When, where and how to charge your EV

How much does it cost to charge? How much it costs to charge an electric vehicle (EV) depends on how much electricity you put in. And when – and where – you charge.

How often do I need to charge? Most modern EVs have enough battery capacity to cover the average daily commute for most Australians for a week. So, unless you’re planning a long drive, you should only need to replenish the battery once or twice a week. To ensure the car retains its usable driving range and prevent accelerated degradation of the cells, it’s better if you deplete each charge cycle before topping it up.

Most car-makers recommend only charging to between 10% and 80% of the battery’s capacity to maintain its health. So, the best time to charge your EV is only when you need to.

And don’t leave your EV in the garage with a full battery for long periods. This can stress the battery cells and accelerate degradation. Or, in the worstcase scenario, create enough heat for the battery to catch fire. State of the nation When charging your car at home, the energy you put into the battery will be charged to your household electricity bill. The average cost per kWh is cheaper in NSW than it is in South Australia, for example. So, charging an EV in Sydney will be more cost-effective than it is in Adelaide. Choose your energy provider Electricity costs also vary depending on your provider. So, the first thing to check is the price you’re paying. Also check whether the provider offers varying rates for peak and offpeak times. Most do, but some instead offer a slightly lower fixed price. Some of the more progressive energy providers offer added incentives to EV owners, such as discounted off-peak rates or regular rebates that come off your bill.

Go off-peak

The best time to charge your EV is at night to take advantage of lower off-peak electricity rates. Off-peak times will vary according to your location and the meter type at your residence. If your house only has a single rate meter, the energy provider can only charge a standard price for electricity throughout the day. If you have a two-rate meter, then you can take advantage of onand off-peak rates.

If your house has an interval meter, then it can split the usage between peak, shoulder and offpeak times, providing a middleground rate for early morning and evening energy consumption.

But off-peak rates and times vary depending on the energy provider, so check your bill or call the customer hotline to find the exact details. Smart charging

So you don’t have get out of bed at ungodly hours, most EVs have a function that allows owners to schedule charging times through the infotainment system or via a mobile phone app.

If you have a smart home charger – essentially an electricity amplifier that increases the voltage to reduce charging times – it can also be pre-programmed to charge only at certain times of the day.