As electric vehicles continue to gain traction on Australian roads, one common question among prospective EV owners is whether their home chargers will work with other makes and models. An important consideration if multiple household members plan to switch to sustainable driving.

To help you navigate the diverse landscape of EV chargers, here we reveal all about charging compatibility and whether home charging solutions are universal.

What home charging cable does my EV come with?

Almost all new Australian EVs come with a standard Type 2 Mennekes charging cable for AC domestic charging. The charger is a seven-pin charging cable that connects your EV to a regular plug socket and mounted wall-box charger. 

In terms of charging speeds, your home plug socket will typically offer Level 1 trickle charging. According to Transport NSW, this delivers speeds of between 2.4kW-3.7kW, which adds somewhere between 10km – 20km of range per hour of charging. 

If you choose to have one fitted, a Level 2 wall-box charger may increase the single-phase charging power to 7.2kW, adding between 30km-45km of range an hour.

If you purchase an older, used EV, it may come with a Type 1 J1772 charging cable.

Is the Type 2 Mennekes charging cable universal?

Your EV’s Type 2 home charging cable will be compatible with all-electric vehicle makes and models. The exception is Nissan LEAFs produced before 2019. These EVs require a special Type 2 to Type 1 cable to charge.

You can connect all EVs with a Type 2 plug to your home charging cable, public charging stations or to wall boxes with a charging socket.

Should I buy an extra EV charging cable?

Having an extra cable can be beneficial if you frequently use public charging stations or travel to different locations. Not only will it serve as a backup in case your primary cable becomes damaged or malfunctions, a spare cable can also be a lifesaver, ensuring you’re not stranded without the ability to charge.

For peace of mind when out on the road, consider buying a second charging cable. Many AC public chargers are untethered, meaning bring your own cable. Keeping a spare charging cable on hand will ensure there is always a place for you to charge. Furthermore, its universal compatibility means you can use it on multiple EVs if your household has more than one.

Summary

  • Almost all new Australian EVs come with a Type 2 Mennekes charging cable for AC domestic charging as standard. 
  • When plugged into a wall socket, your home charger will deliver Level 1 charging speeds between 2.4kW-3.7kW.
  • A Level 2 wall-box charger may increase the single-phase charging power to 7.2kW.
  • Type 2 Mennekes charging cables are compatible with all EVs except pre-2019 Nissan LEAFs.
  • Buying a second EV charging cable is a sensible idea, especially for peace of mind on long journeys and if your household has more than one EV.

Are you considering making the switch to an electric vehicle? ActewAGL can help you effortlessly find, finance and charge your EV. Discover how ActewAGL can support your transition to sustainable driving today. Find out more here.

Sources

https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-advice/ev-charging-guide-home

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/electric-vehicles/charging-an-electric-vehicle

https://next.agl.com.au/evhub/will-my-charger-be-compatible-with-any-ev