost is about $900, but it all depends on the unit being installed (Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3), and how easily we can get power to the unit. If our electricians don’t need to run new wiring, the job will be more cost efficient.
What is the electricity cost to charge an electric car?
Electricity costs vary depending on the time of day, the season, and the state you live in, however, charging an electric car at home typically costs around $0.26 per kWh, making it much cheaper than fueling a gas car.
In states with higher electricity rates such as South Australia, charging an electric car can cost more than $0.30 per kWh. However, even in these states, electric cars are still cheaper to operate than gas cars.
Overall, charging an electric car at home is a very inexpensive way to keep your car running. Even if you live in a state with high electricity rates, you’ll still save money by switching to an electric car.
Conclusion: is charging an electric car at home worth the cost?
There is no simple answer to the question of whether or not charging an electric car at home is worth the cost. A variety of factors – from the price of electricity to the type of car you drive – can affect how much it costs to charge your vehicle.
That said, there are some general trends that can help give you an idea of whether charging at home is a good deal. In general, it is cheaper to charge an electric car at home than it is to refuel a gas-powered vehicle. The cost of electricity varies widely from place to place, but it is typically much cheaper than gasoline.
Additionally, the price of electric cars is dropping rapidly, making them more and more affordable for consumers. And as charging infrastructure improves, it will become even easier and more convenient to charge an electric car at home.
