Electric Vehicle (EV)
Charging Stations

Electric Vehicle (EV) charging

EVs are vehicles that are either partially or fully powered on electric power. Electric vehicles have low running costs as they have fewer moving parts to maintain, they are also very environmentally friendly. Buying an electric vehicle is one of the best decisions you will ever make, however, some can be hesitant to make the move due to concerns around “fuelling” times, charging locations, the distance they are able to travel and their initial expense. Most of these fears are easily debunked with some research that will expand knowledge and understanding of how EVs operate.

Research has shown that electric cars are better for the environment. They emit fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants than petrol or diesel cars. And this takes into account their production and electricity generation to keep them running. The major benefit of electric cars is the contribution that they can make towards improving air quality in towns and cities. With no tailpipe, pure electric cars produce no carbon dioxide emissions when driving, this reduces air pollution considerably. Put simply, electric cars give us cleaner streets making our towns and cities a better place to be for all.

Electric vehicles have been gaining momentum here in Australia for many years. Driven by costly petrol prices and advancing technology, electric vehicles are becoming more affordable and readily available. In 2021, around 6.6 million electric cars were sold worldwide and while uptake has been slow to start here in Australia, electric vehicles accounted for 2% of our overall market in 2021.

EV charging stations vary in price, size, style and charging rate. They are ever evolving and constantly being upgraded to be faster and more efficient. Tailoring the right EV charging station for you will depend on which EV you own and how far you intend to travel. The larger the battery, the further you will be able to travel before you need to re-charge. Bigger batteries need longer charging times to reach full capacity and also relate to bigger cars which are heavier and require more power to start moving. Smaller batteries are lighter and more efficient when in heavy traffic but provide a shorter travel range which can mean more planning before heading out on long road trips.

Types of EV chargers

EV chargers use two different types of electricity and come with different charging rates. Electric vehicles with the correct charger can be charged by either Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC) electricity. AC electricity comes straight off the grid via your household power point. Level 1 and 2 chargers use this type of electricity. DC electricity carries a much higher voltage and is more commonly found on public charging networks set up by companies such as Tesla and Chargefox. These charging stations use level 3 chargers and can charge your EV significantly faster but a converter is required for this type of power to be stored in the batteries.

Level 1 / Mode 2

  • Existing power point (10-15 Amp, single phase), used in combination with a specialised cable which is typically supplied with the vehicle.
  • Typically used in standalone domestic homes.
  • This method will add between 10 and 20km of range per hour plugged in.
  • It will top up daily use, but will not fully recharge a typical pure electric vehicle overnight.

Level 2 / Mode 3

  • A dedicated AC EV charger at up to 22kW (32 Amp, 3-phase).
  • Typically installed in homes, apartment complexes, workplaces, shopping centres, hotels, etc – anywhere the vehicle will be parked for a while.
  • This method will add 40 to 100km of range per hour of charging depending on the vehicle.
  • It will top up average daily vehicle use in an hour, or deliver a full recharge overnight.

Level 3 / Mode 4

  • A dedicated DC EV charger at power levels from 25kW to 350kW (40 – 500 Amp, three phase)
  • Typically used in commercial premises and road-side locations to provide for faster recharging than Level 1 and 2 can achieve.
  • At the lower end, this method will add up to 150km of range per hour plugged in
  • At the upper end, this method can fully recharge some electric vehicles in 10 to 15 minutes.

Advantages of Electric Vehicles

No fuel

Recharging an electric car is much more affordable in the long run as opposed to petrol-fuelled cars.

Sustainable

EV charging is sustainable and can be powered with renewable energy.

Environmental friendly

Non-hybrid electric cars emit zero tons of CO2 or other greenhouse gases, making them much more environmentally friendly. Charging electric cars with renewable energy, like solar, ensures no CO2 is emitted at any phase of your vehicle use.

Lower maintenance

EVs have lower maintenance due to an efficient electric motor. Mechanical engines have a lot of moving parts, including pumps and valves, along with fluids that need changing. Think frequent oil changes - which electric cars don't have. Less maintenance is necessary due to EVs not having as many components that need changing. Electric cars also generally last longer than their petrol-powered counterparts because of less wear and tear.

Better Performance

Because there is no exhaust system, electric cars are known for operating more smoothly and quietly. Electric motors also tend to react much quicker than mechanical engines, providing more torque and agility while driving. All of these aspects lead to less noise pollution and a more relaxing ride. On the whole electric cars usually operate more efficiently and use less energy in stop-and-go city traffic.

Convenience

Many people mistakenly think that electric cars are more inconvenient due to having to find charging stations, which aren’t always as easy to find as petrol stations. But the ability to charge electric models at home is a great advantage, and more charging stations are popping up around the country every week. Locations can be found readily and easily when completing a search for them.

Why choose us?

Melbourne Energy Group has sound knowledge and experience with all relating to renewable energy. We install renewable energy systems on homes and businesses every day to ensure a brighter future for generations to come. We can assist you with the installation of your EV charging station. We are fully qualified to supply and install EV chargers for Telsa, Hyundai, Kia, BMW and many more! Our products and services include a lifetime warranty which will allow you to have peace of mind during your transition to your electric vehicle. We can also quote a solar system for your property to accompany your EV charger.

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