Charging an EV With a Regular Power Point: Everything You Need to Know
Alright, so you’ve joined the electric car club! Congratulations! One of the first questions you’ll likely have is, “can I charge my EV at home with a regular power point?” Well, you might be surprised to learn that one of the easiest options is likely already at your fingertips.
If your EV comes with a portable charger (some models do), then you’re in luck! You can plug it straight into a standard Australian power point. It’s called Level 1 charging, and it’s the simplest way to charge your car at home.
However, while Level 1 charging is convenient, it’s not necessarily the most efficient or fastest way to charge your EV. There are some important factors to consider, like charging speed, safety, and electricity costs.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into these factors, explore other charging options, and help you decide on the best way to keep your EV powered up.
Can You Charge an EV from a Regular Power Point?
The simplest way to charge your EV at home is through Level 1 charging. It’s as easy as plugging your phone in! This uses your standard Australian 230V power outlet, the same one you use for your toaster or kettle.
Some EVs come with a portable charger included, but if yours didn’t come with one, or you’d like an extra for convenience, you can easily purchase a portable charger like this one. They’re pretty affordable and work great.
Level 1 charging is convenient and doesn’t require any special installations. However, it’s the slowest charging method available, adding about 15 kilometres of range for every hour it’s plugged in. This makes it ideal for overnight charging when you’re not in a rush. You can wake up to a full battery every day, so long as you don’t charge from a very low state of charge.
How fast does an electric car charge on a normal outlet?
While plugging your EV into a regular power point is convenient, it’s definitely not the fastest way to charge. In fact, it’s pretty slow. To give you an idea, a typical EV with a 60kWh battery could take well over a whole day to fully charge using a standard power point! That’s because Level 1 charging only delivers about 2.3kW of power, which is like trying to fill a bathtub with a drinking straw.
To put it into more practical terms, here’s what you can expect for charging times of a 60kWh battery on a standard 230v Australian outlet:
| Charge Added | Time Required |
|---|---|
| 0 – 100% charge | ~27 hours |
| 20% – 80% | ~17 hours |
| 50% – 80% | ~9 Hours |
| Add 90 km of range | ~6 hours |
As the table illustrates, plugging into a standard power point is perfect for topping up your EV’s battery daily. However, if you forget to charge for a night or two and your battery is depleted, be prepared for a long wait. Fully charging an empty battery can take the better part of a day, which isn’t ideal if you need your car ready to go in a hurry.
Keep in mind that several things can influence how fast your EV charges, even with Level 1 charging. The size of your battery, how much charge it already has, the temperature outside, and even the type of charging cable you use can all play a role.
If you’re looking for a faster charge, you’ll want to explore dedicated Level 2 chargers, which can deliver up to 7kW of power, slashing those charging times significantly.
Is it Safe to Charge an EV from a Regular Power Point?
While plugging your EV into a regular outlet seems like a no-brainer, it’s really important to think about safety first. Plugging in appliances is one thing, but your EV draws a lot more power over longer periods. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a qualified electrician check out your home’s electrical system if you plan to use level 1 charging regularly.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t want to run a marathon without making sure you’re in good shape, right? Same goes for your home’s wiring. An electrician can check if your electrical system is up to the task of handling your EV’s charging needs. If it’s not, they can suggest some tweaks or upgrades to keep things safe.
Regularly charging your EV without a proper electrical check-up could lead to some not-so-fun problems like overloaded circuits, overheating wires, and even fire hazards – yikes! It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Dedicated EV Chargers: The Better Option
While Level 1 charging gets the job done, dedicated EV chargers, also known as Level 2 chargers, are a game-changer. Think of it like upgrading from dial-up internet to high-speed broadband – it’s that much of a difference!
Level 2 chargers are significantly faster, adding about 40-70 kilometres of range per hour. This means you can fully charge your EV in a fraction of the time compared to a standard power point. Plus, many Level 2 chargers come with smart features like scheduled charging, allowing you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates making charging even cheaper than level 1 charging.
| Level 1 (Standard Outlet) | Level 2 (Single-Phase) | Level 2 (Three-Phase) | |
| Power Output | 2.3 kW | 7.4 kW | 11 kW |
| Charging Speed | Slowest | Faster | Fastest |
| Range Added in 6 Hours | 90 km | 240 km | 420 km |
| 20-80% Charge Time | 10 hours | 3-4 hours | 1.5-3 hours |
| Typical Range Added | 15 km per hour | 40 km per hour | 70 km per hour |
If you are considering installing a Level 2 charger, take a look at our guide to help you prepare your garage for a Level 2 EV charger.
When Charging an EV from a Power Point Might Be Okay (Temporary Solutions)
There are a few scenarios where using a standard power point to charge your EV might be okay as a short-term fix:
- Emergencies: Think of it like using a spare tyre when you get a flat. It’ll get you where you need to go, but it’s not meant for long-term use.
- Occasional Top-ups: If you only drive short distances and don’t need a full charge often, a power point can be enough to keep your battery topped up. It’s like using a hand pump to inflate a basketball – it’ll work, but it’s a bit of a hassle and not the most efficient way.
- Testing the Waters: If you’re new to EVs and just want to try out home charging before investing in a dedicated charger, using a power point can be a good starting point. It’s like dipping your toes in the water before diving in headfirst.
- If you are renting: Your options may be limited if you are renting, your only option may be to charge via a portable charger.
However, it’s important to remember that plugging into a regular power point is not a sustainable long-term solution for charging your EV. It’s slow, can potentially put a strain on the particular circuit it is on, and won’t give you the convenience or speed of a dedicated level 2 charger.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Charging your EV from a regular power point is definitely possible, and it’s super convenient for a quick top-up or occasional use. But, it’s not the fastest or most efficient way to charge your car, and it might not be the safest option for long-term, everyday use.
If you’re serious about going electric and want the best charging experience, we highly recommend having an electrician check out your home’s electrical system and installing a dedicated Level 2 charger. It’ll charge your car faster, safer, and save you money in the long run.
Interested in learning more about Level 2 chargers or getting one installed at your home? Get in touch with us today! We can assess your current electrical system or help you find the perfect charger for your needs and get you set up for a seamless EV charging experience.
