Tasmania is leading Australia in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with a significant 97.23% increase in EV registrations from January 2022 to January 2023. The Australian Automobile Association reported in August 2023 that nearly one in ten new vehicles sold in Tasmania are battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and in the second quarter of 2023 BEVs made up 9.98% of new vehicle sales. This surpasses the national average and reflects the growing enthusiasm for EVs for Tasmanians.
Although new EV registrations have almost doubled in Tasmania, it’s been speculated that vehicle price and range anxiety still prevail. We thought we’d do a deep dive into EV charging systems to ease a little of the anxiety.
An Electric Vehicle (EV) charger is a specialised device designed to replenish the battery of electric vehicles by converting electrical power into a form that can be stored in the vehicle’s battery system. These chargers come in various types and capacities to accommodate different needs and environments.
EV chargers consist of several key components:
● Power Rectifier: Converts alternating current (AC) from the power grid into direct current (DC), which is suitable for vehicle
batteries.
● Control System: Manages the charging process to ensure efficiency and safety, adapting to the vehicle's current state and
battery level.
● Connector: The interface between the charger and the vehicle, differing in shape and size according to standards like CCS,
CHAdeMO, and Tesla Supercharger.
Charger types are designed to meet the varying needs of EV owners in Australia, from daily commuting to long-distance travel, ensuring flexibility and convenience in the adoption of electric vehicles.
● Level 1 Chargers: These chargers use a standard Australian 240V outlet, which is the same as the typical household power
supply. They typically offer about 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging, making them suitable for overnight use at home.
● Level 2 Chargers: Level 2 chargers operate at a higher output than Level 1, usually between 3.6 kW to 7.2 kW, enabling them to
charge vehicles much faster and delivering about 10-20 miles of range per hour. In Australia, these chargers are commonly
installed in public spaces like shopping centres, office buildings, and communal residential parking areas. They are also a popular
choice for home installation for faster charging.
● Level 3 and 4 Chargers: These are high-capacity chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, and are crucial for enabling long
distance travel in electric vehicles. In Australia, these chargers can deliver power from 50 kW up to 350 kW, dramatically
reducing charging time. Suitable for service stations and dedicated charging stations, they can charge an EV's battery to 80% in
just 20-30 minutes, depending on the vehicle's capability and battery size.
Like any other electrical device you plug in, EV chargers pull electrical current from the power grid to charge electric vehicle batteries, starting with alternating current (AC) from the grid that is then converted into direct current (DC) by the charger's internal rectifier, as batteries store DC power.
This AC to DC conversion enhances the efficiency of the charging process, enabling quicker energy transfer and reduced charging times. Modern EV chargers also feature advanced user interfaces that allow for management of charging activities, including initiating or stopping charges, scheduling to utilise lower energy rates, and monitoring ongoing charge status.
In commercial settings, these systems often include billing platforms that handle payments based on energy usage, improving convenience for users and operational efficiency for service providers, as they can serve multiple vehicles simultaneously.
As at November 2023, there are around 240 public charge stations in Tasmania, with 50 of those in Hobart and surrounding areas.
At Sackett Services we advocate for home and commercial EV charging installations, and offer tailored electric vehicle installation solutions across the state. Our offerings range from Level 1 chargers ideal for home use to advanced Level 3 chargers designed for commercial spaces and public areas.
As with most qualified installers, we manage the entire process from site assessment and consultation to determine your best charger type options for the location, to the installation and final testing. Sackett ensures that all installations comply with local regulations and seamlessly integrate with your property's existing electrical systems.
How much does it cost to charge an EV?
The charging costs for electric vehicles (EVs) depend on the chosen method.
Most EVs charge at home or workplaces using cheaper electricity rates, either from solar power during the day or off-peak tariffs at night, potentially saving up to 90% compared to the cost of petrol or diesel. This can equate to less than $0.20 per litre, in contrast to $1.90 per litre for petrol.
Public fast chargers generally cost more due to convenience, but charging costs are still about 20% less than petrol.
Please see our comprehensive blog EV Charges, Commercial Solar & Batteries: Cost Analysis and Financial Benefit.
Are there any government incentives or grants to support the domestic or commercial installation of EV charging stations?
Under the enhanced $50 million Energy Saver Loan Scheme, households and businesses looking to switch to electric vehicles can now access financial support for purchasing charging stations.
What are the benefits of installing an EV charger at home, property, or small business?
There are multiple benefits for going green, not least contributing to a healthier environment:
● It can increase property value.
● Offering EV charging options can make your brand or property more attractive to consumers/renters who are environmentally
conscious.
● EV charging costs are significantly lower than rising fuel prices, and you have the advantage of utilising off peak periods and
leveraging solar energy.
What should I consider before installing an EV charger in my home, investment property or business?
Electrical system capacity, desired charging speed, and available space - talk to a licensed/professional installer.
While newer apartment complexes often include provisions for EV charging in their designs, retrofitting older buildings can be more complex. However, a variety of hardware and software solutions are available to overcome these challenges.
How long does installation take?
The installation time for an EV charger typically depends on several factors, including the specific type of charger being installed and the existing electrical setup at the site. For a straightforward installation where no major electrical upgrades are needed, the process can usually be completed within a few hours.
More complex scenarios, such as those requiring significant modifications to your home or commercial property’s electrical infrastructure, might take a full day.
To provide a more accurate time estimate and to address any specific installation concerns, Sackett Services encourages direct consultation to tailor the service to your individual needs and premises.
Sackett Services offers expert EV charging installations you can trust.
Our friendly and professional team is here to help with any questions you have and to make sure your EV charging setup is perfectly suited to your needs.
Talk to us today and start enjoying the benefits of your electric vehicle without any hassle
Sackett Services · Trading as Sackett Services Pty Ltd
ABN 66 074 285 162 | Licence No: 937037 | ARC Licence: AU06509
Unit 4/5 Runway Place Cambridge Tasmania Australia 7170
Phone: 03 6272 7776
© 2024 Copyright Sackett Services
