Charging an electric car

By the end of this topic you can

• You can tell the difference between slow AC charging and DC fast charging
• You can identify the common plug types used on new EVs in Australia
• You can plan a longer trip around public charging stops
• You can charge safely at home without overloading power points
• You can follow good etiquette at public charging bays

What you need to know and understand

• A normal household power point charges slowly; a dedicated wall charger is faster
• Home wall chargers should be installed by a licensed electrician
• Public chargers are either AC (slower, using your car's onboard charger) or DC fast chargers
• Most new EVs sold in Australia use a Type 2 plug for AC and a CCS2 plug for DC fast charging
• Some older EVs use a different DC plug called CHAdeMO
• DC fast charging usually slows down as the battery gets close to full
• Rules on parking in EV charging bays differ between states, councils and private car parks

Three ways to top up

How fast a car charges depends on both the charger and the car. If the car can only accept a certain rate, a bigger charger will not make it charge faster.

• Household power point: uses the portable cable that comes with many EVs. It is slow, best for overnight top-ups or cars that do short daily trips.
• Home or workplace wall charger: a fixed unit wired in by a licensed electrician. Faster than a power point and the most common way owners charge.
• Public chargers: AC posts in car parks and shopping centres, and DC fast chargers along highways for quick top-ups on trips.

Using a public fast charger

Charging is often quickest from a low battery up to about 80 percent, then slows down. On a trip it is usually faster to make two shorter stops than to wait for a full battery.

1. Before the trip, use the car's navigation or a charging app to find chargers on your route and check they are working
2. Park in the charging bay so the cable reaches without stretching
3. Check the plug type matches your car, then start the session using the app, card or screen as shown
4. Plug in firmly and wait until the car confirms it is charging
5. Stay nearby and return when you have enough charge to reach your next stop
6. Stop the session, unplug, hang the cable up neatly and move the car so others can charge

Charging safely and politely

At home, plug the portable charger straight into a suitable power point in good condition. Do not use double adaptors or household extension leads unless the car maker says a particular lead is suitable. If the plug or socket gets hot, stop and get an electrician to check it.

In public, only park in a charging bay while you are charging. Some councils, states and car park operators can fine drivers who block bays, and the rules vary, so read the signs.

• Never charge a car that has been in floodwater until it has been checked
• Do not leave cables lying across footpaths where people can trip
• Follow your owner's manual on how full to charge for everyday use

Common mistakes

• Leaving it too late: plan charging before the battery is nearly empty and have a backup charger in mind
• Using extension leads or adaptors: plug the portable charger straight into a suitable socket
• Waiting at a fast charger for 100 percent: the last part is slow, so unplug when you have enough
• Parking in a charging bay when not charging: this blocks others and may bring a fine
• Assuming every charger fits: check your car's plug type before you rely on a site

Test yourself: Charging an electric car

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.