New to electric vehicles? Charging is simpler than you think. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What You Must Know First
- 80% of charging happens at home — home charging is your best friend
- Keep daily charging between 20-80% — full charges are only for road trips
- Cold weather slows charging — this is normal and temporary
- Rain is safe — EV chargers are weatherproof and designed for wet conditions
Your Three Charging Options
Home Charging (Level 2)
The sweet spot for most owners. A wall charger adds 40-100+ km of range per hour, so you wake up with a full battery. Installation typically costs $1,300–$2,700 for a standard Level 2 setup (or up to $4,500+ if complex switchboard upgrades are required).
RAEDIAN NEO smart chargers come in 7kW (single-phase) and 22kW (three-phase) options with Australian certification and smart app control. Charge Wise provides installation quotes for Adelaide metro customers.
Public DC Fast Charging
For road trips and emergencies. Charges most EVs to 80% in 20-40 minutes. Not needed for daily driving if you have home charging. Learn more about public fast chargers.
Standard Power Point
Technically possible but too slow (10-15 km per hour). Skip it unless it’s your only option.
Getting Home Charging Sorted
Step 1: Choose your charger (7kW for single-phase homes, 22kW for three-phase)
Step 2: Hire a licensed electrician to install it
Step 3: Plug in each evening — charge overnight during off-peak hours
Smart chargers let you set automatic schedules, so you’re always charged by morning and taking advantage of cheaper off-peak rates.
Have Solar? Even Better
Charge during the day from your own panels for free. Smart chargers automatically adjust charging based on solar output. See how solar-only charging works.
The Cost Breakdown
Grid charging: ~$10-15 per full charge | Solar charging: ~$0
Equivalent cost per km: $0.50-$1 (vs. $2-3 for petrol)
Check out the full cost comparison — most owners save thousands annually on fuel alone.
Using Public Chargers
Main networks: Chargefox, Evie Networks, NRMA, Tesla Supercharger. Download the app, check availability, activate the charger, plug in, and disconnect when done. Many charge idle fees if you leave your car after charging finishes.
Quick Questions
Will charging damage my battery?
No. Modern EV batteries are designed for thousands of charging cycles. Most retain 70-80% of their capacity after 10+ years. Following the 20-80% rule keeps it healthy longer.
How long does charging take?
At home: 8-12 hours (overnight). Public DC fast: 20-40 minutes to 80%. Time depends on battery size, current charge level, and charger type.
What cable do I need?
Type 2 is the Australian standard for home and public Level 2 chargers. Your EV likely comes with one; buy spares for public charging.
Should I worry about running out of charge? (Range Anxiety)
Less than you’d think. Most modern EVs do 400-500+ km on a full charge, and the average Australian drives under 40 km a day. With overnight home charging you start every morning full. For longer trips, apps like PlugShare and your car’s built-in navigation map chargers along the way, so you can plan stops in advance.
Do I need to charge every night?
No. Most owners top up every few days based on how much they drive. Many just plug in when convenient and let smart scheduling handle the rest. Think of it like charging your phone — you do it when it suits you, not on a strict timetable.
What happens if I charge to 100%?
Nothing dangerous — your car stops automatically when full. But for daily driving it’s best to cap at 80% to extend battery life. Save 100% charges for road trips when you need the full range. Most EVs let you set a charge limit in the app or dashboard.
Will cold or hot weather affect my range?
Yes, slightly. Cold weather can reduce range by 10-20% as the battery works harder and heating draws power. Hot days have less impact. Pre-conditioning (warming or cooling the car while it’s still plugged in) helps you start with full range without draining the battery.
Can I charge if I live in an apartment?
Often yes, but it takes planning. You’ll need approval from your body corporate or strata committee to install a charger in your space. Many buildings are now adding EV infrastructure. If that’s not an option, a mix of public and workplace charging can cover your needs — get in touch and we’ll help you work out a solution.
Ready to Charge?
Browse Charge Wise RAEDIAN smart chargers — available in 7kW and 22kW with built-in solar integration. For Adelaide metro customers, get an installation quote from our certified EV electricians.
