Even if you are not going to be rushing out to purchase an electric vehicle right now, they will be the norm in the next few years and it could pay to plan for this with your new luxury home.
Electric cars and all of their many acronyms have been buzzwords for some time now, but for the vast majority who don’t own or have never driven one, they remain a somewhat mystifying.
How do you charge an electric car at home?
An extension cord hanging out the window isn’t exactly ideal or safe, however around 80% of all car charging happens on driveways and in garages across the country.
This is due to the fact that charging your electric vehicle from home is noticeably cheaper and more convenient than other methods of charging.
When it comes to home charging, there are a couple of options, charging from a regular 10-amp power point or installing an EV home charger.
In Australia, the maximum current from a standard plug (2.4kW) is around half of what home charging units and public chargers provide, meaning your charging time will increase (18 – 24 hours for full charge) and you may need to top up during the day.
Installing an EV Home Charger
A home car charging point, also known as an EV home charger, is a compact weatherproof unit that mounts to a wall with a connected charging cable or a socket for plugging in a portable charging cable. These can typically charge an EV in 4 hours.
The installation process involves mounting the charging unit to an external wall or within a garage, near to where you will park your vehicle, and then connecting this safely to the mains supply. By allowing for this at build time you will save on costs and ensure that cables etc can be concealed.
How far can an electric car go on full charge?
Prospective EV owners are often plagued by “range anxiety”, i.e. a concern that EVs will not be able to cover as much ground as petrol vehicles.
However, driving range in newer electric models (but not all) can be as great as 400km to 600km on full charge, which is typically more than enough for inner urban living.
This is just one of many ways to help future proof your new home.
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About the Author
Tristan Kirkham | Managing Director
Tristan has managed some of Australia’s major building companies, both project and private. His commitment to customer service and providing market leading communication product for the home building industry has led to a role as regular Judge in the HIA Green Smart, HIA Kitchen & Bathroom Awards and the major Housing Awards. Winning multiple awards throughout his career in the housing industry, he is dedicated to improving the industry standards and practices. Tristan's vision is to provide a better way to build homes for all parties.