EV Charging 101: *Everything* You Need To Know (Australia)

[@someshjagga3338]

What a wonderful video this is. Everything explained so clearly. Thanks Finn for putting in the effort, I can appreciate how much time would have been spent in planning of delivering such complex info in a fun, crisp way.

[@gordonspond]

Except for the part where you can't find a single charger, or the charging will take 3 hours and you need to be somewhere in 30 minutes, or the part where they tell you not to speed-charge because it'll ruin your expensive battery... or the thing catching ion fire in your garage and burning your house down. You can keep this EV stuff and shove it. 35% depreciation and prices dropping so fast you owe more than the resale value... Maybe you've got 100 grand to burn... I don't.

[@ravingmad765]

Heavens, I didn't think I would make 5mins of this. Very well put together and held my attention. Thanks!

[@johndawson3368]

Most useful video (by far) I have found on EV charging options in Australia. Thank you so much for posting.

[@dyemanoz]

Thanks for another informative and comprehensive video! I live in SE QLD and am at home most days and was able to do a very cheap but effective setup for a Tesla M3. We have a single phase grid connection, and about as large a solar system on the roof as Energex rules will allow - 10 kW inverter (5kW export limit) now upgraded to 16kW panels and home battery (Solaredge - Energex rules don't allow AC-coupled battery for that configuration). Initially I just charged the car from an 8 amp socket in the carport - worked fine but not exactly fast. Turned out we had a spare 32 amp dedicated circuit in the switchboard (from a now-defunct AC that ran out of gas). Got an electrician to run that circuit to the carport and install a 32 amp single phase socket. Then purchased a 32 amp single phase tail for the Tesla mobile charger from EVSE, allowing charging the car at 7 kW. Initially just tried to make sure it was sunny when plugging the car in, but then Charge HQ came along and did its magic - dynamically adjusting the charging rate to match our excess solar - it talks to the SolarEdge inverter to determine how much excess solar is available, and to the car to adjust the charge amps accordingly. EVSE also has a Tesla portable charger tail that is physically a standard three-phase 32 amp plug but electrically single phase. This enables charging M3 or MY from 3-phase 32 amp sockets that are not uncommon in caravan parks and showgrounds around the country (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qn61g4abiddlj7c&ab_channel=LudicrousFeed)

[@SolarQuotes]

THanks for the kind words. Yes ChargeHQ is great. Initially this video had a whole section on 3-phase socket adaptors - but I cut it out as I thought it was too much info to take in!

[@razbakar7889]

Love the vid! Truly 'EVERYTHING' you need to know about EV charging indeed!! Thank you for sharing this information. Appreciate the simple language, and explanations to the charging types, levels, and cable conventions. Great video!!

[@chrisbath8292]

@ 13:44- I am not so sure about the 3ph charger being any use for a BYD Atto 3 that is single phase and will only charge at a max. of 7kw, regardless of 3ph power in the home.

[@SmartEnergyLab]

Finn, congrats on the best, most comprehensive yet easy to understand explainer video on EV charging. I even learnt some new tricks (I’m gonna buy a Type 1 to Type 2 adapter cable). PS just bought a Model 3 in same midnight silver as yours 😂

[@SolarQuotes]

Thanks Glen!

[@robertm1459]

Thankyou Finn, really concise & easy to understand. Enjoyed graphics & animations, too. ⚡🚗⚡

[@open_world_media]

As a near future EV owner, this video just saved me hundreds of dollars I was about to spend on various adapters and cables that I will probably never use! 🥂

[@SolarQuotes]

That's why we made it! When I got my EV 4 years ago, I didn't have a clue about connectors and cables, and I'm an Electrical Engineer...😬

[@deplant5998]

Thanks for a great video. With all the complexity you have 100% convinced me to wait another 5-10 yrs to buy an EV.

[@peterwundersitz3715]

don't wait, buy it today and love the experience. I drive my model y somewhere every day, just to drive it.

[@standupmoto]

Very nice video, also good to see a fellow South Aussie.

[@co2588]

Brilliant vid. Very informative to someone considering buying an ev. Thank you

[@benjaminsong]

Very helpful and informative video, thank you!

[@ryanjtrudel]

Love the video. I am currently working on a business that will hopefully help thousands of Canadians by making residential solar options even more accessible. I hope to achieve this by enabling home owners with the ability to access existing equity in there homes to acquire the funds to make these upgrades while providing education to the options and incentives available. I have found your channel extremely informative, helpful and inspiring for this business and my goal of assisting fellow Canadians with saving hundreds of dollars each month by generating their own self-sustaining energy to power, heat and cool their homes and even power their transportation. Keep up the great videos!

[@juditucker3624]

Thank you Finn, at last I understand- well almost- what I will need to do in preparation for our EV (Volvo EX30 ) arriving next August. The main thing that had been troubling me was getting my head around the charging options, especially the issues of home v public charging, Solar v Off peak charging and the various technical terms (including the acronyms) associated with EV and charging. I will watch this a few times until I am really familiar with it. Shame you aren’t in NSW closer to the time of delivery of the car I’d have you round to do a quote! Thanks again. Judi

[@mspalmboy]

A very helpful video Finn. At 12.25 mins you show the set-up for 3-phase charging using a third party 20-32 amp tail with a Tesla trickle charger - and on your website you say "Pro-tip: If you have a recent Tesla and are lucky enough to have a 3-phase socket in your garage, you can buy third party tails that can charge at 4.8 to 7kW (20 to 32A) using your mobile connector". I've searched but can't find one of these third party 20-32 amp tails - any suggestions regarding where to look are appreciated please. EVSE say they only sell them as a complete until (including the trickel charger) - but I only need the tail. Thanks in advance mate.

[@peterburdett8131]

Great charging tips. I have a Tesla Model 3 & am getting away with a level 1 charger with 15 Amp adapter but the biggest issue is unreliable power from 10 Kw of solar panels. Yep when the suns out I get 10.9 Kw generation but I would say 50% of the time there’s not enough generation to run a pool pump, 6 Kw Air conditioner & charge the car. I’m with OVO for energy so charge @ 8 c/kw between 00:00 & 06:00 which works OK on less the battery is below 50%. I’m installing a Tesla L2 Charger soon & couldn’t believe the price difference between L2 chargers. Considering there’s a simple PCB inside think the industry is ripping off unsuspecting customers who don’t know what they are buying. Tesla charger $750 $ others up to $3K what’s the difference? Could you do a video on what’s the difference in chargers & why the price difference

[@asjeot]

That clears up a lot for me. Thanks for the great content

[@grantericson9245]

Hi, Can you tell me why you can't use an extension cord for a level one charge (charging cable supplied with car.) we are going where there is only a 240 volt 10amp home socket inside our accommodation. Many thanks :)

[@SolarQuotes]

That is a great question! I've asked our in-house electrician for a definitive answer and will get back to you soon.

[@SolarQuotes]

And here is your comprehensive answer: support.solarquotes.com.au/hc/en-us/articles/6375984912015

[@xefour]

I purchased an industrial quality 10m and 20m extension lead. I rarely use it, however in a pinch I have used both of them and still get the full 2kW from the Tesla mobile connector. Just make sure the cable is stretched out straight (not bunched up). It will work fine.

[@dyemanoz]

I have done exactly this. I keep a regular (8 amp) extension cord (25 or 30 metres I think) in the car for "emergencies" when travelling. An extension cord may be needed getting power from an 8 amp socket to the Tesla mobile charger in an emergency. I have used it once (at a motel when I didn't have enough charge to get to the nearest public charger) to get power to the car from the motel room via the Tesla mobile connector for a short emergency top up. Just need to make sure the extension cord is fully uncoiled to avoid induction-related issues and keep an "eye" on the plugs to make sure they don't get too hot from any poor connection.

[@Shmaybe]

Building a home at the moment and waiting for the roof to go on so I can get get some quotes from solar quotes in Western Australia. I'm really wanting to plan for the future as I don't have an electric vehicle yet. Nice to get some professional thoughts on the matter. Thanks for the all the work, learnt a lot.

[@Βόρειο_Σέλας]

If you live in a sunny location like WA or QLD the solar will probably pay off very quickly and only if you are charging during the day (when the sun is shining) Wind power is another one but just like solar they are very unreliable the same as the EV chargers on the street. Personally I enjoy my diesel 4wd with 1500 Km range. EVs need another 10 years to have better battery technology, at the moment they are very heavy and inefficient.

[@Shmaybe]

@@Βόρειο_Σέλας I agree with you on all points. I'm somewhat betting that within the next 5 years we will have huge energy costs increases. I'm hoping to reduce my cost via solar and 1 EV.

[@oggyoggy1299]

@@Βόρειο_Σέλας Inefficient? At 20-25% of the cost of diesel per kilometre.

[@NovoAnts]

Excellent video. It can be quite confusing for someone about to get an EV. I am looking at getting the Tesla M3 and as they don’t include the mobile charger now I’ll be getting that as I rent. Also now after watching your video I might grab a Level 2 charger and throw that in the car. Well done and thanks for making this video.

[@oosh82]

Very good overview.. thanks.

[@CelicaHwyn]

Great video. Regarding DC charging at Charging station, is it faster because of DC current or 3-phase AC current? Does the charging station actually produce DC current, which past straight through ev's AC to DC converter without damaging the converter? Or does the station produce AC current that gets converted by ev's converter as charging at home?

[@SolarQuotes]

@@CelicaHwyn it produces DC which uses different pins to AC (hence larger plug) and bypasses the AC charger in the car. So car’s AC charger is no longer limiting the charge rate.

[@CelicaHwyn]

@SolarQuotes 1. So when DC current going through the AC-to-DC inverter in the car without causing any damage to the car's inverter? 2. Is the fast DC charging station is actually powered by a large AC-to-DC inverter inside it? Sorry for asking dump questions.😁

[@SolarQuotes]

@@CelicaHwyn 1. DC current BYPASSES the AC to DC inverter in the car. It literally goes through different wires. 2. Grid powered DC charging stations convert AC grid power to DC, yes.

[@vk3dgn]

Solar charging is tricky when the electricity distributor won't let you have an inverter bigger than 5kW. Whilst it's cheaper (per 100km) to fill up with electricity rather than petrol, the additional cost of EV's and the extra charging infrastructure mean you have to drive enormous distances to economically justify an EV over petrol. I live about 300km outside Melbourne and will not be owning an EV due to lack of charging infrastructure and the long charge times. In Victoria roughly 70% of electricity generation comes from burning brown coal. I note too that S.A. and Tasmania import lots (up to 50%) of dirty power from Victoria (refer NEM Dashboard).

[@buggiesandboars]

Great video. You could have mentioned that some EVs have the ability to supply power to your house like a Tesla power wall, making EV cars even more appealing. When I eventually get an ev, I'll be making sure it has the ability to act like a power wall, as I rarely travel more than 50 to 100km a day, leaving surplus power to run our house at night.

[@SolarQuotes]

Great point! We originally planned to have V2G as the final section. But the section was so long we made it a standalone video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn6lomiBhbSFfc0

[@willc2312]

this have been the msot helpful video i have seen yet. thank you

[@ElectricCarAustralia]

Thanks for an easy to understand video on charging for general community. We really love using a smart solar EV charger (evse) so we're only using solar. Currently the Fronius Wattpilot go is do a fantastic at this. 🔋☀️⚡

[@SolarQuotes]

Thank you. The Fronius Wattpilot is a fantastic charger if you have a Fronius inverter. It has OCPP too so it’s future proof 🎉.

[@davidlowton3423]

@@SolarQuotes Would be great to have you guys do some review videos on different EV Chargers 🤔

[@SolarQuotes]

@@davidlowton3423 we are planning to do this. Currently, my favourite is Delta or Wallbox, with Fronius as the obvious choice if you have a Fronius inverter.

[@jeffwilliams5671]

Great video - thank you! Only question I had is, if charging overnight, how can you program the charging so the car is charged from the grid and the battery powers the house?

[@alanfurlong-drummer4419]

A brilliant video thank you.

[@rogerpearson9081]

Lots of good Info thanks Finn. Foregoing the solar FIT is only really a minor consideration when you look at the piddling amount you get for it. I only get 5c a kWh so it would be a no brainer to save the $12/100 I spend on my car ( 7l/100 @ $1.70litre) and sacrifice the $2.50 FIT for 50kW of electricity which would be over 200ks of range. Huge saving win for the EV even if it uses some grid electricity. Looking forward to EV ownership one day.

[@SolarQuotes]

Totally agree - much more valuable to put in the car then export to the grid for most people.

[@troyh5955]

Thx Finn great info. I am still in concept phase ATM. I want to have a Tesla powerwall 3 on my future home build and also have a V2G connection for a future EV. My plan would be to have a master switch that can simulate a blackout to my powerwall so it functions off grid at all times. In addition as much solar on the roof as I can fit and literally use the V2G only when the powerwall gets low. Could you possibly put together a short video on how YOU would do this to maximise both the powerwall and EV lives"

[@SolarQuotes]

If/When the Powerwall 3 is released we'll see what's possible. The Powerwall 2 has a 'go off grid' button already. V2G integration will be the tricky bit.

[@alexyang9046]

So detailed and comprehensive, thanks a lot. One question please Is the type 2 charger Chargerfox supplied AC or DC?

[@schapman167]

Hi Finn, can you provide more details on "getting paid to charge" you EV from home, i haven't been able to find much information about it online. Thanks

[@271830066]

QUESTION: After you finish charging while at home once it’s done should I disconnect it or keep it plugged in

[@GonzaloBrionesPerezDeLaBlanca]

Amazing. Thank you very much, very very interesting. Just wondering what's your opinion on Fast portable charger single phase (7kW 32A) plug type 3 pin, for my MG4 Excite 51? are they reliable?, Would I have to install a special socket?

[@fotoamgamgfoto3695]

Hi I bought a simple Type 2 Mennekes plug to Scucko socket for my electric motorcycle which only has a computer power cable socket so 1kW AC needed. When the AC Type 2 stations has socket it fits in and works fine, but there are Type 2 EV charge stations with Type 2 cable instead of socket. In the cable end my Type 2 plug does not touch the pins, the plastic spacing is too long. Can I cot a centimeter from the plastic plug end just to fit both socket and cable Type 2 chargers?

[@AzizBamyani]

Super useful information Mate. Much appreciated 😊

[@carloslakerdis]

Thanks for a fantastic video Finn. You have helped me immensely on my way to becoming a EV Owner.

[@robhaitch5544]

I often charge at negative grid prices with Amber in SA.

[@mews56]

Does it come with a tap & pay charging meter ? so the garage can be franchised rented out for business!? with all visitors to just tap & pay !! when using the ev charging meter with a vending machines or membership gyms & car share programs

[@VietconGG]

Is there a alternativ to charging hq for the eu market?

[@kenlee5461]

Hi, great video. I'm in Sydney. what apps do you use to determine where the chargers are located?

[@alisterwood8440]

That was an excellent video. Thank you very much 👍

[@peterburdett8131]

Awesome review. I recently bought a Tesla M3LR & am surviving happily with the L1 charger supplied with the ca r with15 Amp socket already installed in my garage.( Yep just got in time ) I only charge from my 10 Kw solar using Charge HQ. My biggest concern is the cost of smart meters, L2 chargers & cables as I can drive a long way for a cable that might give me free charging. Also I can’t go past the Tesla wall charger @ $750 when most others are $1K and above and again I can drive a long way on the extra cost of after market chargers. Any thoughts on the Tesla wall charger?

[@martinhollett3160]

I’m in QLD and have 10kW solar and 3 phase 16amp. Using the Tesla Gen 3 wall connector with ChargeHQ and couldn’t be happier. On sunny days I’m able to push over 7 kW just using excess solar. If I need a quick charge I’ve got the full 11kW available from the grid.

[@VitalStatistics-t7t]

Great video Finn. Except for the 'twenty yards'. Are they front yards or back yards? My backyard is way larger than my front yard... I'm confused. And Australian... and metric...

[@forzer456]

Could you cover the difference between fixed and variable energy rates. Is there really a difference and maybe you could use fixed rate for some of your examples.

[@evandenning9983]

Hi Finn, thank you so much for this excellent video. I recently purchased a GWM Ora EV and the same looking Type 1 to Type 2 adapter cable that you used at the Port Elliot Type 1 charging station. When I try and charge at this station it looks like it is trying to charge and then it cuts out after 2-3 seconds. Do you think it is my car. I can see on the web site that Tesla’s and a Nissan Leaf have been able to charge in recent times. Many thanks Evan

[@OldFliersGroup]

For the record, in WA, Synergy's EV off-peak rate is 19.0698c/kWh. They have withdrawn offer to new sign-ups.

[@chriskeane4917]

Hi you didn’t mention how long to charge the Tesla at home with the level 2 3 phase charger

[@SolarQuotes]

Charging at 11kW, you'll fill up a Model 3 Long Range battery in around 7-8 hours.

[@Pilch9]

Great video, very informative. I would recommend an NPV approach to the calculation for solar panels and other capital expenditure before comparing like for like with the base case. Capital costs other than the car shouldn’t be ignored or else it’s not really correct…🤔

[@brettpenridge2774]

Hey Finn, great video. Not sure of the rules in SA but I am just in the process of installing a type 2 charger at home in Brisbane. With Energex, you can only connect above 20A on a tariff. So either capped at ~4.6kW for 24/7 supply or additional costs for the full ~7kW on a tariff.

[@SolarQuotes]

Good point. We should have covered that crazy rule which appears to be unique to Energex. I suspect they’ll have to scrap it at some point when QLD EV owners start realising how restrictive it is!

[@ratsac]

Great vid! Thanks for doing an up to date vid on Australian charging. So many web pages and vids about sprouting out of date info.

[@SolarQuotes]

@@ratsac yes - it changes quickly - plan on doing this at least annually

[@LWS874]

Ive heard nsw has similar with there electrical suppliers. Better than qld at 25amps

[@brettpenridge2774]

@@jondoe5536 If you don’t have a tariff installed already (electric hot water, pool pump, etc) then the installer needs to raise a ticket with Energex to get the meter updated before they connect above 20A. I’m currently now waiting until 9th March to get this done before I can fully commission my “smart” solar EVSE. Also the tariffs don’t make sense for EVSE’s as they guarantee 18hrs supply in a day - I could see a situation (although unlikely) that Energex shuts down my tariff supply whilst I’m using my own solar to charge my vehicle.

[@Yassous83]

Thank you so much for putting this video together 🙏

[@MrkBO8]

The big question with EV charging is how long will it take to charge your car when there a couple of hundred other EV owners who all want to leave the weekend holiday destination at 3pm on Sunday afternoon to get home ands be ready for work on Monday morning. Eg, I like to go skiing, Thredbo has 3 chargers, one of which is only available to the residents of unit #17 of one of the lodges. There is typically about 1,000 cars all wanting to leave after the lifts close, rough calculations show it will take about 3 weeks before you can charge your car.

[@SolarQuotes]

Yup, that's a problem during peak periods right now. Luckily EV charging infrastructure is being built out quickly. Its early days...

[@MrkBO8]

@@SolarQuotes At current rates of extraction it will take just on 200 years to dig up the Copper to transition to EV's but all Copper mines are suffering declining ore grades and the Cu price is tipped to hit $USD100,000 ton in about ten years because of this but the real issue is its going to take 9,000 years to dig up the Lithium. We need to stop growing food crops for export and start growing fuel crops. EV's are not a viable solution for society.

[@SolarQuotes]

@@MrkBO8 I don't think this video is for you 🙂

[@SolarQuotes]

also: twitter.com/AukeHoekstra/status/1620549831927406592

[@MrkBO8]

@@SolarQuotes I have purchased a lot of leads from Solar Quotes though so we do agree on other things and I admit I'm using the comment section to criticize govt policy by proxy. My figures are from the US Geological Survey, this is a real issue and it appears that society is being treated like lemmings and being driven over a cliff for political expedience.

[@1Psychlone]

I have 10kw of panels and 15kw of batteries. How would I charge the ev at night without consuming the battery?

[@SolarQuotes]

Great question. At the moment this is hard to do. The Powerwall can be configured to let you only charge the car from a cheap grid tariff but other batteries need other methods. One tactic is to leave the charging as late as possible so the battery is as empty as possible. We plan to do a post on this. What battery do you have?

[@1Psychlone]

@@SolarQuotes I went with the Huawei mainly because of the ease of expanding in 5kw increments.

[@KetuaAgain]

Is there any danger to use the charger when it is raining?

[@OldFliersGroup]

Feedback: A 15amp socket at a caravan park's power stand in most cases can't accept the Tesla 15amp plug. The cable is offset and gets in the way of the box's door frame. There is a work-a-round.

[@desireerice3699]

bloody fantastic video. trying to learn all I can as gonna buy a BDO DOLPHINE. wish me luck.

[@dazrichie897]

Great video, well communicated.

[@archiedonley7383]

Thnx Finn. I am about to get a Tesla model 3 and I hear 2 conflicting things. Firstly it's recommended to keep plugged in overnight....but...the battery has an effective 2,000-cycle life. If I only drive 50kms per day I would use 1 cycle per day, but if I plugged it in every 5th or 6th day I would would extend the life of the battery by a factor of 5. What do you recommend?

[@SolarQuotes]

From Tesla: "There is no advantage to waiting until the Battery’s level is low before charging. In fact, the Battery performs best when charged regularly." Also you will be getting a LFP Model 3? In which case try to get it to 100% at least once per week. and never let it drop to 0%. If you plug it in most nights (or days if you are at home) this achieves these 2 aims.

[@charliecrittenden3942]

great vid just wondering what companies provide a wholesale price in Australia

[@SolarQuotes]

Amber Electric - but to be clear they *pass through* the wholesale cost - you still have to pay other charges - so the price you pay/receive will be slightly different to the wholesale price

[@Rawprawned]

What an eye opener, so so complex. I just bought an IONIQ 5 and the Hyundai the ocular charger, which I don’t think is OCPP. Many thanks for this video much appreciated, no sure my electricity provider in Brisbane provider OCPP compliance etc.

[@SolarQuotes]

Just looked up ocular on our EC charger comparison chart: www.solarquotes.com.au/electric-vehicles/compare-ev-chargers/ The Ocular Home does not have OCPP, but the IQ does.

[@Rawprawned]

Many thanks very much appreciated, it’s an add on $250, I am not sure my supplier provides for OCPP, I will watch some more of your videos. Thanks again

[@dann5515]

so how does DC cahrger fee work? Do they charge kW/hr or just one fees applies to all kwH speed no matter if it 50kwH/hr or 150kwH/hr?

[@SolarQuotes]

Typically, the higher the power output the higher the cost per kWh.

[@dann5515]

@@SolarQuotes thank for the reply. So if i go to 350kWH charger for example is costing 60c p/kwH and if your car only support max to 150 kWH or even if it max at 50kWH are they still cost 60c p/kwH?

[@BrendanFitzgeraldqld]

Hi, Origin Energy told me it was illeagle to have a home charger unless I get an off Peak meter in Queensland. Is this true and why?

[@SolarQuotes]

Great Question. QLD has some uniquely stupid rules when it comes to EV chargers. If you want a hardwired EV charger that charges at more than 20A (4.6 kW) , yes you must get connected to an economy, or controlled, tariff and the charger must be connected to that meter. That means you'll have charging available for a minimum of 18 hours per day - and are unlikely to be able to charge in the evening peak (typically 4pm-10pm). I hear some people are asking their sparky to install a 32A socket, for a portable charger, which can charge at 7 kW - but a quick look at the rules show this is not allowed either! If you have 3-phase to your house, you can legitimately get around this restriction by simply buying a hard wired 3-phase car charger.

[@mariogirod6195]

Nice to see that you Australians have decided to also use CCS2 like us in Europe.

[@chrisperera2818]

Doesn’t Nissan still use the Type 1 plug for the Leaf?

[@SolarQuotes]

Oops! The current Nissan Leaf uses Type 2 for AC charging, but still uses CHAdeMO for DC charging (not CCS). I've added a correction to the DC charging part of the video.

[@LouisPeppie]

We don’t even own a ev, and we will probably never have the money to get one, however this was a amazing video.

[@SolarQuotes]

Thank you!

[@xefour]

Does anyone know where to find providers that will offer to pay us to use electricity during surplus? Couldn’t find anything online.

[@SolarQuotes]

Amber Electric: www.amber.com.au/

[@xefour]

Fantastic video! Thanks for such great content. Question. I charge my EV at home from solar. When my solar is producing 10kW during the day time I charge my EV at 8kW to avoid using the grid. From my understanding of your comments. Even though I’m not using the grid. I still pay for charging even though its 100% solar generated AC electricity being used? Therefore I am still paying for using my solar generated energy, because I’m not feeding it into the grid, I pay the feed-in tariff amount for consuming it? Doesn’t make sense but that’s how I understood your comments.

[@xefour]

That entire paradigm doesn’t make sense. The entire point of solar is to generate free electricity for your home. I have a Tesla wall connector. I can monitor the solar production and the Tesla consumption. I find it difficult to believe that if I use the solar for my home it’s free but if I choose to charge my EV it’s at the rate of my feed-tariff. I feel your comment around charging from solar isn’t free might be misconstrued

[@xefour]

@@jondoe5536 ok that makes “cents” lol. They way he phrased it doesn’t make sense. With that logic any power your house consumes, you could also say your not getting your feed-in tariff. Solar charging your EV is free if you avoid the grid.

[@xefour]

@@jondoe5536 I made a video about this exact topic with my Solar and Tesla MY. I demonstrate how I use solar to charge my car for free. My last power bill was $6. That’s for my house and 100% EV charging at home. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aajci2V4pNmSnNk

[@xefour]

@@jondoe5536 you might find this interesting. We have 13.3kW solar array + a 10kW inverter. When we sold our 2022 Subaru Forester for the Tesla, we calculated how much we spent on fuel each year. Aside from the long road trip a few times a year. We charge 100% at home. With that in mind, we calculated how much $ on petrol we save/year. Plus our energy bills are little to nothing for the house. Having the EV and charging at home dramatically increases the return on the solar investment. Roughly within 2.5 years, we will have paid off our solar setup. Then it’s savings only. We are now selling our other petrol guzzler and getting a second EV. Which will again increase the rate of which we pay off our solar setup. I’m hoping our next EV will support bi-directional charging. No point in purchasing a home battery when your car can do it.

[@user-Rocket-Fest]

where do I charge on the Gunbarrel or Gibb River?

[@richardlester5497]

EVs are not for everyone yet, but I think you’ll find that they do have electricity in most places. Even out there.

[@Neilhoh3]

Ignorance is bliss, still, in this day and age?

[@michaelfink64]

Great explanations, Finn. A minor correction: the Model 3 charges at up to 250 kW. I recently charged my Model 3 from 22% at a Tesla supercharger and (briefly) got a peak rate of 245 kW.

[@SolarQuotes]

Wow - that's impressive! You must have the long-range/performance? The standard range Model 3 is a little slower.

[@michaelfink64]

@@SolarQuotes Hi Finn, yes, I have a Performance Model 3 (took delivery in Dec 2019). Just completed a month long tour of your fair state and had a ball. Only snag was that the Tesla destination charger at our accommodation on Kangaroo Island had been disconnected the week before (the electrical set up of the property was clearly not up to the task and the charger was tripping the breaker for the whole house). Only found out after we tried to charge without success. We had to hire an ICE vehicle for a couple of days on KI. Otherwise, we did pretty well and even went to Flinders Ranges.

[@Nerdificationing]

Can you do charger rankings?

[@SolarQuotes]

We have a charger comparison table here: www.solarquotes.com.au/electric-vehicles/compare-ev-chargers/ And a chart of brands we trust here: www.solarquotes.com.au/electric-vehicles/ev-charging-guide/#chargers-brands-australia

[@Nerdificationing]

@@SolarQuotes Thanks - I meant like the video of the ones installers recommend.

[@PeterPanQuails]

Given these Level 2 charging cable can be quite expensive, I wonder if someone can simply nab it away while you leave the car unattended when charging.

[@TheYoyoma3]

Thanks for the video. If I have 3 phased power, are you saying I can charge 3 phased with 10amp if I buy a special socket? Sorry I’m confused because do I need to install special socket for 3 phase if my home already has 3 phase power? Can you link any examples please!

[@SolarQuotes]

Good question. All regular power sockets in an Australian home are single-phase. Even if you have 3-phase power to your home - your sockets will only use one of those phases. So you can only get 10A, single phase from your current sockets. If you want 3-phase power on tap via a socket, you need to get an electrician to run a 3-phase cable to the location and then install a special 5-pin, 3-phase socket. You can then plug a 3-phase charger into that socket and charge your car at a theoretical maximum of 22 kW (will be dependent on car's AC charging speed).

[@TheYoyoma3]

@@SolarQuotes thanks!!

[@TheYoyoma3]

@@SolarQuotes sorry one more question because I was looking at the Tesla wall charger and it’s website says that it’s 11kwh charging only? So it’s actually faster to just pay for a special 3 phased socket instead?

[@martinhollett3160]

Model 3 & Y can only charge at 11kW AC max anyway. For 3 phase you can run each phase at 16amps to get the full 11kW throughput. Tesla Gen 3 wall connector can run with this config and be plumbed directly without needing to install a 3 phase socket.

[@R1CK_54NCH3Z]

If you have DC coming in from your solar panels to the inverter, wouldn't it be better to pass through from the panels to the DC input of the car through a DC to DC converter instead of converting it to AC through the house inverter the cars AC to DC conversion, cutting on DC-AC then AC-DC conversion losses?

[@SolarQuotes]

In theory, yes - but a) the losses are less than 5%, and b) the power direct from the panels would often jump all over the place

[@R1CK_54NCH3Z]

@SolarQuotes I would have expected higher losses through inverting to AC and then rectifying back to DC over straight Dc to DC conversion and unless there are regular clouds or other obstructions of the panels you would get steady production of DC, and surely the DC to DC converter would cut out safely at a low voltage at the panel side.

[@deneward8194]

Excellent video. Very informative 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@SolarQuotes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nickborrrego]

Keep up the good work Finn!

[@katehobbs2008]

I use about 7 litres/100 km and pay about $1.69/litre on cheap days, ie about $12/100km. Even so I have had solar panels installed which comfortably run my entire household in the daytime (hot water, oven, washing machine, dishwasher, lights, clothes dryer, TVs)(I currently have a gas cooktop). I intend to buy an electric car which will also comfortably charge in my garage as I am home a lot in the daytime. Yay no petrol costs!

[@DAVIDMEINHART-jg3vg]

Cheap

[@gordonspond]

Liar.

[@katehobbs2008]

@@gordonspond not sure why you chose to think I am lying, but I assure you this is the truth. I live in Australia so my costs may be different to yours. Maybe you could express your scepticism more politely?

[@thelonewolf666]

lol, it will take 4 days to charge and cost you as much as petrol captain woke

[@triplex7144]

Incorrect​@@thelonewolf666

[@nevmcc3884]

When can we top er up without the obligatory App?

[@SolarQuotes]

It sure is a pain downloading a different app for each network. Most Chargefox chargers allow credit card taps without an app now at least (when they are working!)

[@dexmagpantay9849]

Finn, I’m down with OCPP! (waves arms high side to side) hey ho hey ho. Haha great video mate, very entertaining and even just the right amount of nudity😂👌

[@selgeaus]

We currently have 6kw solar panels on our roof. The problem is there is no more space to fit more panels..

[@Costikeke]

three phase charge speed??

[@SolarQuotes]

Three phase chargers can do up to 22kW AC. Most EVs can only charge at around 11kW AC.

[@chriswood841]

Awesome video mate. Thanks

[@johnrogers1423]

Given that 15 amp and 20 amp circuits use the same 2.5 mm cable they should cost the same amount to install. If using a Tesla Mobile Connector a 20 am tail would be needed.

[@Realist-m9c]

in WA 6kw is the maximum solar capacity for households!

[@markshaker8567]

in WA we are now limited to 1.5Kw into the grid. So really charging your car is free. I think i am only paid 3c per Kw now (waiting on the bill) I have installed an additional 7 Kw with a 13.6Kw battery. New tarrifs here are 8c in the day, 50c from 3 to 9pm then 15c at night.

[@SolarQuotes]

Yes! For you, almost all the solar going into the car will be free energy! In my defence - I did qualify the statement with "if you would otherwise a feed-in tariff it's not free" 😀

[@CamFromOz]

Getting paid to charge the car, a wholesale pricing retailer with what type of charger?

[@SolarQuotes]

You can use Amber and ChargeHQ and a compatible charger (or car as the car can also control charging). Compatibility list here: chargehq.net/kb/solar-data-support-register

[@andrewvasta9511]

Great video, thank you.

[@angusmcbraith]

What a great video, thank you

[@SolarQuotes]

Our pleasure!

[@CapitanoDyingByTheSword]

Anyone know of any channels that go in-depth into what is actually inside the charging cord? Not so interested in this watered down stuff

[@Vivrichards1]

Thanks Finn, great video

[@SolarQuotes]

Thank you.

[@edvoon]

There's some modern EVs that won't charge at 3-phase. So if your car is one of those (e.g. MG4, Nissan LEAF), there's no point paying more to buy a 22kW 3-phase Type2/Type2 cable when the 7kW 1-phase cable will charge it at exactly the same speed. Unless you're planning to upgrade to a faster charging car at a later time and want to keep the cable of course.

[@AusCharlie]

I like how you made an OPP joke then had to put the video in to explain the joke, I find jokes are infinitely more funny when they need to be explained.

[@SubieFun-kf9pn]

I can't imagine my 80 yo mother dragging the Type 2 cable out of the car to charge up halfway between Sydney and Melbourne. Let alone leaving a charging cable that can be stolen hanging out of the car and the charger. I'm also waiting for V2H/V2G to become a thing in QLD. I want to go electric, but it seems we're not there yet.

[@TheFunkshwae]

Awesome vid cheers

[@SolarQuotes]

Thanks 👍

[@gabecodina]

Wow its like you live in a different country, all those options for electricity providers. Why do North Queensland only get no choice of one single company

[@Skywolf76]

I have a first generation MG ZS EV, and Type 2 charging is limited by the car to 7kW/single phase. So it did not make sense for me to buy a 3-phase charging cable. Make sure you know your car's limits.

[@SolarQuotes]

I would argue that - for an extra few tens of dollars it's worth having a future-proof cable - your next car will probably be able to charge at faster than 7 kW AC...

[@Skywolf76]

@@SolarQuotes Fair enough. That said, my last car lasted 12 years. Who knows what the chargers in another decade look like. As long as you know what you're doing and why, I think you'll be good.

[@seanz7804]

Thanks 🙏

[@dodelphi]

Great explanation. EV's are the future, but dear lord how painful is the journey to be with the various L1/2/3 chargers, cables, adapters and public charging station constraints/availablity with the typical technical problems etc. Does my head in. I'll be delaying as much as possible until all the fuss is sorted.

[@ivanblakely903]

not sure the comparison between 7 km/kWhr and 10 l/100km for petrol is fair. my Outlander PHEV MY19 gets about 3km per kWhr when operating "pure EV". By comparison, a fuel consumption test for a tank full when car is working as a hybrid (ie battery drained from start to finish) returns about 7 litres/100km. At $2 per litre of fuel, that works out at 14c per km. The car only has the small battery given PHEV and we only charge via our solar. However, if I had to pay the 60c common price per kWhr at public charging then the cost would be 20c per km. So for us, petrol is cheaper than that, and looking for a cheaper low power charger is not worth the effort.

[@SolarQuotes]

Ivan - #1 your PHEV's electrical efficiency is absolutely awful. A modern EV will do better than double that efficiency. #2 The typical EV owner will almost never pay 60c per kWh except when they are driving more than 400 km in one day and they are forced to use a DC fast charger. The vast majority of charging is done at home.

[@ivanblakely903]

​@@SolarQuotes I replied to this, but seems it was deleted. Not a good look

[@ausguy4385]

If charging DC is possible why no home DC charger... why waste power converting to AC and then back...