Just like keeping an eye on your fuel gauge, knowing where and how you charge an EV is an important part of your driving routine.
On top of your home charging outlet, shopping centres, car parks, hotels, and tourist spots across the country have public EV charging stations and there’s even kerbside chargers being installed, helping the increasing number of EVs on the road power up.
Here’s what you need to know about charging at home, work and all the stops along the way.
An electric vehicle (EV) can be charged using a standard electrical power point. The time it takes will depend on the make and model, but generally, you can expect it to be fully charged in 8–12 hours.
Most vehicles will also allow you to automatically set the times for charging, enabling you to take advantage of any applicable off-peak rates. Faster charging is also available at your home or office through specialised equipment.
Dedicated EV chargers (also known as level two chargers) allow for a much faster charging speed at home [or work?]. They’re ideal for households that want to make the most of their energy usage and can fully charge an EV overnight.
If you have solar, you may want to consider getting a solar-optimised EV home charger. These chargers link in with suitable solar systems and can be programmed to charge your car during peak sunshine hours, or during cheaper off-peak times if the weather isn’t ideal. Adding a battery to your home solar setup may give you other benefits.
Many new model EVs have bi-directional capability, which means you can use your EV battery to power other things. This comes in a few different forms, including vehicle-to-load (V2L), which can help to charge or power small electronics when there’s no other power source. You can use it when camping or in an emergency, like these people did during Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) are two other methods of bi-directional charging. This technology enables you to charge your compatible EV battery during cheaper off-peak times (or when on a specific EV plan), and then use any leftover charge to power your home during more expensive, peak demand times. Or give back to the grid when needed. Trials are currently underway in Australia and, ARENA has set out a roadmap so we can see the benefits of these types of bi-directional charging locally over the next 10 years.
On a tethered charger, the cable that connects to your car is permanently attached to the charging station. With untethered chargers, the cable can be disconnected from both ends (the car and the charger). Untethered cables can be useful to leave in your car to use at public charging stations.
AGL sell home chargers and have both tethered and untethered options.
If your day involves driving further than your EV’s range, there are thousands of public charging stations in Australian metropolitan and regional areas.
Placed in convenient locations, you can charge your vehicle while you’re at work or top-up while doing your grocery shopping. It’s reassuring to have options if you haven’t been able to get a full charge at home, helping to relieve any potential range anxiety.
You’ve probably noticed public stations around where you live or work, and this Plugshare map will help you find a suitable and available charging point close to you.
The refueling costs of an EV are typically significantly less than a traditional petrol car. In an average electric car, with charging costs based on an assumed rate of $0.33 per kWh1, 100km can cost between $5 and $62.
While the same distance in an average petrol car is likely to cost around $13 to $15, depending on the fuel price and the vehicle’s fuel efficiency3.
It will take a Level 2 smart charger one to two hours to recharge 40-100 kms, while a Level 3 charger can give you between 150-300km per hour. This is a lot more than your Level 1 charger using a standard electrical point, which gives you around 10-20km in range per hour. These times are a guide and depend on the conditions and the type of car you have.
If we were to compare electric vehicles by model, cars with bigger batteries, like the Tesla Model S at 100kWh, for example, would cost around $33 to charge fully (assuming an electricity rate of $0.33 per kWh1).
Whereas a BYD Dolphin with a 44.9 kWh battery size would be fully charged (from 0-100%) for $14.82 (assuming an electricity rate of $0.33 per kWh1). So, like larger petrol-powered vehicles have higher fuel costs and tank capacity than smaller models, electric vehicle charging costs largely depend on the model and battery size.
1 Figure is for demonstrative purposes only. The actual electricity rate depends on the customer’s home energy plan rates and how much they charge at home as opposed to via public charging stations, which attract higher fees. See an estimate for potential running cost savings for your circumstances by using AGL's Electrify Now estimator tool.
2 This calculation assumes an EV efficiency rate of 17kWh per 100km which is an average used by the Electric Vehicle Council. Different EVs will have different baseline efficiency rates and multiple other factors (including temperature, driving conditions, driving style and terrain) will impact the real-world efficiency rate achieved.
3 This calculation assumes a fuel price of between $13-$15 and fuel efficiency rate of 6.9 litres per 100km which is the average fuel efficiency for new cars in Australia cited by the Climate Council
4 Charging costs based on an assumed rate of $0.33 per kWh multiplied by the applicable efficiency rate (in the case of ‘estimated charging cost per 100 kms’) or battery size (in the case of ‘estimated full battery charging costs’). The actual electricity rate depends on the customer’s home energy plan rates and how much they charge at home as opposed to via public charging stations, which attract higher fees.
5 Figures taken from the Australian Government's Green Vehicle Guide (GVG). The information used in the GVG is supplied directly by vehicle manufacturers and, to ensure consistency, checked against information supplied to the Government as part of the Australian Design Rule certification process. It is true as of June 2025.
Charge your vehicle at any time on our EV electricity plan, plus you’ll receive bonus credits towards your bill.
