⚡️ Exploring the Costs of Charging Electric Vehicles in Australia

The switch in Australia to electric vehicles (EVs) is coming ever closer, as environmental concerns mount and the prices of traditional fuels rise. But one of the biggest considerations for potential EV owners is what it costs to charge an electric car. Since it is very different to ‘refuelling’ at a service station, the principles and costs of charging an electric car can differ quite considerably, depending on where you live, the cost of electricity, and what type of charging is employed.

Electricity Rates and Charging Costs

The cost to fully charge an electric car in Australia will depend on the price of electricity, which has wide variations between states and energy providers, and can range from about 20 cents to 30 cents per kWh. For context, a typical electric car has a battery capacity of 50 kWh. So, a full charge for the whole battery at home could range from $10 to $15, depending on the average electricity price of about 25 cents per kWh.

However, quite a few energy providers offer reduced energy rates for energy used at off-peak times (after 11pm and before 7am in the UK). By plugging in your EV during off-peak times, you can potentially halve your charging costs. For homeowners with solar panels, charging the EV during the day using the free solar energy the panels generate can further reduce the costs of charging the car.

Public vs. Home Charging

However, the reality is that charging an EV at public charging stations will almost invariably be more expensive than charging at home. Public chargers have to charge a premium, often significantly so, because you’re paying for the convenience of not having to be at home, and for the speed of the charge. It’s not uncommon for public charging stations to charge at rates between 30 cents per kWh at a standard charging point and up to 50 cents per kWh at fast-charging stations. Some providers will also charge a session or connection fee.

Charging Time and Costs

The amount of time that it will take to charge an electric car and the expenses related are dependent on the battery size of the car, and the kind of charger that is being used. The majority of home chargers are either Level 1 or Level 2, and provide varying speeds:

• Level 1 Chargers: These chargers can be plugged into a regular wall outlet (110 volts) and typically deliver 2 to 3 kW of power. This means that such a charger could take 12-24 hours or more to fully charge a car. It could be considered a viable option for plugging in overnight.
• Level 2 Chargers: More widely used at home when dedicated EV charging points are installed; these require professional installation and can offer around 7 kW of power. They can charge an EV battery from empty to full in 4-8 hours.

And, for those in need of quick charging, DC fast chargers at public stations can charge an EV battery up to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes – though at a cost.

Cost-Effectiveness of Electric Cars

Although the purchase price of an EV is often substantially higher than that of a conventional vehicle, the total cost of ownership is far lower, thanks to the relative cheapness of electricity compared with petrol or diesel, and the fact that electric cars require much less regular maintenance: prospective EV buyers must remember to factor in these continuing savings alongside the immediate cost of charging.

Conclusion

The cost of charging an electric car in Australia will depend on the type of charging equipment used, the time of day that charging takes place and the type of electricity rates (off-peak, on-peak or time-of-use) charged by your electricity provider or public charging station. Prospective and existing EV owners can control and even minimise these costs by selecting to charge at off-peak times, using home solar energy, and selecting the appropriate charging plan that suits their consumption patterns. In short, it is important to have a good understanding of these elements for anyone wishing to adopt electric vehicle technology properly.

In conclusion, when it comes to transportation, the switch to electric vehicles will be a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly move that could help us achieve our larger sustainability ambitions.