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As Electric Vehicles are becoming more and more popular in Australia, more soon-to-be EV Owners are starting to research what charger type
they should get, what chargers are compatible, and how long will they take to charge an EV?
Let's explore the basic Electric Vehicle charging types such as Types of Charging and Plug types, so you can decide on which charger
will be right for you and your new electric vehicle.
There are three main types of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging.
Level 1 chargers are the slowest and most basic type of charger. They use a standard 240-volt outlet and can
take up to 20 hours to fully charge an EV.
(2.4kW)
Level 2 chargers are faster and more convenient than Level 1 chargers, and require a dedicated 240-volt
circuit to charge an EV. (Tesla wall connector, Zappi charger etc.).
(7-22kW)
DC fast charging is the fastest type of charger and can charge an EV to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.
However, DC fast chargers are less common than Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.
There are several ways to find EV charging stations in Australia. The most common method is to use a mobile app or website that shows the location of charging stations. Many EV manufacturers also provide their own charging station locator tools. Here is one example.
Another way to find charging stations is to look for them at shopping centers, parking garages, and public
areas. In addition, some workplaces, apartments, and hotels have installed charging stations for their employees, tenants, and guests.
Be aware that some public chargers may require you to register for an account to use their chargers.
When using an EV charger, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and efficient charging experience:
In addition to the three main types of EV chargers (Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging), there are also different types of charging ports that are used by EVs. Here are the most common types of charging ports:
This AC charging plug has a two-pin design and is commonly used in North American and Japanese EVs. It's used
for Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
This AC charging plug has a seven-pin design and is the standard in European EVs.
It includes 7 pins for three-phase charging and is used for Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging.
This AC charging plug is used by EVs in China. It's similar in design to Type 2, but with a different configuration of pins. GB/T plugs are used for Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging.
Tesla vehicles are equipped with a Type 2 charger that can be used with a Tesla-specific adapter for AC
charging.
This DC charging plug is used in North American and Japanese EVs. It includes additional pins for fast
charging and is compatible with Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging. CCS Type 1 is also known as CCS1.
Similar to the AC Type 2, the CCS type 2 port includes additional pins for fast charging and is
compatible with Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging.
CCS Type 2 is also known as CCS2.
This DC charging plug is used in European EVs.
This DC charging plug is used by EVs in China. It's similar in design to CCS Type 2 but with a different
configuration of pins. GB/T plugs are used for Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging.
Tesla vehicles are equipped with a proprietary DC fast charging plug that can only be used with Tesla
Chargers (Tesla Gen 3 Wall connector & Superchargers).
This DC charging plug is used by some Japanese and European EVs, such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi
i-MiEV. CHAdeMO plugs are used for DC fast charging and can provide a significant amount of range in a short amount of time.
Each country around the world will have their own EV Charging standards and main plug types. Below is a summary of which charger types
countries use:
Australia uses primarily the Type 2 EV for AC and the CCS Type 2 for DC. There are also some CHAdeMO vehicles.
As the first company to popularise Electric Vehicles, the EV population mostly consist of older EV's that still use Type 1 connectors for AC, and CCS Type 1 for DC. Type 2 is being rolled out in replacement.
Japan mostly uses Type 1 connectors for their AC EV Charging, along with a combination of CCS Type 2 and CHAdeMO connectors.
Europe's primary connectors consist of Type 2 and CCS Type 2 connections.
China uses both GB/T Connections for both their AC and DC charging. The CHAdeMO and CCS Type 2 connectors are also used by some Chinese and international EV models.
All countries have access and use the Tesla connector.
It's important to note that not all EVs are compatible with all types of charging ports. Before using a public charging station, be sure to check your vehicle's compatibility with the charging port and connector type used at the station.
Electric vehicles (EVs) come in a variety of types, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. Here's a rundown of the three main types of EVs:
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): BEVs are fully electric vehicles that are powered entirely by a battery. They don't have an internal combustion engine, and instead rely on an electric motor to power the wheels. BEVs typically have a longer range than other types of EVs, but may require longer charging times.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): PHEVs
have both an electric motor and a fuel engine. They can run on electricity alone for a certain distance, after which the fuel engine
takes over. PHEVs have a shorter electric-only range than BEVs, but are more flexible and can be refueled at fuel
stations
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): HEVs have an electric motor and a fuel engine, but can't be plugged in to recharge. Instead, they rely on regenerative braking and the fuel engine to recharge the battery. HEVs have a shorter electric-only range than PHEVs, but are more fuel-efficient than traditional fuelled vehicles.
However, advances in battery technology and charging infrastructure are helping to alleviate this concern. Here are a few ways to manage range anxiety:
EV charging infrastructure is growing rapidly, making it easier than ever for EV drivers to find charging stations.
By understanding the different types of chargers, how to find charging stations, and tips for using EV chargers, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free charging experience. So, if you're considering an EV, don't let the charging process deter you from making the switch to a more sustainable mode of transportation.
An installed dedicated charger is a Level 2 charging station that is permanently installed at a specific location, such as at your home or
workplace. It requires a dedicated 240-volt electrical circuit and outlet, and is typically faster and more convenient than a Level 1
charger. The installation process may require professional electrician services and can cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
A portable charger is a Level 1 or Level 2 charging unit that can be taken with you and used at various locations. These chargers typically require a standard 240-volt electrical outlet for Level 1 charging or a 240-volt outlet for Level 2 charging. Portable chargers can be a convenient option for charging your EV when travelling, but may not be as fast or reliable as a dedicated charging station
Some public charging stations may require you to bring your own charging cable, while others provide cables on-site. Bringing your own cable can be a good option if you want to ensure compatibility with your EV and avoid potential issues with using a cable that has been left out in the elements. However, it's important to make sure the cable is compatible with the charging station and has the necessary safety certifications.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about EV charging:
We install commercial EV Charging solutions, such as; fleet charging for businesses wanting to supercharge their electric vehicle fleets, as well as public station charging for high capacity electric vehicle charging on the-go.
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