Are you spending a fortune on petrol every month? It may be time to consider getting an electric vehicle so you can completely ditch gas stations.
With the use of EVs and EV chargers, you don’t have to spend a penny on petrol.
However, saving money isn’t the only benefit you can experience from electronic vehicles. EVs offer a cleaner and more sustainable mode of transport. Still not convinced? In this article, we’ll compare petrol stations and the use of EV chargers so you can decide if making a switch is worth it.
Comparing Petrol Stations and EV Chargers
Charging and Refuelling Time
Refuelling your car will simply take 1 to 2 minutes depending on how much petrol you’re putting into your vehicle. EV chargers may take several minutes to a few hours depending on the charging level.
Impact on the Environment
It’s no secret that fossil fuels have a major impact on climate change. EV chargers provide an environmentally friendly option compared to petrol stations. Electric cars produce zero emissions when you drive, leading to less air pollution.
Supply Demands
A petrol station needs a constant supply of diesel and petrol which can lead to price fluctuations. Additionally, petrol stations rely on oil reserves to fill their stations and sometimes there can be shortages. On the other hand, EV chargers use electricity from renewable resources so there’s always a supply.
Convenience
EV chargers allow you to charge your vehicle at home, in public parking lots, or even at your office while your vehicle is parked. But if you have a fuel engine you have to find a petrol station to fill up your tank.
The Cost of Refuelling and Charging
The cost of charging your electric vehicle with an EV charger is lower compared to the cost of fuel. Sometimes fuel prices increase which can affect your budget. There are no price hikes with EV chargers.
Should You Change to an Electric Vehicle?
Switching to an electric vehicle can be beneficial if you’re concerned about your carbon footprint. Since electric cars produce no greenhouse gas emissions, you’ll contribute to the fight against climate change by lowering your CO2 emissions.
Additionally, many countries offer incentives or subsidies for buying an electric vehicle. You could get reduced registration fees, tax credits, and rebates.
4 Tips for Choosing the Right EV Charger
If you decide to buy an electric vehicle, you’ll need an EV charger to charge your car. In this section, we’ve given you four tips to help you choose the right one for your needs.
1. Consider a Level 2 Charger
If you want a charger that provides faster charging time, then you’ll want a level 2 EV charger. This type of charging device needs a 240V circuit that is typically used to charge large appliances. With the level 2 option, your vehicle can be charged within 4 hours.
2. Match the Amperage
Another important factor to consider is the amperage of the EV charger you choose. The amperage rating is the amount of electric current it can deliver to your vehicle’s battery. This rating ensures that the charger provides the right amount of power to your car’s battery.
A charger with a low amperage may take longer to charge your car. However, a higher amperage will deliver more charge to your car’s battery which results in quicker charging time. With that being said, 30 amp is the ideal choice for most electric vehicles. You can also get chargers that provide up to 50 amps.
Check your electronic vehicle to see the maximum amperage it can handle, to prevent damaging your car’s battery.
3. Consider Where to Install the Charger
You’ll need to choose the right location to install your EV charger. Consider a wall-mounted charger if you plan on installing it in a parking bay or your garage. Portable or pedestal chargers are ideal if you park on the street or in a shared lot.
4. Look at the Safety Features
One of the most important factors to consider is the safety features of your EV charger. Look for chargers that have been tested and certified by reputable organizations. Your charger must meet the necessary standards to reduce electrical hazards.
Can You Charge Your Vehicle Without a Charging Station?
Although the popularity of electric vehicles has increased, there is still much improvement needed when it comes to charging stations in Australia. There are only 3,000 charging stations available throughout the country.
The good news is that you can charge your electric car with a portable charger which eliminates the need to use a station. Portable chargers are ideal if you travel frequently. It’s recommended that you keep one EV charger at home and one in your car’s boot.
Final Thoughts
You can experience a range of benefits when you move from a fuel engine to an electrical vehicle. For one thing, experts believe that electric cars are 70% cheaper than fuel engines and you could save up to $1600 each year if you start using an electric car.
If you do transition to an electric vehicle, make sure you refer to this post to help you find the right EV charger that’s compatible with your car. With an electric vehicle and the right charger, you’re contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
