I’m picking up my new BYD Atto 3 soon and need some advice about charging at home. Right now, I don’t have a dedicated power point near where the car will be parked. Can I charge it using a power board temporarily? I understand it’s not ideal, but I’m unsure how quickly I can get an electrician to install something proper. If it’s an option, I assume it would need to be a heavy-duty setup, not something basic from Bunnings.
I’m also a bit confused about the different charging levels. From what I understand:
Level 1: Standard power socket.
Level 2: Dedicated charger.
I’ve seen people mention a 32-amp socket. Is this just a stronger socket that portable chargers can use, or is it tied to a proper wall charger like a Tesla one?
I’m looking for something simple. I don’t need advanced features like app control, just a functional solution for daily driving.
It depends on how quickly you need to charge. A standard 10A socket will work for now, but it will charge slowly. Portable chargers can overheat if connections get loose or dirty, so be cautious. A dedicated charger avoids this issue. I charged my Leaf for years on a 10A travel charger and only upgraded to a 32A charger later.
Don’t worry too much about the American Level 1/2 distinctions. If you use an extension cable, it needs to be industrial-grade and rated for the load. Avoid sharing the circuit with high-power appliances like microwaves.
Do NOT use a standard extension cord or power board. They aren’t built to handle sustained high loads and can overheat. For a permanent solution, get a 32A dedicated EV charger installed. In the meantime, you might find free 7kW chargers on PlugShare or ChargeFox that could tide you over.
I’ve had my EV for over a year and still use slow charging. At 240V, you can get 120km of range overnight. Level 2 chargers are faster, but you might find Level 1 sufficient for now, especially if you don’t drive a lot daily.
I used public chargers when I first got my Atto 3. Check PlugShare for nearby options. Some places offer free charging, and you can top up while shopping or running errands. Now I have a home charger, but public chargers worked well initially.
Your Atto 3 likely comes with an 8A granny charger. If you need an extension cord, make sure it’s industrial-grade, like this: Heavy Duty 15A Cable. Long-term, you might want a dedicated 32A charger or a closer socket installed by an electrician.
Any 30A plug can support Level 2 charging, offering ~25 mph charging speed. Check with the BYD dealer if the Atto 3 comes with or offers a 30A charging kit.
Hi there! PlugShare can help you find nearby chargers. Add your vehicle to the app, and it will show compatible locations. Let us know if you have any questions, and congrats on your new EV!