As EV battery capacity and durability goes from strength to strength with every new model release, ‘range anxiety’ as a barrier-to-entry for prospective buyers is quickly subsiding. Yet there remains some confusion around charging infrastructure and the different types of plugs your potential favourite new EV comes with. Let us explain.
Thankfully though, there’s some positive industry consolidation occurring and most public chargers around New Zealand are compatible with multiple legacy connection types as well as more contemporary fast charging style connectors. Charging isn’t as confusing as you might think.
There are two key pillars in which you can break charging technology down: the type of electrical current a vehicle charger uses to charge your vehicle, and the physical shape and pin configuration for your vehicle.
Let start with current. Depending on the type of charger you’re using and the source of power you’re using to charge from, you’ll either be utilising Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC). AC the common single-phase current used by most residential homes. Typically, AC is used by slower, low amperage chargers like those compatible with a standard three-pin plug, or older technology EVs. You can use a standard three-pin plug as a power source to trickle charge an EV, but it takes a long time.
To increase charging speed on an AC power source, you’ll need to have a wall-mounted charger installed. This is generally done on a standalone, higher amperage circuit. It’s a simple procedure for a qualified electrician and this allow you to charge three to four times faster using AC household charging. Many car brands such as Polestar have existing arrangements with charge box providers and can help you assess this. And depending upon what is required at your home, the costs of installation could even be built into the vehicle’s finance plan.
The great thing about using an intelligent/smart charger at home is that you can charge off-peak when electricity is at its cheapest (generally in the middle of the night). The smart charger can ensure you’re optimising your energy costs and can also provide reporting on the electricity used and costs day-to-day to charge your car.
AC public charging is also available. AC charging is largely fine for maintaining a charge from home overnight to ensure you’re topped up for the day ahead. For those longer runs, or if you’re caught short, the best solution is to use a public DC fast charging station.
For “fast charging” we’re really referring to more commercial grade, three phase DC charging. DC is the fastest way to charge your compatible EV. Public DC fast charging stations supply power from 50kW and above. With this method you can top up your battery from 20 to 80% usually in around 40 minutes. But even this charge time is improving rapidly. Audi’s eTron GT, or the Porsche Taycan are both capable of ultra-fast 350kW charging, which is supported at select public chargers in New Zealand. This technology means you can charge up to 80% full in just 20 minutes.
While there are a few free public chargers in all main centres, you’ll need to set up an account for paying for public charging. This is painless and can be done very quickly.
Energy costs at public chargers vary, but it’s far less than fuel. At time of writing, it is about the same as paying 30 cents per litre for traditional fossil fuel.
So, what about connection types? This can be a little confusing, but it doesn’t need to be.
In essence, it merely refers to the shape and configuration of the connector your vehicle uses. You just need to keep this in mind when selecting the right type of cable at a public charger. Consider it the same as selecting 91, 95 or Diesel at a fuel pump. But don’t panic, you can’t mate the wrong connector to your car by accident.
The various connector styles are really born from regional standards developed either for Japan or Europe. Regardless of charging or connection type, you can rest assured that the connectors are typically made from an extremely resilient nylon/plastic polymer that protects the user from shock and there are multiple fail safe systems built into both the car and the charging devices themselves.
TYPE 1 AC
The standard connector for AC charging. It has origins in the US but is also a standard connector in use in Japan.
EV models with Type 1 inlets in New Zealand include:
TYPE 2 OR MENNEKES
Type 2 is considered the Australian and New Zealand standard and is found at most New Zealand charging stations. It is commonly used by:
Type 2 can be a straight AC connector or a Type 2 + DC type plug also known as CSS combo. This features two larger pins below for DC charging, but you can still plug a Type 2 into the top of the charge socket to charge at home. Currently fast charging stations in New Zealand are transitioning from CCS Type 1 to CCS Type 2 connectors.
CHAdeMo DC
This connector is used for DC charging in Japan and is the DC inlet supplier with most imported Japanese vehicles. Models with CHAdeMO inlets in New Zealand include:
