EV Charger in Australia… Need some advice

I’m picking up my new BYD Atto 3 this Friday and need some advice on charging. Right now, I don’t have a dedicated power point where the car will be parked. Is it safe to use a power board for charging in the short term? I know it’s not ideal, but I’m not sure how long it will take to get an electrician out. If this is even possible, I’m guessing I need something much better than a cheap board from Bunnings.

Also, I’m a bit confused about the charging levels. Is level 1 just using a standard power socket? And is level 2 a dedicated charger? People mention 32-amp sockets… is that just a stronger power socket or more like a Tesla-style wall charger?

I don’t need anything fancy—just a simple setup since I’m not a heavy driver. Any help would be appreciated!

It really depends on how quickly you need to charge. If you’ve got a 240V outlet in your garage or carport, you can use a 10A charger from somewhere like Autobarn, but it’ll take longer to charge. Portable chargers can have issues like plugs getting loose or dirty and overheating, but dedicated chargers avoid that.

Edit: I charged my Leaf for years using a 10A travel charger. Now I have a 32A charger but often use it at 16A on my off-peak EV plan (12–6am, 8c/kWh). It’s super cheap at about $1.30/100km.

Don’t get too caught up in the Type 1 vs. Type 2 stuff—it’s mostly for 110V systems in the US. If you’re using an extension cord or multi-board, get a high-quality one with the correct rating. Here in the UK, we have companies like Tough Leads making EV-specific extension cables. Also, never use a high-load circuit that’s running other appliances like dryers or microwaves at the same time.

Don’t use an extension cord or power board for EV charging. Heavy-duty extension cables are an option, but they’re pricey and usually designed for 15A sockets, not 10A. Level 1 is your standard wall socket, while level 2 chargers are dedicated setups pulling 32A. They’re safer and can charge faster, but you’ll need professional installation.

You can look into DC chargers in your area until you sort out home charging. ChargeFox often has free 7kW chargers around shopping areas. Some might require a Type 2 cable, which you can buy for a couple of hundred dollars. Whatever you do, avoid using standard cables—they aren’t built for long-duration, high-current use.

@Jason
By the way, I meant to say PlugShare is another great option for finding chargers. ChargeFox is good too.

@Jason
If you have a 16A outdoor socket and a 16A cable rated for continuous use, it’s fine. Just don’t use a 10A socket with a cheap cable—they’re okay for short use but can overheat during long charges.

@Jason
I think you meant Level 1 and Level 2 charging, not Type 1 and Type 2.

Fellow Aussie here. The 32A setup you mentioned is for a single-phase Level 2 charger. There are portable ones on eBay, but they require a special plug. If you have three-phase power, you can get up to 11kW. Personally, I’ve been using a Level 1 charger for a year and get about 120km of range overnight, which has been fine for me. The US is on 110V, but since we’re on 240V, we get more power even with slower charging.

@diallo
It’s confusing. Some say Level 1 is specifically 120V, but others include 230V as well. Makes it hard to follow.

This article has some useful info if you’ve got time to check it out. Enjoy your new car!

Check PlugShare for nearby fast chargers. When I first got my Atto 3, I used a supercharger near my grocery store and charged while shopping. It worked great until I got a 7kW home charger installed. Way more convenient now.

I’ve been using a slow charger for over a year, and it’s been fine—charges about 20% overnight. Planning to install an 11kW charger in my new place soon.

If you don’t drive 100+ km daily, regular wall plugs should work fine. Avoid extensions and power boards—they aren’t designed for continuous high loads. If you must use an extension, get a heavy-duty one with a short length (5–10m). Long term, it’s better to install a dedicated EV charger. If you’ve got three-phase wiring, you can charge even faster, up to 11kW or more if your EV supports it.

Forget about Level 1 and Type 1 stuff—that’s for the US. The Atto 3 comes with an 8A ‘granny’ charger, so you can just plug it into the wall. If you need an extension cord, make sure it’s heavy-duty (e.g., 2.5mm²). Long term, consider a Level 2 charger for faster charging and extra features like scheduling. Or get an electrician to install a socket closer to where you park.

For Level 2 charging, you can use a 30A plug, like the ones used for RVs or boats. Does BYD provide a 30A cord with the car, or do they sell one separately? Best to ask the dealer about your options.

PlugShare is a great tool to find chargers in your area. Add your car to the app, and it’ll show compatible chargers nearby. You can also check if they’re busy or working before heading out. Congrats on your new car!