Electric vehicles
Curious about electric vehicles (EVs) and how charging works? You’re not alone! EVs can offer lower emissions, cost savings, and a fun driving experience.
We’ve got some essential info to help you get started - from understanding different types of EVs to how charging really works.
Types of EVs
Thinking about an electric vehicle but not sure which type suits your needs? Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide:
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
A hybrid runs on fuel and has a small battery that charges through regenerative braking and, in many models, also by the internal combustion engine. While it can’t drive on electricity alone, the battery helps boost fuel efficiency.
- No need to plug in
- Lower fuel consumption than traditional cars
- Battery size: 1-2 kilowatt hour (kWh)
- Electric-only range: 1-2 km
- Example: A well-known example of this type of vehicle is the Toyota Prius, which has become synonymous with hybrid technology.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
A mix of fuel and electric power! You can drive on electricity for short trips and switch to petrol or diesel for longer journeys. But unlike a regular hybrid, you can also plug it in to charge the battery.
- Great for shorter commutes with electric driving
- No worries about running out of charge - just use fuel if needed
- Battery size: 8-20 kilowatt hour (kWh)
- Electric-only range: 20-50 km
- Charging time: 3-8 hours (home plug) | 1.5-4 hours (home/public charger).
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
A fully electric car - no fossil fuel required! BEVs run only on battery power, making them quieter, cheaper to maintain, and better for the environment.
- Zero emissions from fossil fuel (provided your premises’ electricity supply is 100% clean energy) and lower running costs
- Longer range, with larger battery options
- Battery size: 40-100+ kilowatt hour (kWh)
- Range: 200-500+ km
⚠️ Important tip: For useful tips and information on buying an electric vehicle, you can check out the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) website. It’s important to do your homework before you buy.
What are my options for charging my EV?
Let’s talk charging! The best setup depends on your vehicle, how often you drive, and how quickly you need to charge. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right option.
Charging at home
Getting your home charging setup right is key for convenience, safety, and efficiency. If you’re new to EVs, start with the portable charger that comes with your car - it’ll help you figure out your charging routine before investing in an upgrade.
Option 1: Standard power point (portable charger)
Most EVs come with a portable charger that plugs into a regular household power point. This is often called trickle charging - it’s slow but works well if you top up overnight for short daily trips like school runs or shopping.
- Standard 10A power point (~2.3kW charger) - Plug it in like a kettle!
- Upgraded 15A power point (~3.4kW charger) – Slightly faster but requires an electrician to install.
Option 2: Fixed home charger (wall-mounted EV charger)
For faster and more efficient charging, you can install a dedicated home EV charger in your garage or where you park in your driveway.
- Single-phase charger (7kW) – Faster than a power point, ideal for overnight charging
- Three-phase charger (22kW) – The fastest home option but requires 3-phase wiring.
To get great quality consumer information on EVs, chargers and installers, you can browse the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) website. The manufacturer of your vehicle may also have information and deals on charging options.
⚠️ Important tip: Talk to an EV charger installation business, to understand what upgrades may need to be completed at your property to meet your charging needs.
Charging from solar or battery
Many EV owners want to charge using energy from their rooftop solar. If you have a solar PV system you may be able to:
- Charge during the day: Maximise solar energy use by charging when the sun is shining if your car is at home and plugged in during the day
- Add a battery storage system: By adding a battery system, you can opt to store solar power to charge your EV at night.
If you’re looking to install solar or batteries, check out the information on our solar and battery pages. If you have an existing solar system, talk to your solar installer or an accredited EV charger seller to see what your options are.
⚠️ Important tip: Ask your seller or installer about smart systems with apps which actively manage your solar energy, battery storage, household usage and car charging to optimise your energy resources and minimise your electricity bills.
Charging your EV on the go
Charging away from home is easy in most cities and towns, but if you’re heading to remote areas, a little planning can help! Just make sure you know your car’s maximum charging speed and have the right plug or adapter for the charger you’re using.
For most drivers, home charging covers daily trips - you’ll only need public chargers for longer journeys.
Where to charge up
Queensland’s public EV charging network is growing, with fast chargers ranging from 25kW to 350kW DC. Here’s where to find them:
- Use charging apps like PlugShare or A Better Route Planner to locate charging stations along your route.
- Take advantage of the Queensland Electric Superhighway - a network of charging stops across the state.
- Look for chargers at shopping centres, service stations, and public parking areas.
- Check if your workplace offers EV charging - some employers provide this as an extra perk!
Charging times for different charger types
| EV charger types | Portable home charger ⚡ | Fixed charging station Home or businesses ⚡⚡ | Public fast charging ⚡⚡⚡ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example | A mobile charging cord plugged into a power point (similar to a laptop charger) | Fixed and hard-wired charging stations e.g. on a garage wall | Chargers in pedestals at service stations and shopping centres |
| Typical charge rate (every 10 minutes) | 1 - 3.6 km | 3.6 - 11 km | 25 - 350 km |
| Typical time to add 100km driving range* | 7 hours | 2.2 hours | 3 - 40 minutes |
* Note: typical charging times are based on average rates and can vary depending on a range of factors.
Choosing the right tariff
Did you know you can choose from different electricity tariffs to charge your EV? Whether you prefer a simple flat rate, time-based or demand-based tariff to save money, we’ve got a range of options and tariff types to suit your needs! Check out our current tariffs.
Need help picking the best one? Our local energy experts are happy to help - just give us a call on 13 10 46.
How to save on EV charging
Want to cut down your charging costs? Here are some smart ways to save:
- Charge during the day if you have solar or a time-of-use tariff
- Charge overnight if your plan has cheaper off-peak rates
- Connect to an economy tariff (like the ones used for hot water systems) with a dedicated home charger - just note that power may be switched off during peak times, and it won’t work with your solar.
Want a separate, dedicated EV charge on your bill?
We can add a dedicated EV charging line to your bill, but this is only available with economy tariffs. These offer cheaper rates, but supply may be interrupted during peak times. The economy options may also require a dedicated circuit and an electrician to install it.
Unlock more savings with a smart meter!
A smart meter gives you more control over your energy use and costs. With My Account’s smart features, you can:
- Check if you’re on the best tariff
- Set up budget alerts
- Get insights into energy usage and savings
- Track solar exports (if you have rooftop solar)
- View your costs two-hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly
Don’t have a smart meter? You can request one using our easy online form.
FAQs
I'm installing a dedicated EV charger and need to know if my home is single phase or three phase? How can I find this information?
Here’s how you can check what you have:
- Check your switchboard
- If you see one main switch (one on/off switch), you likely have single-phase power.
- If you see three main switches (three on/off switches together), you likely have 3-phase power.
- Look at your electricity meter: Some smart meters display “1P” (single-phase) or “3P” (three-phase) on the screen.
- Ask an electrician: If you’re unsure, a licensed electrical contractor can confirm it for you.
How much extra electricity will I use in my home when I buy an EV?
The average household power usage is generally considered to be 4,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) per annum. If we take 14,000 km per year to be the average vehicle driving distance, and a typical EV efficiency of 17 kilowatt hour (kWh)/100 km (equivalent to ~7L/100 km in a petrol car) then we can calculate approximately 2,400 kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity usage per year per car. If 2,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) of this usage was charged at home (with the remainder at public chargers), then the home electricity bill will increase by another 50% (via the Electric Vehicle Council).
How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle at home?
The rate of charge will depend on the vehicle’s battery system, and how you choose to charge your EV (at home using a power point, dedicated charger or a public fast charger, etc). Please refer to your electric vehicle’s manufacturer for accurate charging timeframes.
Will my EV run out of battery before I finish my trip?
Some people fear that their EV will run out of charge before their trip is completed and this is called ‘range anxiety’. However, most EV owners find that once they develop regular charging habits, this worry quickly fades.
In Queensland, the average daily driving distance is around 40 km - well within the range of most EVs on the market today. EV driving ranges continue to improve with each new model, coming closer to, or matching, the range offered by petrol vehicles.
Most people habitually top up their vehicle daily or a couple of times a week (depending on their driving habits) and don’t ever really have to think about refuelling as the vehicle always has enough battery power to do their normal driving. Customers with solar or who are on a time of use tariff with lower daytime rates should also consider charging during the day to save money.
For details on EV driving ranges and charging information for specific vehicles in Australia, check out the Electric Vehicle Council and manufacturer websites.
Where can I find a charger while on a trip?
Most newer model EVs have navigation system maps that will show you the public chargers nearby. There are also apps like PlugShare which can show you where chargers are and the type of charger.
Will my charging plug fit the public charger?
Check with the EV manufacturer or dealer for specific details and compatibility with various types of public charging stations. Different EVs have different standard plug types that may not be compatible with all charging stations. Adapter cables are available to increase your charging options if necessary.