FAQs

Where are electric vehicle charging stations?

Many local shopping centres, business parks and apartment complexes are now installing Electric Vehicle Chargers in their public parking. Some of these can be used for free, whereas other require a small fee.

Teslas network of SuperChargers is growing rapidly. In addition to this Fuel and Energy companies like Origin, BP, Ampol are all jumping on board with the new technology and providing charging stations.

We are also seeing local councils take the initiative to install public charging stations in their districts.

The future of public charging is looking bright!

How long does it take to charge my Electric Vehicle?

There’s no direct answer to this as it will vary depending on the vehicle, the charger, and the power available.

Do all Electric Vehicles use the same charger?

Almost. About 90% of electric vehicles in Australia are fitted with a Type 2 outlet for charging. In the early days manufacturers were split between Type 1 and Type 2 but it is looking like the Type 2 has become the industry standard. This makes it super convenient for public charging and charging when visiting friends and family.

Can my EV Chargers get wet or be installed outside?

Yes! All chargers on the market are fully IP (weatherproof) rated so they can be installed on the external wall of a building or on a post adjacent to the driveway. Where possible, we recommend installing them undercover to extend the usable life and protect it from the elements, it also makes plugging in your cars on those rainy days a lot more convenient.

‍Can you lock EV Chargers?

Yes, depending on your wall charger. Most chargers on the market have a process to lock them out or restrict their use. This can range from using an app, a physical lockout key, a PIN, or even an RFID card.

How much are electric vehicle chargers?

Electric Vehicle Wall Chargers can range from something like the Tesla Gen 3 for $750 to the Zappi 3-phase charger which ranges from $1400-$2000.

Can I charge my car from a normal powerpoint?

Yes, you can. However, given that these portable chargers are only designed to plug into a standard household powerpoint they have a significantly slower charging rate (usually less than 10km/hour) whereas as a Wall Charger on a dedicated circuit can get you up to and above 75km of range per hour of charging. It really comes down to a matter of convenience and usage.

‍How much does it cost to install an electric vehicle charger?

The cost of installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the type of charger, installation complexity, and additional required electrical work. Typically, however, prices range from as low as $799 for a basic installation to as high as $3,000 or more for more complicated installations and chargers

1. Type of Charger: Prices of the actual charger will vary depending on unit you select and the features you deem necessary. They can range from $750 to $2000, however, if you’re just looking for something to charge your car, the entry level units will do the job perfectly
2. Installation Complexity: Installation fees vary depending on the complexity of the job. A simple installation that requires minimal electrical work may only cost $600 to $800, while a more complex installation that involves upgrading your switchboard can cost $2000 to $3,000 or more.

Are all electric vehicle chargers the same?

No, while all chargers will charge your car there a lot of features and considerations to be made when selecting the right charger for you home.

A few factors to consider are the aesethics of the charger, charging speeds, and suitability to your vehicle. Other considerations are some of the features like load sharing, smart programming, solar harvesting and general power management.

In addition to this, pricing will vary across different models and features ranging from $750 to around $2000.

If all of those features and options sound like a different language, Plateau Electrical are on call to help you determine what will best suits your needs.

‍Can I charge my electric vehicle with solar?

Yes, you can charge your electric vehicle (EV) with solar energy, and doing so offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for powering your electric vehicle. By harnessing the power of sunlight, solar energy can be converted into electricity, which can then be used to charge your EV. There are a few different ways to charge an electric vehicle using solar power. A few things to consider is selecting an EV Charger that is compatible with your existing solar and/or battery set-up.

Who installs Electric Vehicle Chargers?

Installing Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers requires technical expertise, knowledge of electrical systems, and adherence to safety standards and regulations. Therefore, the companies best suited to install EV chargers are licensed electricians with accredited training with your particular vehicle.

When selecting a professional to install an EV charger, it is crucial to consider their qualifications, experience, and certifications. Requesting references, reading Google reviews, and checking for manufacturer certifications are essential steps in choosing the right installer.

What to do if my Electric Vehicle runs out of battery?

If your electric vehicle runs out of battery, there are a few steps you can take to get back on the road:

1. Check your vehicle’s manual: If your electric vehicle runs out of battery, the first thing you should do is check your vehicle’s manual for instructions on what to do in case of an emergency. The manual will provide you with specific instructions on how to handle a dead battery situation.

2. Call for roadside assistance: In most cases, electric vehicle manufacturers provide roadside assistance to their customers. If you are stranded on the road due to a dead battery, call the roadside assistance number provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer. They will send a technician to your location to help you. The NRMA and numerous other Roadside Assistance Services now have special units to deal with electric vehicles.

3. Find a charging station: If you are close to a charging station, you can drive your electric vehicle there and charge your battery. Many cities and towns have public charging stations that are free to use. Transport NSW have a comprehensive list of public charging stations across Australia available here.

4. Use a portable charger: You can also carry a portable charger with you in your vehicle. A portable charger can provide enough power to get you to the nearest charging station or back home.

5. Plan ahead: The best way to avoid running out of battery is to plan your route ahead of time. Use a mapping app that shows you where charging stations are located along your route. This way, you can ensure that you have enough power to complete your journey.

For example, if you are traveling a long distance and need to make multiple stops, plan your route so that you can stop at charging stations along the way. This will ensure that your vehicle always has enough power to complete your journey.

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