6 FAQs about EV Charging

1. What is the difference between AC and DC Charging?

AC charging utilises the on-board AC to DC power converter that is connected to your EV battery to charge your car. AC EV chargers require an adapter connection to a distribution board to charge your car

• Available in single-phase and 3-phase charging
• More cost-effective solutions

DC Charging performs AC to DC power conversion outside of the EV.

• Units are much larger due to housing a much larger AC-DC power converter than the converter in your car
• Greater charging range and capacity (20kWh-150kWh)
• Charging times are much faster than AC charging
• DC Charging leads connect directly to your battery

2. What is the difference between Single-phase and three phase charging?

All EVs are capable of charging with both single-phase chargers and three-phase chargers, but only select EV models can utilise the full capacity of a 3-phase charger EV charger:

• Single-phase EVs can accept 3-phase chargers but will charge at a slower rate than their 3-phase charger counterparts e.g., BMW E-range, Fiat 500E etc.
• Other EVs accept 3-phase chargers and can utilise these chargers to their full capacity e.g., BYD Atto 3, Mercedes EQA, Polestar 2 etc.
• 7kW single-phase, 32A per phase (average charging time: 4-6 hours)
• 22kW, 32A per phase (average charging time: 2-3 hours

Advantages of AC EV Charging:

Single-Phase AC EV Charging:

• More cost efficient than 3-phase charging
• Suitable for residential EV charging e.g., carports, garages

Three-Phase EV Charging:

• Suitable for commercial EV charging e.g., commercial carparks, service stations
• Quicker charging time
• Higher charging rate compared to single-phase

3. What are smart charging features?

With the increasing number of EVs on Australia’s roads, the number of EV chargers in Australia will only increase and diversify in the coming years to satisfy our evolving electrical infrastructure and consumer needs.

Smart charging features include:

• Energy consumption monitoring and management
• Automated billing of EV charging sessions
• EV charging load management
• Remote troubleshooting

4. What is OCPP?

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is a communication standard for EV charging stations and network software companies, allowing end-users and operators to access smart features on their EV charger through a user-friendly interface on a phone app or website.

5. What is the difference Type-1, Type-2 Leads and DC Charging Leads?

Type-1 leads have a 5-pin design and is commonly used in Asian and American markets. Type-1 cables are available for single-phase AC EV charging units only.

Type-2 leads have a 7-pin design and is the standard lead type in Europe and are fast becoming. Newer EV Models and chargers are standardised to utilise type-2 leads. Type-2 charging leads are available for single-phase and three-phase AC EV charging units.

For DC fast charging, the charging socket of the cable connects directly to the EV battery.
CHAdeMO and CCS2 cables are the standard socket types when it comes to DC EV charging.

6. What can I claim through the EV Charging Grants Scheme?

Rebates are dependent on state legislation regarding EV charger and EV charging accessory installation and operation. Please refer to the link here for more details regarding state specific EV charger funding and rebates.

If you are considering installing an EV charger for home, public, fleet, or heavy commercial, you will find the right charger in our range of AC and DC EV chargers. You can speak to us or look through our website for more information.