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The cost of setting up and charging electric vehicles (EVs) varies depending on the type of charger and location. Home EV charging stations, crucial for most EV owners, typically range from $800 to $3000 for hardware, with installation costs averaging $600 to $1000.
Public charging stations, including Level 2 and Level 3 options, cost between $2000 to $3500 for hardware, with installation costs ranging from $6500 for garage installations to $45,000 to $95,000 for Level 3 stations.
How much does an EV charging station cost?
One of the main concerns of those contemplating purchasing an electric vehicle is charging them. This article will explain how much it costs to set up an electric vehicle charging station itself, how much it costs to charge an EV, and how to calculate how much it costs to charge your EV.
As all major car manufacturers release more affordable EVs with increasing range, electric vehicle adoption is rapidly growing in Australia. In the coming months, mass-market EVs will arrive on our shores, including the highly anticipated Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq, and the next-generation Nissan Leaf.
Setting up an EV charging station at home
Like a smartphone, most EV drivers will charge their batteries at home at night when the electricity prices are at their lowest. This means that you will start with a full charge almost every day.
Some EV drivers may not need the portable charger included with their vehicle. For example, those who drive Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, which have a range of 35-55km. These chargers plug into a home socket with a 15amp or 10amp outlet and can charge your car slowly for 6-12 hours. EVSE Australia recommends that an electrician inspect the socket to ensure it is safe.
An EV owner should consider a specific level 2 charging station for their vehicle. This will allow them to charge at higher speeds and has enhanced safety features. It also allows for connectivity to their smart home and solar PV system. The hardware, which can cost anywhere from $800 to $3000, will be the largest expense in setting up a Home EV charging station.
Setting up an AC EV charging station in public
Public charging stations for electric vehicles at work, car parks, shopping centres, and councils can be more costly than home chargers. Prices vary depending on how many stations are installed, what installation is used, and the site’s requirements.
Prices for single-port public EV charging stations hardware range from $2000 to $3500, depending on their features and brands. Public projects prefer Type 2 socket systems as they allow access to all EV drivers and minimise the potential damage from a tethered cable.
Garage and car park installations are more straightforward and cheaper options for public EV chargers. They typically cost about $6500, with the charger and wiring wall-mounted.
Setting up a DC EV charging station in public
Level 3 or DC-EV charging allows for rapid charge of electric vehicles up to 85% within 30 minutes. Currently, DC fast chargers are not available to all vehicles. You will need one of three connections to charge your electric vehicle- CCS, Tesla, or CHAdeMO. Public DC electric vehicle charging stations can be quite expensive, ranging between $45,000 to $95,000.
High hardware costs can add to the cost of installation. This is because of the constant need to install a transformer at 480V, upgrade the electrical supply, and permit the labour.
How much it costs to charge an EV in Australia
It can cost from $0.25 to $0.60 per kWh in Australia to charge an EV. It costs around $10 to $22 to fully charge a small electric car and $22.50 to $40 to recharge a long-distance vehicle fully.
The most important thing to consider when calculating charging costs is what EV charger you will use. Charging your electric vehicle at a rapid charger station is more expensive, but the charging time is reduced to just minutes.
Public Level 3 Charging Stations typically charge $0.45- $0.60 per Kilowatt. Level 2 Public Charging Stations typically charge $0.30 – $0.40 per Kilowatt. Level 1 Home Charging Stations typically cost $0.10 -0.25 kWh.
Even better, EV drivers will save nearly $4 daily by taking advantage of the 7.5kWh free charge at JOLT rapid-charging stations.
How much does it cost to charge at home?
To charge an electric vehicle at home it costs around $0.22/kWh. This figure is based on the average residential electricity cost in Australia. Rates can vary depending on where you live and how much time you use.
This is an example of how much it would cost to charge all of Australia’s electric cars at home. It was calculated using an average of $0.22/kWh.
Hyundai Ioniq Electric (290km/38.3kWh): $8.43
- Nissan Leaf (385km/60kWh): $13.20
- Hyundai Kona Electric (450km/65kWh): $14.30
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (520km/75kWh): $16.50
You should also consider the cost of installing and buying an EV charging station at your home. A level 1 charger is included in most electric cars. This allows you to charge your car from a 240v socket for long periods.
You will need to pay an additional fee to have a professional install a level 2 charger in your garage. A level 2 charger is usually between $850 and $2,000, plus installation costs.
How much does it cost to charge at a public electric vehicle charging station?
Level 2 public charging station
To charge your electric vehicle at an EV charging station level 2, it costs around $0.20 to $0.26
We’ll again put this in perspective by showing you how much it costs for a full charge of some of Australia’s most sought-after electric cars at a level 2 public charging station, based upon an average rate of $0.23/kWh
- Hyundai Ioniq Electric (290km/38.3kWh): $8.81
- Nissan Leaf (385km/60kWh): $13.80
- Hyundai Kona Electric (450km/65kWh): $14.96
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (520km/75kWh): $17.25
You will often find Level 2 chargers in shops and office blocks. However, you should be aware of additional fees such as parking fees.
Level 3 public charging station
To charge your electric car at an EV charging station level 3, it costs about $0.44- $0.60
This is a good example of how expensive it can be to charge some of Australia’s most coveted electric vehicles at a public level 3 charging station. We used an average $0.52/kWh rate.
- Hyundai Ioniq Electric (290km/38.3kWh): $19.92
- Nissan Leaf (385km/60kWh): $31.20
- Hyundai Kona Electric (450km/65kWh): $33.80
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (520km/75kWh): $39.00
To help with these costs, JOLT offers drivers a 7-kWh free charge each day at one of our level 3 fast charging stations. You could save as much as $3.20 to $4.50 each time you charge at a JOLT charging station.
Level 3 chargers, the fastest EV charging stations available on the market, are usually only available at public charging stations. These chargers are for drivers who need to charge their electric vehicles quickly.
