Conversations with EV drivers in the United Kingdom and New Zealand are pointing to a massive increase in the availability of free charging at level 2 chargers. This leads to the question: As chargers become ubiquitous, do I need a home charger? What about that weekend road trip?
“It’s the only way I’ve ever charged. There are so many free chargers in Christchurch (NZ) and it’s so easy. I just plug in whenever I shop as basically every retail area I go to has a charger,” says Will Downs.
Free EV charging at retail outlets in NZ.
Al I personally need is to get enough power at home — just from a powerpoint (electricity outlet) — to get to the high-speed charger on the highway. (Australia and New Zealand have 240V electricity outlets.) So, I thought I would play with a few scenarios:
Scenario A: Bill has a short commute to work — fewer than 20 km, and the ability to plug in his car for free charging in his workplace as part of his salary package. Does he need a home charger? Probably not.
Scenario B: Iris is retired and only drives her EV rarely, to the doctors, to the shops, to restaurants, and when going out. All of these places have installed level 2 chargers and provide this service to attract customers. Does she need a home charger. Probably not?
Scenario C: David is also retired, but supports his working adult children by picking up his grandchildren and driving them home for childcare. This is a 60 km round trip. He has a 15 amp power socket in his garage, which gives him 20 km range per hour of charging. Once again, he probably does not need a home charger.
Just like we need to give careful thought to the decision about which EV suits our lifestyle needs, we also have to consider what charging to install at home, if any. Yesterday, at our monthly coffee, cake and EVs at the Bracken Ridge Tavern, I found myself having this conversation with a couple who had just returned from the UK. They marveled at how many EVs were on the road and how many free chargers there were at shopping centres.
They were asking about the need for home charging (they already have a 10 amp power socket in their garage). I found myself saying to them — why not wait till you’ve had the car for a month to see if you really need it?
This is likely another step along the road to the evolution of a new ecosystem. I would love to hear your story if you want to share.
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