Plugging In A Plug-In

Like anything else with batteries, an EV of the PHEV or BEV type (i.e., plug-in hybrid EVs and full battery EVs), will need to be plugged in and charged. In my previous article, I talked about the different types of charger and the different charging speeds.

However, there’s more to know if you’re new to the world of EVs and plugging in instead of filling up.  This is because different vehicles have different types of connectors or plugs. Obviously, you can only plug into something that has a compatible connector. This may sound confusing if you’re used to filling up a petrol or diesel tank, where one size fits all. However, if you’re used to negotiating all those different cables and chargers for Android phones, Apple phones, USB chargers and HDMI cables, then you will easily get the hang of the different connector types used in EVs.

There are a few basic types: Type 1, Type 2, CCS 2 and CHAdeMO. All of these have different pin patterns, meaning that you can’t plug the wrong one in by mistake (kind of makes you wish they had done something similar with ICE vehicles so that nobody put petrol in a diesel tank or vice versa).

Type 1 AC connectors are also known as J1772 or SAE J1772 connectors, or just J plugs. They are mostly found on older EVs and PHEVs. The connector has five pins that look a bit like a smiley face.

Type 2 AC connectors are also called Mennekes connectors after the German company that invented them. They look a bit like a mutant hair dryer. They are the standard connector in Australia and Europe found on most EVs sold in the country today.  Type 2 Mennekes connectors is often found in combination with the CCS connector – if you look carefully, you can see that the “surprised face” circles in the top part of the CCS connector combo is hidden in the seven circles of the Mennekes connector.

Tesla connectors are based on the Type 2 connector to allow you to use it to charge a Tesla at home via AC charging but has a special lock-out design for the DC chargers, meaning that only Teslas can charge up from the dedicated Tesla DC ultrafast charging systems.

CCS stands for combined charging system. The bottom half of a CCS connector allows for fast DC charging from public outlets, while the top half is for AC charging. Although it is possible to find EV models that have Type 1 up the top and the DC connector down the bottom, these are very rare in the Australian market. Most EVs in Australia that have these CCS connectors (technically, these are CCS 2 connectors) will have a Type 2 pin arrangement up the top.

CHAdeMO connectors get their name from the French phrase “Charge de Move” (“movement using charge”). Rumour also has it that it was derived from the Japanese phrase “o cha demo ikaga desuka”, which means “How about a cup of tea?”, as the idea was that charging with a CHAdeMO charger would take as long as having a cup of tea.  I don’t know how long it takes you to have a cup of tea, but I don’t think they’re referring to the full Japanese tea ceremony here, which can take up to four hours. However, the CHAdeMO connector is used for DC fast charging, which can take about half an hour. These connectors are mostly found on earlier Japanese models such as the Nissan Leaf.  

When you buy an EV, it will probably come with at least one cable so you can plug it in and get started. However, it’s often a good idea to have a range of different cables with different connectors. For example, you can get a cable that can plug into a Type 1 outlet even though you’ve got a Type 2 input in your EV, or one with Type 2 at both ends for public charging stations where BYO cable is the expected way to proceed. If you’re anything like me when it comes to cables and remembering what goes in where, it might be a good idea to attach a label or colour-code the different cables if you have several, and to store them in separate bags.

Ready, Set, Charge!

If you are one of the many who has opted for an EV for whatever reason, then the time will come when you have to charge it up – just like you have to charge up your phone, e-reader or laptop. However, charging an EV is not quite the same as filling up a petrol or diesel tank, and if you’ve never done it before, there are a few things that you’ll have to get used to, especially regarding the different charging speeds.

Deep breath required here. There will be maths.

With all types of charging, the exact amount of time you’ll need to charge the battery will depend on the voltage of the outlet and the battery capacity. The formula for working it out is:

E = P × t

Makes you feel a bit like Einstein, saying that. E is energy, P is power and t is time.  Rearrange this and you get t = E/P or, in plain language:

Your EV’s battery capacity (in kWh) ÷ power output of the charger (in kW) = hours of charging time

This equation, however, mainly applies to charging to 80% rather than 100% (and this is the charge time figure that you’ll see in specs and stats from the manufacturers of EVs). This is because charging isn’t a linear process and it slows down as the battery gets closer to full charge. It’s a mechanism that helps prevent overheating. If you want to charge to 100%, bear in mind that doing so will take a bit longer.

The thing that most people are concerned about is the charging speed. In fact, the charging times are one factor that can put people off purchasing an EV, especially an all-electric BEV or a PHEV. Here in Australia, we have reasonably sensible names for the different charging speeds, unlike in other countries, where you have to ask a few questions to be sure what you’re talking about during a discussion of fast charging – you’ll hear some people talk about fast charging as something different from rapid charging (I feel sorry for those who don’t speak English as their first language because – well, you try explaining the difference between fast and rapid!). Here, we keep things straightforward, calling the two most common charging speeds Level 1 and Level 2, with only the fastest type being called “DC fast charging”.   

Level 1 charging is simplest type of top-up charging that you can do at home or anywhere else you can access a standard common or garden power socket.  It seems very simple but the trouble is that this type of charging is very, very slow. Recharging a completely drained battery will take at least a whole day, as in a 24-hour day.  It could even take 48 hours, which is fine if you’ve got the whole weekend to recharge your car’s batteries as well as your own and don’t have to go anywhere.  On the other hand, if you find yourself at a relative’s place in the country and not enough charge to get you home, you can just plug in and recharge enough to get you home again, or at least to the nearest public charging station (it would be nice if you compensate your relative for the power you’ve used, same as if they let you have a jerrycan of petrol if you’d run out). You may hear this referred to as trickle charging.

Level 2 charging is the sort of charging you do with one of those wall boxes in your home, and Level 2 chargers are what you’ll find in typical public chargers of the kind you’ll see at the supermarket, mall or gym and, if you’re really lucky, at work. Typically, you get around 7.2 km of mileage for every 10 minutes of charging with a 7.2 kW unit, or 22 km of mileage for every 10 minutes with 22 kW charging. (Is anybody else getting flashbacks to the sorts of word problems we had to solve at school?)

However, remember that these mileage figures are approximate and are under ideal conditions. If you have a heavy load, if you have to go into a headwind, or if you want to run the lights or heaters or play music, you’ll reduce the range.

Commercial outlets will often provide chargers not just for their customers’ convenience (although this is certainly part of their motivation) but also as a marketing ploy. If you need to ensure that you’ve got enough charge in your battery to get you home again after work and shopping, then you may need a couple of hours to charge the battery to the right level. However, it may take you only one hour to do your workout at the gym or to pick up your groceries, leaving you with time to kill. Chances are that you’ll spend time in the gym cafeteria or that you’ll spend a bit longer in the supermarket browsing the shelves to fill in the time and will thus spend more money, which is what the commercial outlets are hoping for.  Just be aware of this little ploy and budget for it, develop some iron self-discipline and a healthy bit of patience, or take a book. Just don’t make the mistake of sitting in your car doing things on your phone or laptop with your device plugged into the charger in the car!

Speaking of budgets, a home wallbox will have to be bought separately when you buy a new EV. It’s a good idea to buy one, as otherwise you’ll be relying on super-slow trickle charging or public charging stations to top up the battery. It will also need to be installed by a professional electrician, like your oven or hot water cylinder and for the same reasons. You’ll also have to factor the cost of labour in as well. This is something to keep in mind.

DC fast charging (aka rapid and ultra-rapid charging) uses DC electricity, whereas Levels 1 and 2 use AC electricity. The best known DC chargers are the Tesla superchargers even though, ironically, the original Nikola Tesla promoted and popularized the use of AC electricity. How fast this type of charging will be will depend on the battery, but charging can be done in less than an hour, depending on the kW rating and the type of car. Some EVs charge faster than others. It has to be remembered that not all EVs are compatible with DC fast charging; this is often the case with PHEVs. This is something to check and think about when you buy an EV.

It’s also important to understand the different types of connectors or plugs, but that’s another story for another time.

Thinking of buying an electric car? 5 things you need to know about EVs before you do!

Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage right now.  

So, it’s little wonder why everyone who’s planning to buy their next car is probably at least considering the traditional car’s electric counterpart. EVs are new, trendy and better for the environment. 

If you’re planning to buy a car and you’re eyeing off that electric people-mover or volt wagon, let’s start by discussing exactly what you need to know so that, by the end, you can answer the question: 

Is an electric car the right choice for you? 

What are electric cars and why are they popular today? 

Electric cars or Electric Vehicles (EV) have recently risen as a popular alternative to traditional petrol vehicles. All electric cars feature an electric motor in lieu of an internal combustion engine and use a battery pack that needs to be charged through a wall outlet. 

They truly are the car of the future, today. 

EVs have spiked in popularity over the last couple of years. In fact, Electric Vehicle sales have surpassed that of conventional cars in 2020 in Norway, and Australia is not far behind – with plans for EVs to make up 76% of new vehicle sales by 2030.  

Although electric cars are still generally more expensive than conventional petrol vehicles, people tend to choose an EV for: 

• climate change concerns 
• to keep up with the latest trends 
• lower emissions 
• cost-effectiveness (in the long run) 

To date, there are several popular models of electric cars that you can choose from. But the EVs available in Australia are built by the following brands: 

• Audi 
• BMW 
• BYD 
• Genesis 
• Hyundai 
• Jaguar 
• Kia 
• LDV 
• Lexus 
• Mazda 
• Mercedes-Benz 
• Mini 
• MG 
• Nissan 
• Polestar 
• Porsche 
• Tesla 
• Volvo 

These EV models come in various price ranges and features, which can you learn more about by talking to your trusted car dealers or through our specialist EV team at Private Fleet. 

What you need to know if you’re planning to buy an electric car: 

Every car buying decision is a process – and because an electric car is a significant investment, you want to make sure that you are fully informed when making this choice. 

To help out, we have compiled some important factors you need to know about owning an electric car: 

1. The initial cost of electric cars is now decreasing

   Because of the increasing market share of electric cars, the upfront costs are now less daunting than they used to be. In Australia, you can now buy an electric vehicle for as low as $42,000 – this is not far off from the average of $40,916 that Aussies spend on new cars.

2. The maintenance and fuel costs of electric cars are cheaper than petrol
   

   According to an estimate by the Electric Vehicle Council, the average Australian drives around 15,000km per year. For petrol, this would cost around $2160 annually while this sits at around $600 for electric cars – that’s $1500 worth of savings per year!

3. There are government incentives for purchasing electric cars
   

   Governments across Australia offer different incentives and rebate schemes for buying electric cars. Since the programs vary across each state, you can check out the guidelines and eligibility criteria that apply to you from your state government’s website.

4. Electric cars are generally safer and faster than internal combustion engine cars
   

   Studies have found that lithium-ion batteries in EVs are as safe as (or even safer than) petrol fuel. In addition, electric cars deliver full torque instantly which means they can accelerate faster than conventional cars.

5. Charging options for EVs need to be accounted for
   

   EVs need to be recharged and their driving range can vary depending on the car. This must be taken into consideration when making a decision.

   There are about 3700 public chargers across 2100 locations across Australia today, which is considerably less when compared to petrol stations. Charging at home is one of the best options and so, this needs to be accommodated for, however the integration of charging facilities in all new infrastructure is to be expected going forward as EVs become the norm. 

Of course, there are more than just these five factors to think about when choosing a fuel-based case over an electric car, however these should get you started when making a decision. 

So, is an electric car the right choice for you? 

Frankly, the answer depends on your unique needs and preferences. However, electric cars are set to become the standard vehicle of the future – making them a great choice today. 

So, whenever you’re ready to take the next step towards an EV, it helps to have a vehicle expert who can guide you. If you have questions about electric cars and how you can choose the right one for you, simply reach out to us for a chat. 

Find the right EV for you with Private Fleet. 

Private Fleet empowers you to gain all the benefits of a fleet purchase, but as a private buyer. 

Backed by decades of vehicle industry experience, fleet buying power and a network of car dealers across Australia, we are here to ensure that buying a new EV car will be as straightforward as possible for you. 

Buying a new car is a memorable experience – let us make it hassle-free, too. 

Reach out to us today for a seamless and easy car-buying experience. 

The Sound Of Silence

A vehicle with an internal combustion engine produces noise – to be precise, the engine produces noise.  This is because when it’s working, the engine is continually producing controlled explosions that are used to power the vehicle. We’re all familiar with the different roars, growls and rumbles coming from different engines, with some enthusiasts being able to tell vehicles apart simply by their sounds – and some mechanics making their initial diagnoses on what the engine sounds like when it’s running. Quite a few of us have something of a fondness for different engine notes, especially those that produce low grumbling noises.

However, it’s a different story when it comes to EVs (here, we’re talking about battery electric vehicles or BEVs and hybrids when they’re running on their electric motor). Electricity makes no sound, so when an electric motor is running, there is very little noise produced. This could be though of as one of the advantages of an EV – and if you’ve tried to get some sleep when the local boy racers seem to be having a drag race on your street at 2:00 a.m., you’d probably agree. However, it can also be a disadvantage.

Pedestrians and cyclists rely on their sense of hearing a lot more than you think. Sound is often the first cue you get that a vehicle is approaching, and the sound also tells you whether it’s speeding up or slowing down, which way the vehicle is travelling and even how big it is. The art of using our ears to help us know when something’s coming is drummed into us ever since our first road safety lessons and the motto of Stop, Look and Listen.

Unfortunately, all this goes out of the window with EVs. When they’re going slowly (i.e., at below 18 km/h), they don’t make much sound at all and they’re practically silent, especially in, say, a busy supermarket carpark. At higher speeds, they aren’t so silent, as the sound of the tyres on the road (road noise) and the hiss and rush of air moving across the outside becomes a factor. Unfortunately, it’s in these low-speed environments that EVs and people are likely to come into conflict. And it can be quite dangerous.

I know this by experience. I remember a few years back, I was coming out of a supermarket and was preparing to cross the bit where the cars move (you can’t really call it a road, but you know the bit I mean). I’d looked right and seen the road was clear, then looked left and seen that there were a few cars coming along. I looked right again and saw nothing coming on that side but saw a couple of cars as they went past and away from me.  I didn’t hear anything coming from that side, so my brain told me that all the cars I had been waiting for had gone past, so I prepared to push my trolley forward.  Peripheral vision kicked in just in time to stop me walking in front of an older model EV approaching silently.

I know it had to be an older model EV, as it wasn’t until 2010 that legislative bodies in Japan, Europe and the US listened to the concerns of the visually impaired and blind community and insisted that all new EVs had to have some sort of audible warning when travelling at low speeds (including in reverse).

I think most of us who lived through the era of audible reverse warnings are grateful that the manufacturers of EVs didn’t rely on beeps or something as annoying as a neighbour I once had in his car. His played a very tinny computer-blip version of Für Elise when reversing, and this irritating tune was practically my alarm clock when my neighbour reversed out of his driveway as he headed off early to work. Elon Musk typically suggested that Tesla models should be able to produce amusing sounds as a warning, such as bleating goats, fart noises or coconut shell clippety-clop sounds. The Powers That Be in Europe, however, cracked down on that suggestion and stipulated that these low-speed warning sounds had to sound something like an actual engine. This sounds like the Powers That Be lack a sense of humour, but there is some sense to what they’re saying. For one thing, we’ve all learned the sound of an approaching car engine, so it makes sense to have the warning sound telling us that it’s a car that’s coming and not, say, a goat. If every single EV had a different sound, we’d have to somehow learn to recognize and subconsciously identify those sounds as “car coming to my left; potential threat”. It’s also been suggested by an article in The New Yorker that the growl of an engine is reminiscent of the growl of a predator, possibly triggering something primal inside us. I’m also pretty sure that farting Teslas would be funny for about five minutes, but the joke would wear off pretty quickly and just become annoying.

The designers of EVs then discovered a whole new world: the art of making an engine-like warning sound that would do its job of letting cyclists and pedestrians know a car is coming without being annoying and, well, sounding right. We respond emotionally to sounds, so designers want to come up with something that is right for their brand and image. They’ve often teamed up with composers to do this, the most notable being BMW teaming up with movie composer Hans Zimmer (composer of the music for Gladiator, some of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and Man of Steel). It’s quite a process and is as much of an art as a science. Should the sound replicate the noise of an internal combustion engine perfectly, or should it sound high-tech like something out of a sci-fi movie? What frequencies and harmonics can be heard by everybody? What’s not going to send the driver nuts? How can they avoid making cities noisier than they have to be?

Here are three of the ideas that designers have come up with. Which one do you like the best?

Porsche Taycan Turbo S

Audi E-tron

Jaguar I-Pace