Solar Smart Home EV Charging in Australia

Australia is a world leader when it comes to Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems with over 16.5% of the nations households sporting these shiny panels on their roof. Given our high energy prices and home ownership, combined with great year round climate and government subsidies, Solar PV systems are fast becoming standard on many new and existing residential and commercial roof tops (EVSE Tip- Check this next time you fly in and out of Queensland).

Shopping Centre EV Chargers

More news of Shopping Centre’s & Business’s across Australia installing EV Charging stations.

This is an exciting development, which highlights the progression of the EV market across Australia. As we have seen right across the world, Charging station infrastructure (EVSE) often precedes the uptake of EV’s as shopping centers, businesses and municipalities identify the growing trend and look to capitalize on the opportunity to provide more add on services and promote their green credentials. 

What is an EV Charger?

With the rapid uptake of Electric vehicles across Australia occurring, more and more EV Charging Stations in public, at work and at home will be needed to service the increased demand. An EV Charging station or Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), is a electrical device which provides safe and efficient transmission of electricity from the local grid on a dedicated circuit to the electric vehicle. The electricity which travels through the EV Charger and charging cable improves safety through two way communication between the EV charging station and the EV, which waits to send power to the vehicle until its plugged in. 

Each and every day we talk to electric vehicle drivers across Australia and New Zealand who are confused about some of the terminology and jargon associated with EV’s. At EVE Australia we get that, after all its new technology and most people still don’t even know half the names of stuff in your standard petrol car!

So we thought we’d run through 5 terms every new and current EV driver in Australia should know.

EVE Australia are excited about the range of Electric vehicles headed to Australia’s shores over the next two years. With increasing options at more affordable price points, we expect electric vehicle growth and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to develop significantly from 2018-2020.

Here are the top 5 most anticipated Electric vehicles we are looking forward to:

Electric vehicle uptake is growing rapidly across Australia as all the major car manufactures begin releasing more affordable EV’s with ever increasing range. We will begin to see mass market EV’s arriving on our shores in the coming months including the much-anticipated Tesla Model 3, & Hyundai Ioniq as well as the next generation Nissan Leaf.  

EV infrastructure is one of the key barriers often cited by potential EV drivers or those looking to switch to their first electric car. EV infrastructure refers to the availability of EV charging stations (EVSE) found in easy to access public areas including workplaces, car parks, council areas and along major highways and arterial roadways. Without adequate EV infrastructure many EV drivers may fear that they may possibly run out of battery range, otherwise known as range anxiety. 

For Australian EV drivers nothing is more important than having easy access to a fast chargepoint to plug in to when they arrive home or park at work. 

EV Battery Life- How to make sure your electric car battery last for many years

What reduces battery life?

•  Low levels of charge.The battery will last longer if it is generally around a third to half charged.Plug your car into a charger when your at home. Upgrade from the slow EV charger to something that delivers reasonable charging speed.
• Hot temperatures (particularly over 30°C) reduce battery life. Excessive fast-charging will slightly reduce battery life. (hence the “80% charge” on DC chargers. This takes years

What surprises most people when looking at the feasibility of swapping over to an electric vehicle is just how much of a cost saving they make.

EVE Australia had a look at the numbers and I think you will agree, there is a significant cost saving when comparing filling up a regular car and charging your EV at home.