There is no one-size fits all answer with this one. The time it takes to fully charge an electric vehicle (EV) depends on the electrical source (Alternating Current or and Direct Current), where you charge and what charger you use. 

Charging at Home:

When you charge your vehicle at home, the power comes from the electricity grid, and it's always Alternating Current (AC). Home chargers, including portable cables and dedicated wall chargers, use AC power. The charging speed depends on the type of EV charger you use and whether your home has a single-phase or three-phase power supply.

• Basic Cable (120V AC): Using a standard household outlet with the  basic charging cable provided with the EV purchase, is the slowest method and typically provides around 3-8 kms of range per hour of charging. This means it can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to fully charge an EV with a moderate-sized battery.

• Dedicated Level 2 Charger (240V AC): For speedy charging at home, consider a dedicated Level 2 charger. It can charge your vehicle 3-10 times faster than a basic AC charging cable. Level 2 chargers add between 16-48 kms of range per hour, taking between 6 to 10 hours to fully charge.

If you're interested, you can request a quote for an EV charger and installation from Smart Energy.

Public Charging Stations:

Direct Current (DC), known as DC fast charging, offers much faster charging compared to AC. DC can charge most electric vehicles up to 80 percent in 15 to 45 minutes. However, DC fast charging is only available at public charging stations and dedicated rapid charging stations across Australia.

Always check your specific EV or home EV charger manual, and consult with the charging station provider for the most accurate charging time estimates.

Absolutely! Every electric vehicle (EV) is equipped with an AC charging port designed for home charging. You have the option to use a portable charging cable or set up a fast charger at home.

Smart Energy provides dedicated EV chargers that can effectively charge most electric cars in Australia. This includes popular brands like Audi, BMW, BYD, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi, MG, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, Tesla, and Volvo.

The cost of charging your electric vehicle (EV) at home varies based on:

• Your current energy contract and electricity rates 
• Whether you are using a basic charging cable or a dedicated home charger
• If you have a solar and battery system

If you choose to install an Ocular LTE Plus EV charger with Smart Energy, our team will compare electricity plans for you. Finding you the perfect match.

We can also discuss tailoring a solar and battery system to help make charging even more affordable.

Request a call back and get on the road to cheaper travel today.

In short, yes. However, it’s important to be mindful of using the EV charger simultaneously with other high-power appliances, like an induction stove or air conditioner, as it could overwhelm your electrical circuit and trigger the switchboard to trip.

The EV charger supplied by Smart Energy has a maximum power of 32 amps, which can place a substantial load on your home's electrical circuit. 

It's essential to carefully read the user manual and adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure safe usage.

We’ll let you decide this one: Here’s a map of every public EV charging station in Australia, including marks for impending groundwork. 

This map is also available via the app. Thanks EV PowerHouse for making life easy for green drivers.

Electric vehicles have different charging connectors, with the main ones known as Type 1 and Type 2. Older models like Nissan and Mitsubishi use Type 1 plugs. However, nowadays, most electric cars in Australia, especially for home charging, use Type 2 plugs. These plugs have a 7-pin design and work with both single-phase and three-phase power systems.

To find out which plug your electric car uses, check your car manual or contact the manufacturer. 

Don't forget - we're here to help if you need!

Charging your electric vehicle (EV) nightly is generally safe, but the frequency depends on your daily travel distance and driving habits. Many EV drivers charge every few days, while some may choose to do a full charge overnight. It ultimately comes down to personal preference. 

It's crucial to adhere to your vehicle manufacturer's guidelines for charging to ensure optimal battery health and safety.

We recommend charging during the day when possible. Whether you have solar or not, electricity rates are generally cheaper when the sun is up, as a result of more renewable sources providing the grid power. If you have solar, you could save yourself a fortune utilising the daytime sun to charge you vehicle. Understandably, it's not always an option to charge during the day, therefore charging from a solar battery could be the better option to use that cheap day time power to charge your car overnight. 

For safety and convenience, it's crucial to install your EV charger in a suitable location. We recommend placing it under cover or in a garage, but if necessary, it can also be installed outdoors.

In Australia, licensed electricians or qualified technicians must handle the installation of dedicated EV chargers. It's essential not to attempt the installation yourself. When you purchase an EV charger from Origin, standard professional installation is included.

Our EV specialists will collaborate with you to identify the best location for your EV charger, considering installation requirements. We'll offer guidance on where to place your charging point, aiming to accommodate your preferences and needs.

A professional, certified and safe installation comes as part of the package with any Smart Energy product.

For your home EV charger, a licensed electrician will conduct an installation in line with the manufacturer's guidelines. 

This includes: 

• Installation of a single fuse switch/circuit breaker compatible with your existing switchboard.
• Wiring up to ten metres of cables between the charger and your power supply.
• Provision of conduits and mounting accessories as needed.
• System testing after installation.
• Issuance of a certificate of electrical safety if required.

Installations with Smart Energy also include:

• We offer supply and installation services for EV chargers across Australia, with our trusted network of nationwide installers.
• We obtain consents or permits from relevant authorities such as your local council or body corporate.
• We offer additional safety works or electrical upgrades to ensure your metre and switchboard comply with regulations - this may involve extra charges. 

For more details on installation timeframes, terms, or any further questions, feel free to contact our EV specialists or request a quote.