Charging Guide

At a glance

Charging at home

For most drivers, home is where nearly all charging happens.

1. Arrive home and plug in, just as you would a phone.
2. The vehicle charges overnight, often on cheaper off-peak power if your plan has it.
3. Leave in the morning with the range you need for the day.

A standard power point adds roughly 10 to 15 km of range for each hour of charging, which covers a typical daily drive overnight. A home wall charger is several times faster and is worth considering if you drive further each day. A licensed electrician can advise on your home.

Public and fast charging

Public chargers come in two main kinds.

Charging apps show where chargers are, whether they are free, and the price. Public charging usually costs more per kWh than charging at home.

Do I need solar?

No. Solar is not needed to own an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. If you already have solar, charging while the sun is out can use your own power, which can lower your running costs.

What if I cannot charge at home?

Plenty of people without off-street parking still drive electric, using workplace or public charging as part of their weekly routine. It takes a little more planning. If that does not suit you, a hybrid gives lower fuel use with no charging at all.

Longer trips

Longer trips in an electric vehicle work well with a little planning: start with a full charge, and plan a charging stop at a natural break. Speed, hills, load and hot or cold weather all affect range, so allow a margin. A plug-in hybrid or hybrid simply refuels as normal on a long trip.

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids

Types of EV explained →

Electric and hybrid vehicles in our range

FAQs