Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an integral part of Australia’s shift towards sustainable transportation. As the country progresses toward net-zero emissions, the need for efficient EV charging infrastructure has never been more critical. Let’s explore the current landscape and what the next decade holds for EV charging in Australia.

 

What Are We Currently Doing?

In 2023, Australia introduced its National Electric Vehicle Strategy, a comprehensive framework designed to accelerate the adoption of EVs while supporting the development of essential infrastructure. One of the key elements of this strategy is the introduction of a fuel efficiency standard. This standard sets mandatory limits on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions that vehicles can emit, encouraging car manufacturers to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles and promote the adoption of EVs.

By implementing these standards, Australia aims to reduce the dominance of high-emission internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and provide consumers with cleaner, more efficient options. The fuel efficiency standard not only pushes automakers to innovate but also makes EVs a more appealing choice for Australians by leveling the playing field in terms of costs and environmental benefits.

Beyond the fuel efficiency standard, the National Electric Vehicle Strategy supports various initiatives, including battery recycling, infrastructure planning, and the rollout of EV-ready designs in apartment buildings. Additionally, the government is training emergency service workers to handle EV-related incidents safely, ensuring a smooth transition to an electric future.

On the infrastructure side, Australia is expanding its EV charging network through programs like the EV Fast Charging Grant, which are driving the installation of fast chargers across New South Wales. These grants aim to reduce range anxiety by ensuring that EV drivers have easy access to charging points, encouraging more people to switch to electric vehicles.

 

What’s Next?

Looking forward, Australia has set ambitious targets to drive the future of EVs. By 2030, the country aims to have EVs make up 52% of new car sales, a significant increase from today’s figures. This is part of a larger vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and the widespread adoption of EVs will be crucial to this goal.

To accommodate this rapid growth, the Australian Electric Vehicle Industry is working toward the ambitious goal of having one million EVs on Australian roads by 2027. This will require not only an increase in EV availability but also a significant expansion of the charging infrastructure. We can expect to see a surge in the number of fast-charging stations nationwide, with a focus on urban areas, highways, and even remote regions to ensure that all Australians have access to reliable EV charging.

The Role of Emergency Technologies 

Technological advancements will also play a key role in shaping the future of EV charging infrastructure. Emerging technologies like wireless charging, ultra-fast charging, and smart grid integration are set to transform the EV charging experience, making it more efficient, convenient, and user-friendly.

• Wireless Charging: Wireless or inductive charging is being discussed as a potential breakthrough in the coming years. This technology allows EVs to charge without physical cables by using electromagnetic fields to transfer energy between the charging pad on the ground and the vehicle. Wireless charging will simplify the charging process, especially for drivers who park in garages or public lots regularly, as they will only need to park their vehicle over a charging pad to begin the process. As this technology evolves, it may become a standard feature in residential and commercial parking spaces, streamlining the charging experience.

 

• Ultra-fast Charging: While fast chargers are already becoming more common, the next decade will likely see the rise of ultra-fast charging. These chargers can deliver significantly higher power outputs, allowing EVs to charge to 80% in under 10 minutes, similar to refuelling a petrol vehicle. This innovation will make long-distance travel in EVs more practical, reducing the time spent at charging stations and easing concerns about range. With developments in battery technology, such as solid-state batteries, the efficiency and safety of ultra-fast charging will continue to improve, further increasing the appeal of EVs.

 

• Vehicle to Grid – Smart Grid Integration: Smart grid technology will allow EVs and charging stations to communicate with the broader electrical grid, optimising energy usage and balancing demand. Through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, EVs will be able to send stored energy back to the grid during peak times, helping to stabilise the electricity supply. This means EV owners could not only charge their cars but also contribute to a more resilient and efficient energy grid, potentially reducing energy costs. In the long run, smart grid integration will be essential as EV numbers grow, ensuring that the grid can handle increased demand while making renewable energy sources like solar and wind a more significant part of the energy mix.

 

These innovations will make the EV charging experience faster, more convenient, and more environmentally friendly, encouraging wider adoption. As Australia continues to invest in charging infrastructure, the integration of these technologies will be crucial in meeting the growing needs of EV drivers while supporting the nation’s transition to a cleaner energy future.

 

In conclusion, Australia is well on its way to creating a robust EV charging infrastructure, with a clear roadmap outlined in the National Electric Vehicle Strategy. The introduction of fuel efficiency standards and the continued development of charging infrastructure are critical steps in achieving the country’s long-term sustainability goals. With ambitious targets set for the next decade, Australia is poised to embrace a cleaner, more sustainable future powered by electric vehicles.

 

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us:

Sales@ocularcharging.com.au 

1300 912 650

Explore the lifecycle and sustainable disposal of EV chargers as they reach their end of life.

 

Understanding the Lifecycle of EVSE chargers

EV chargers have a lifecycle that consists of several stages. The first stage is manufacturing, where the chargers are produced using various components and materials. Once manufactured, the chargers are installed at charging stations or in homes and businesses to charge electric vehicles.

Unfortunately, over time, EV chargers may start to show signs of wear and tear, requiring maintenance and repairs. This is the second stage of their lifecycle, where they should be regularly serviced to ensure optimal performance and safety. To prolong this stage, we recommend regular maintenance and upkeep of your charger to ensure it can last as long as possible. However, there comes a point when elements of the charger reach the end of their useful life and can no longer be repaired or maintained. At Ocular we prioritise durability and sustainability. Our products are designed with modular components to extend and prolong a charger’s life, therefore meaning that individual parts can be replaced instead of the whole charger. This ensures you do not need to replace the whole charger, and it can be simply fixed by replacing one part. We keep sustainability practices in mind from start to finish when designing our chargers and have strived to make them 100% recyclable, achieving a remarkable recyclability rate of 93%.

Understanding the lifecycle of EV chargers is important in order to develop sustainable practices for their disposal and to minimise their environmental impact.

 

Environmental Impacts of Discarding EV Chargers

Discarding EV chargers without proper consideration for the environment can have significant impacts. These chargers often contain hazardous materials and components that can be harmful if not handled correctly.

To mitigate these environmental impacts, it is crucial to implement proper recycling and disposal practices for EV chargers, promoting a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled to minimise waste and resource consumption.

 

Best Practices for Recycling and Disposing of Old EV Chargers

When it comes to recycling and disposing of old EV chargers, there are several best practices to follow to ensure their proper handling and minimise their environmental impact.

Firstly, it is important to identify local recycling programs or facilities that accept EV chargers. These programs are equipped to handle the proper disassembly and recycling of the chargers, ensuring that hazardous materials are managed appropriately.

At our sister company, EVSE, we have established comprehensive recycling programs for used and end-of-life charging stations and components. These programs ensure that valuable materials are recovered and reused, reducing the need for new raw materials.

 

Innovations and Future Trends in EV Charger Sustainability 

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, so does the need for sustainable EV chargers and charging infrastructure. This has led to the development of various innovations and future trends in EV charger sustainability.

One of the key innovations is the integration of renewable energy sources into charging infrastructure. This includes the use of solar panels and wind turbines to generate clean energy for charging electric vehicles. By utilising renewable energy, EV chargers can reduce their carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.

Another trend is the implementation of smart charging technology. Smart chargers have the ability to communicate with the electric grid and adjust their charging patterns based on factors such as electricity demand, grid capacity, and renewable energy availability. This helps to optimise charging efficiency and reduce strain on the grid.

Furthermore, there is a growing focus on the development of biodegradable and recyclable materials for EV chargers. By utilising sustainable materials, such as bioplastics and recyclable metals, the environmental impact of charger production and disposal can be minimised.

These innovations and future trends in EV charger sustainability are essential in creating more sustainable and efficient charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

 

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us:

Sales@ocularcharging.com.au 

1300 912 650

At Ocular Charging, we believe that DC charging is the cornerstone of the future of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Australia and New Zealand. Beyond simply selling chargers, our goal is to make the switch to EVs as easy as possible and get you back on the road. With the widest selection of dependable, adjustable, and modular charging stations in Australia and New Zealand, we’re ready to grow with your evolving charging needs.  

 

A Comprehensive Range of DC Fast Chargers

Ocular Charging offers an extensive range of DC fast chargers, spanning from 30kW to an ultrafast 420kW. Whether you are investing in fleet electrification of light or heavy vehicles or public charging, we have a DC solution that is appropriate for any application. You can be sure that you are always covered as our chargers pair with any EV available on the market.  

 

 Features Delivering Maximum Value 

OCCP Compatibility 

Certified OCPP-based charger management solutions are compatible with every one of our DC chargers. This makes it possible to handle chargers and end-user payments in detail. You may increase your revenue and give users the most easy tap-and-go payment option by adding a Nyax credit card module for public billing.  

 

Agnostic Load Control 

Agnostic load control is also made possible by OCPP compatibility, allowing you to securely regulate every charger on your network. From the beginning, our range is intended to be expendable. Together AC and DC chargers can be connected to sophisticated, dynamic load control technologies created in partnership with CSIRO. This setup can easily accommodate the installation of more chargers as you proceed on your electrification journey.  

 

Industry-Leading CCS2 Cables 

Industry-leading Phoenix Contact CCS2 cables, with adjustable cable lengths, are standard on all models. Two cars can be charged simultaneously on all dual-port versions, sharing the charger’s total power and making the most use of your infrastructure.  

 

Introducing our Chargers Models

Ocular Titan Series  

The Ocular Titan series provides the finest values in DC charging available on the market, combining amazing speed with a small and lightweight design. There are two configurations of the Titan: a 60kW version with two charging connections and a 30kW version with just one port. Its wall – or pedestal mounting options make it a dependable, reasonably priced, and simple-to-install solution for public and commercial charging applications.  

 

Ocular Atlas Series  

The Atlas series improves flexibility and speed of charging. To improve the user experience, it comes with an integrated cable management system and is available in sizes ranging from 60kW to 180kW. For individuals who require a more versatile and high-capacity charging option, this series is ideal. 

 

Ocular Atlas Ultra-Fast Series  

The Ocular Atlas Ultrafast series comes in combinations ranging from 240kW to 420kW for the maximum capacity. This approach promises to quickly restore fleet cars or users’ access to the road. It has a strong cable management system in the swing-arm form that makes charging quick and simple.  

 

Suitable and Serviceable Design

System serviceability is essential to Ocular Charging’s design philosophy. Our goal is to offer long-lasting, suitable infrastructure. Every one of our chargers is constructed from modular components, which include sturdy DC modules made to endure the harsh Australian and New Zealand climates. Maintenance is made easier by service engineers’ easy access to all interior components. Additionally, we locally keep all spare components in stock to maximise the uptime of your infrastructure.  

 

Strong Local Support

With a robust local support staff at Ocular Charging, you can count on dependable help when you need it. You can be sure that your infrastructure for charging will always be operational and effective.  

 

Join Us on Your Electrification Journey

We offer a charger for every need. Get in touch with us or any of our dependable resellers, and allow us to assist you with your electrification journey. Please visit us at https://ocularcharging.com.au/ for further details. We look forward to seeing you on the road soon! 

 

Have any further questions please contact us: 

Sales@ocularcharging.com.au 

1300 912 650 

With EV sales in Australia rapidly growing you will want to know how much it will cost before you choose to make the switch to electric.

We get down to the real numbers to find out just how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle. It is important to remember, the battery size and charging rate of all models of electric cars is different therefore will vary in charging time and energy consumed. Prices will also vary as energy rates change – just like petrol from a service station.

The Cost of charging an electric car is found by multiplying the size of the battery by the applicable electricity rate (e.g. 60kWh x 0.45 per kWh = $27).

Calculations are based on average usable battery capacity of 65kWh.

Level 2 chargers (Home Charging stations):

For level 2 charging stations, the average charging costs are

*average usage rates of flagship market from five leading electricity retailers as of October 2022

 

State	Average Electricity rates	Average Full battery  Cost	Average Cost per 100km
VIC	21.12c/kWh	$13.73	$3.80
QLD	25.45c/kWh	$16.54	$4.58
NSW	28.54c/kWh	$18.55	$5.14
SA	36.13c/kWh	$23.48	$6.50

With petrol pricing spiking the average national price of petrol sitting at $1.71 per litre. Using 11L/100km, petrol will cost $18.81 per 100km, at least 3x the price of electric charging.

 

Level 3 Public Charging Station (DC Fast Charging):

Rapid fast chargers use DC power to charge your car battery quicker, this increase in speed also increases price.

DC Rapid Chargers allow for an extremely fast charge rate, with their power capacities ranging from 40 kW all the way up to 350kW. A full charge can hence take between 10 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Charging at a DC station can cost you between 40 to 60 cents per kWh.

Electricity Cost	Average Full Battery Costs	Average Cost / 100 km	Average Cost  /  km
40 cents / kWh	$26	$7.20	$0.072
60 cents / kWh	$39	$10.80	$0.108

According to Transport for NSW, EVs are significantly cheaper to run in terms of fuel and maintenance. Overall, for the everyday driving needs of the average Australian home charging should be sufficient and the most economical method for charging your electric car.

What is the Destination Charging Grant?

In 2022 the NSW government, partnered with the Electric Vehicle council, introduced an Electric Vehicle charging grant to invest $20 million in EV chargers for tourist destinations across regional NSW. The grant can be applied to businesses installing chargers from the approved list of AC EV chargers and EV charger software, including Ocular IQ Commercial and IQ Dual Port Tower. These grant approved chargers available through our distribution partner, EVSE. The first round ends November but multiple funding rounds will be available until 2024.

According to NSW Gov:

The grants will fund the following for up to 4 EV chargers per site:

• 75% towards the cost of an eligible 7 kW and/or 22 kW electric vehicle charger(s)
• 75% towards the cost of installation (capped at $1,000 per charger)
• 50% towards a 2-year EV charger software subscription from the EV charger software list.

To be eligible, you must be:

• located in an eligible regional NSW local government area (LGA)
• an approved destination type
• have no more than one existing EV charger installed.
• installing chargers where accessible to the public

How does the grant work?

Prepare for application and check your eligibility here. If your business meets the criteria, you will be able for apply for the EV chargers grant here.  Ensure you choose the charger best suited to your site and budget and it is best to speak to a licensed electrician prior to application to understand the specific installation requirements and costs for the site, charger installations vary depending on the layout. However, 75% of the installation costs is covered by the grant.

For businesses installing less than three co-funded chargers or a destination with less than 100 parking spaces, a software subscription is not required but still available for those who want to apply. More than 3 chargers or 100 parking space must purchase the 2-year software subscription.

The NSW government will notify successful applicants within 6 weeks of the application, if unsuccessful, reapplication is accepted in the next round of grants. Chargers are required to be installed within 4 months of the successful application. Payment will be made once the chargers have been successfully installed to the site within the given time frame.

How does the grant help your business?

Australia is starting to catch up to electric vehicle adoptions seen in other areas like Europe so investing now will future proof your business for the transition to electric. Investing in electric vehicle charging will allow your business to attract people to your location looking for a charging spot from online charging location maps. As the AC chargers do not charge as fast as DC, visitors will be at your location longer meaning more potential for greater revenue for any business. The NSW grant includes a range of software including our favourite, Exploren, which allows you to generate another source of revenue through a billing service. You can easily set the charging costs and billing is automated, meaning greater profit and less work!

Contact us or our partner EVSE to install Ocular Chargers for your business.

With electric cars gaining popularity, more people are starting to realise the benefits of a DC Fast Charging Station. Fast charging is critical infrastructure in Australia, especially for long-distance travel and the future of EV adoption.  But this is a new technology and with it comes many questions. What is DC charging? Which charger should I choose? Are chargers worth it? How much electricity do I need to charge? In this guide, I will address all your questions and help you decide if DC charging is for you.

What is DC Fast Charging?

The term ‘fast charging’ is heard a lot when talking about electric vehicles but what exactly is DC Fast Charging? The simple idea of DC charging is to directly charge the battery with the type of power required. The battery of an electric vehicle needs DC (direct current) power but the electrical grid provides AC (alternating current) power.

DC charging stations will convert the energy within the charging station from AC to DC before being plugged into the car. This skips the process of converting power after it enters the car and makes charging your electrical vehicle much faster and more efficient.

Should I get a DC Fast Charger?

If you are looking for a residential charger, a DC charger is unnecessary and unrealistic. DC chargers are suitable for high turnover areas where fast charging is essential such as along major highways, petrol stations and commercial fleet car parks. The main benefit is faster EV charging in 1-2 hours (on average for electric cars), rather than 6-9 hours of charge time for an AC charger. This type of charging is perfect for commercial businesses where the duration of stay is usually under an hour, such as the local grocery store, fast-food restaurant, or service stations. DC charging is also common in commercial fleets where vehicles are constantly on the move, especially trucks and vans.

What are the differences between the different DC chargers?

The output of our DC chargers ranges from 30kW to 150kW. The higher the number, the more energy the charging station will use and therefore how much faster it will charge a vehicle. Although it charges faster, the charger also uses more energy therefore your site must be assessed to understand the energy limitations. All models of our DC charging range have dual charging capabilities, with the 120kW model charger having the most versatility of 2x DC, AC and e-bike simultaneous charging. The ideal charger will be dependent on the site and how the charger will be used. If you want to find out the best DC charging station for your site, it is best to speak to our team.

 How much electricity do I need to support a DC Fast Charger?

To support the fast-charging capabilities of a fast charger, a significant level of electricity is needed. Each DC charger requires different levels of energy input. For the 60kW model, 100 amps per phase. The 120kW requires 230 amps per phase and the 150kW requires 250 amps per phase. These input levels are based on each DC charger, therefore the more chargers on the network, the more energy is needed. It is essential to speak to a qualified electrician to ensure your site can handle the energy input levels for the DC charger.

If you are looking to invest in EV charging now to prepare for the future, a DC charger is a great option. As the market for EVs continues to expand, DC chargers will only grow in demand and are a great way to promote your business’ sustainability goals. Oculars’ diverse range of EV chargers makes it easy for you to invest in infrastructure for the future. Consider where you will be charging, how often and the size of the vehicles. Our expert EV team will guide any installer on a DC charging project.

Why Australia needs more DC chargers

Australia is far behind in the world of electric vehicles, less than 4% of all new vehicle sales are electric.  Although this number is increasing, it has become apparent Australia does not have the appropriate infrastructure to support this change. The high demand for EVs and government subsidies for purchase are driving the need for quality DC public charging facilities.

DC Chargers generally provide electric vehicles with full charge in less than an hour, depending on the power of the charger it could be as little as 15 minutes. Therefore they are installed in high-turnover areas and along major highways. The implementation of DC charging stations is incredibly important for the mainstream adoption of electric vehicles in Australia. The number one factor discouraging the purchase of an electric vehicle in Australia is accessibility to charging infrastructure and range anxiety. Range anxiety – the fear of driving an EV and running out of power – is a major issue internationally for EV drivers but, due to there being vast distances between major cities, it is even more prominent in Australia.

For electric vehicles to become the standard, as the local and federal governments are encouraging, the public needs to have confidence in their electric vehicle to arrive at their destination. The installation of quality public charging infrastructure across major roads, especially in regional Australia, will decrease range anxiety and encourage the purchase of an EV. DC charging stations are especially important due to the low charge time allowing for high turnover in public areas.

 

As the ownership of electric vehicles continues to become more affordable, the demand for public infrastructure will continue to increase. Recent headlines of over an hour queue to use a DC charger emphasise how unprepared Australia is for the inevitable electrification of cars for the general public. While many metropolitan areas are seeing the installation of AC and DC charging stations, the regional areas are lacking quality infrastructure. This affects the willingness of locals of regional areas to purchase an EV and more so, visitors to the area who do not have access to a home charging station.

 

Ocular’s mission is to solve the need for a simple yet reliable solution to power Australia’s sustainable future. Our expanding offering of DC charging stations ranging from 60kW to 150kW ensures an appropriate solution for all businesses looking to support Australia’s sustainable future.