As more Australians hit the roads in electric vehicles, understanding the ins and outs of EV charging is key. After all, keeping powered up and roadworthy is the name of the game. One big decision is whether to go with a portable cable or a wall-mounted charger for your EV. These options might seem straightforward, but they each have their quirks and benefits. 

What is a portable cable EV charger?

Most EVs on the market come with a portable AC Type 2 charging cable. These work very simply. One end plugs into your car and the other into a household wall socket, so one of the main advantages of a portable cable is its versatility. This means you can charge your EV wherever and whenever there is an electrical outlet available, whether you’re at home, at work or on the go. 

However, portable cables are generally slower than wall-mounted charging stations, especially when plugged into a standard household outlet. Charging your EV with a portable cable can take several hours, depending on your EV battery size, the EV’s charging rate and the cable’s charging speed. 

What is a wall-mounted EV charger?

A wall-mounted EV charger is a more permanent – and usually powerful – charging solution that is installed on a wall or a pedestal. Faster and more powerful than portable cables, they offer higher charging rates and shorter charging times. 

AC wall-mounted chargers are also more durable and weather-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use, or they can be easily installed in your garage. As they utilise a dedicated 240-volt household electrical circuit, wall-mounted chargers can deliver much higher charging rates than portable cables, allowing you to charge your EV in a fraction of the time. Some wall-mounted chargers can charge ten times faster than a plug-in one.

Additionally, many wall-mounted chargers are compatible with a load of smart charging features, allowing you to schedule charging times and monitor charging status from your smartphone. There are also dedicated wall-mounted EV chargers that connect with home solar systems and allow you to charge up on sunshine.

Is having a dedicated home charger safer? 

Having a dedicated home EV charging station offers significant safety advantages over standard plug-in portable chargers. A professionally installed Level 2 charger is connected to a dedicated circuit specifically designed to handle the high-power demands of EV charging. This prevents overloading your home’s existing circuits, which is a risk when using Level 1 chargers plugged into general-use outlets. These chargers also often come with advanced safety features such as surge protection and weather protection to reduce the risk of potential fires or electric shocks.

Which home EV charging solution should I choose?

The choice between a portable cable and a wall-mounted Level 2 EV charger depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you primarily charge your EV at home and want faster charging speeds, a wall-mounted charger will be a good investment. As there’s a dedicated circuit for the appliance and the option to have a heat and smoke alarm installed at the same time, they can be reassuringly safe. Plus, with lots of smart functionalities, you have the ability to program the wall-mounted charger to come on at night when off-peak energy rates are low.

Remember that wall-mounted EV chargers require professional installation. ActewAGL’s dedicated evCharge service can take care of everything, from quote to installation to aftercare.

However, if you would rather eschew the cost and simply require the flexibility to charge your EV wherever there is an electrical outlet available or just leave it juicing up overnight, a portable cable may still be enough for your charging needs. 

Summary

  • Portable cable EV chargers are included with most EVs and plug into household wall socket for charging. They offer versatility, allowing charging wherever there’s an electrical outlet. 
  • Wall-mounted EV chargers require permanent, professional installation on a wall or pedestal. Faster and more powerful than portable cables, they offer higher charging rates of up to 22kW on three-phase power, charging ten times faster than a plug-in portable cable.
  • Dedicated home EV charging solutions come with advanced safety features to prevent electrical overload, fires, and electric shocks.

Are you considering making the switch to an electric vehicle? Save time and money and stay fully charged with exclusive access to electric vehicle charging solutions and information to support you on your EV journey, all available through ActewAGL’s evHub. Find out more here.