Electric Vehicles (EVs) are cruising onto roads in increasing numbers, and with them comes the need for a solid network of charging stations. In this post, we’ll explore the current state of public charging infrastructure and help you choose the perfect home EV charger for your needs.
The state of EV charging in Australia
EV owners in Australia will likely see 2024 as a good year, as it is shaping up to be a year of significant progress in charging infrastructure. Compared to 2023, more public fast-charging sites are being built.
Next System released an analysis early this year that found several car-charging sites surged by 90% in Australia in 2023. Another report from Public Fast Charger Network showed AU had 397 car-charging sites and 755 new charging points built last year, which represented a 90% year-on-year growth in the number of charging sites, 83% growth in the total number of charging points, and 93% growth in charging capacity. It predicted that the number would rise significantly this year.
Charging stations are already planned for another 470 locations throughout the nation, and 870 new charging sites could be expected this year, bringing the total to over 1,600 by the end of 2024.
However, the question arises: is a home EV charger still a worthwhile investment with this growing network of public options? Absolutely!
Owning a home charger provides unparalleled convenience. You can top up your EV at your own pace, even overnight, to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates and potentially utilise solar power for an even more sustainable charge. As EV charger affordability improves, the combination of public and private charging infrastructure becomes even more enticing for potential EV owners.
Top EV chargers for your home in 2024
Tesla Wall Connector | MyEnergi Zappi | FIMER Flexa AC Wallbox | Fronius Wattpilot | GoodWe HCA Series | |
Single phase or three phase | Both | Both | Both | Both | Both |
Rated power | 7 kW / 11 kW | 7 kW / 22 kW | 7.4 kW / 22 kW | 22 kW | 7 kW / 11 kW / 22 kW |
Cable length | 7.3 metres | 6.5 metres | 5 metres | N/A | 6 metres |
Charging modes | Fast, scheduled | Eco, Eco+, Fast | Eco Mode, Next-Trip Mode, Time Scheduler | Fast charge, Charging from PV only and from PV and battery only | |
Internet connection | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | 4 years | 3 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
Price (not including installation) | $800 | $1,595 | $1,700 | $1,800 | $850 |
Tesla Wall Connector
One of the best EV chargers today is the Tesla Wall Connector. It can add up to 71km of range per hour of charging and has a 7.3m cable. The Tesla Wall Connector is highly compatible, as it can be installed in homes, apartments, hospitality buildings, and workplaces.
It is designed to charge EVs with up to 22 kW of power, whether you live in a single-phase or three-phase home. You can choose from two charging modes: fast or scheduled. However, it doesn’t come with a display. The warranty for the Tesla Wall Connector is four years.
MyEnergi Zappi
Made in the UK, MyEnergi Zappi is a simple-to-use EV charging unit available in a 7kW single-phase or 22 kW three-phase with three modes of home charging: Eco, Eco+, and fast. It provides between 40 to 100 kilometres of range per hour of charge. Its modular construction gives users plenty of large flat areas to use. It is also compatible with every EV, PHEV and e-Bike currently available on the Australian and New Zealand market.
Zappi can still operate like an ordinary EV charging point for those with no solar system, which it will import from the grid. Its standard support is OCCP, which means users can connect to an OCPP-compatible platform to control and manage the charging experience.
FIMER Flexa AC Wallbox
The FIMER Flexa AC Wallbox is available in a 7.4kW single-phase and 22 kW three-phase model. Users can choose from stand-alone, future net, or inverter net models. Designed and manufactured in Italy, it is built strong with IP54 and IK08 protection. It’s backed by SuperCap, which ensures a reliable and competitive solution to end the transaction and release the cable in case of a blackout.
Users can monitor it via Bluetooth using the dedicated myFIMERCharger app, which offers different levels of personalisation to meet customer needs.
Fronius Wattpilot
The Fronius Wattpilot is a transportable solution for maximum flexibility and is designed for convenience and portability. It comes in two versions and power categories: Home with fitted chargers 11 kW and 22 kW and Go with 22 kW power output. Whichever, users can charge their EVs via Eco mode or Next trip mode, which can be selected on the EV charger or through the Fronius solar. Watt pilot app.
It also has dynamic load balancing in which the amount of self-generated solar power available from the PV system and the maximum household load connected to the grid is used optimally. Users can charge up to three EVs at the same time.
GoodWe HCA Series
The GoodWe HCA Series is available in 7 kW single-phase and 11/22 kW three-phase models. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the HCA series can be wall—or pole-mounted and is IP66 protected against all weather conditions. Its SEMS monitoring platform integrates with the HCA charger, providing remote control and real-time data on charging sessions, energy consumption, and solar power generation.
Users don’t have to worry about space constraints as it can adapt to installation options. Plus, its compact and lightweight design makes installation and maintenance hassle-free.
Powering the future: Choosing the perfect EV charger for your lifestyle
EVs are well underway in Australia, fueled by a rapidly expanding charging infrastructure network. With a significant increase in public fast-charging stations planned for 2024, range anxiety will disappear. However, the convenience and potential cost-effectiveness of owning a home EV charger remain highly attractive.
You can choose the perfect EV charger to fit your lifestyle and charging needs by considering factors like charging speed, compatibility, features, and budget. Whether you opt for a sleek Tesla Wall Connector or a solar-powered Fronius Wattpilot, the future of electric mobility is bright, efficient, and ready to take you wherever you need to go.
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