Electric Car Charging
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
It’s the easiest question to ask, but the hardest to answer because quite simply, it depends. It depends on how ‘fast’ your charger is, the rate of charge a vehicle can, and how much you need to charge. It’s not as complex as it sounds though, and you can use a simple high-school mathematics formula to work everything out...
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Power = Volts x Amps.In the same way a petrol car’s fuel efficiency is measured in litres per 100km an electric car’s energy use is measured as kilowatt hours per 100km, or kWh/100km...
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The cost of electricity varies by location and type of charger. The faster the charger the higher the electricity cost.
Where can I charge an EV?
Home Charging
The easiest place to charge! If you have a 240-volt power point, you have an EV charger. This is the slowest way to charge your car (max 2.4kW) but great for topping up overnight.
Charging in the workplace
Can you install a dedicated charger at work? These 'wallboxes' use a higher current than a regular power point and can offer up to 7.2kW charging, making them handy to share during the day.
Public Charging Stations
Most public charging stations will offer up to 11kW AC or 50kW DC charging speeds. There are a number of providers so you'll need to check the maps and apps - but these can give you a great boost of energy at a reasonable cost. Some are even free!
Public Rapid Chargers
Off on a road trip and don't have hours to spare? Rapid charging can offer up to 350kW DC to compatible vehicles. More are being installed all the time and are what you need for longer trips around the country.
Charging Locations in Australia
Not sure where to start? Drive's EV CarAdvice
CarAdviceEasier EV charging on the road
The rise of the electric car is happening right now and it’s an exciting time for transport. You might be one of the 33,000 people who bought a pure electric vehicle (EV) in 2022 or perhaps you’re thinking of making the switch in 2023. Either way, charging and how it fits into your lifestyle is […]
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Generally, if you divide the size of the battery by the amount of power you are putting in, you'll get a pretty clear indication. The slowest is a regular power point as it can charge up to 2.4kW. If your car has a 50kW battery, it will take about 21 hours to charge it from flat.
Can I use any charger with my electric car?
No. There are a few different types of plugs and not all will fit or work in all cars. For example, Tesla chargers can only be used by Tesla cars. Most non-Tesla cars use a CCS DC plug which can utilise both a CCS fast charger and a Type 2 AC charger.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
Depending on the 'speed' of energy, you can pay anywhere from $0.20 per kWh when charging at home, to $0.65 per kWh at an ultra-rapid station. Charging an electric car is still comparatively cheaper than fueling a petrol or diesel car.
Can you fast-charge a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle)?
Not generally. Most PHEVs have a Type 2 AC charge port and up to 3.7kW charging speeds. They have smaller batteries than full-electric cars though, so are comparatively faster to charge.
Can you rapid-charge any electric car?
No. Different cars have different maximum charging speeds. For example, an MG ZS EV can charge up to 80kW whereas a Hyundai Ioniq 5 can charge up to 350kW.
Can you overcharge an electric car battery?
No. All electric cars are smart enough to know when their batteries are full and will stop charging at that point.
How to charge an electric car at home?
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