A guide to fast and slow EV charging options
Home, Wallbox, or Fast Charging: Which Option is right for you?When it comes to charging your electric vehicle (EV), there are three main charging options: standard home charging, wallbox charging, and DC fast charging.
Each option has pros and cons or good and bad points, many of which are based on needs, budgets, and available infrastructure.
Whether you’re a longtime EV owner, a recent buyer, or just considering making the switch to an EV or a plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV for short), here’s a helpful guide on how to keep your vehicle powered up.
AC home charging
For many EV owners, home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective option. Most EVs come with a basic charging cable that you can plug into a standard household power outlet, typically providing around 2kW of power.
Fully charging a 50kWh battery at this rate can take up to 25 hours – sometimes more – but if you top up your EV’s battery every night, you’ll likely have enough range for your daily commute.
Home charging costs around 25-50 cents per kWh but if you have home solar power (and especially a home battery), charging can be very economical.
But if you don't have off street parking, running a long extension cable across the footpath is frowned upon in most places.
Pros:
- Convenient and accessible for daily top-ups
- Low-cost, especially with solar power
- No additional infrastructure needed beyond a power outlet
Cons:
- Slow charging times – can take up more than 24 hours for a full charge
- Limited to those with off-street parking or easy power access
AC wallbox charging
A wallbox charger provides faster charging at home or work, typically delivering around 7kW, which can fully charge a 50kWh battery in about 7 hours.
Wallbox units are often installed in garages or dedicated parking spots, making them a popular option for those who want faster home charging. While the installation cost ranges from $750 to $1,500, many workplaces are starting to offer wallbox chargers, which can be an added benefit if charging is covered by the employer.
Pros:
- Faster than standard home charging – around 7 hours for a full charge
- Can be cost-effective if charging is provided at your workplace
- Flexible options for higher-capacity models (11kW or 22kW with three-phase power)
Cons:
- Requires installation, which can be costly
- Limited to locations with off-street or designated parking
DC fast charging
DC fast chargers are generally the quickest charging option for your EV, providing charging speeds from 50kW up to 350kW, depending on the charger and the vehicle.
These chargers are typically located in public areas like shopping centres or along highways and can recharge an EV battery from 10 to 80% in as little as 20 minutes.
While fast, DC charging can be costly, and charging rates tend to slow as the battery nears full capacity, making it most efficient for quick top-ups when the battery is below a certain threshold like 60% capacity, for example.
Pros:
- Ultra-fast charging (20-30 minutes for a substantial charge)
- Ideal for road trips or when time is limited
- Available at many public locations for easy access
Cons:
- Often more expensive than home or wallbox charging
- Chargers may not always reach full advertised speeds
- Limited availability and long wait times will occur in some areas
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Related: How long does it take to charge an electric car?
For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast
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