Essential EV Accessories: Must-Have Equipment for Electric Vehicle Owners

Essential EV Accessories: Must-Have Equipment for Electric Vehicle Owners

As electric vehicles continue to revolutionize transportation, owners quickly discover that the right accessories can significantly enhance their EV experience. Whether you're a new convert from traditional combustion engines or a seasoned EV enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the essential equipment that makes electric vehicle ownership more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable.

This guide will walk you through the EV essentials, covering everything from crucial EV charging accessories to handy gadgets that boost safety and convenience. Consider this your ultimate checklist for EV owner must-haves. Let's dive in!

1. Charging Your EV: Home & On the Go

The network of charging stations in Australia is expanding, but it's not as extensive as it should be. Portable chargers are essential for electric vehicle (EV) owners because they offer the convenience of charging your car wherever and whenever you need to. Whether you're at home, at the office or on a road trip, having a portable charger guarantees that you won't find yourself stranded without power. This is particularly important for people in regions with limited charging points or those who frequently travel long distances. 

Related Readings: Portable Charger vs. Wallbox - Choosing the Right EV Charger

Level 1 vs. Level 2 Charging Equipment

Level 1 Chargers typically come with your vehicle and plug into standard household outlets (10A). While convenient for occasional use, they provide only 10-15km of range per hour of charging.

Level 2 Chargers require professional installation but deliver 40-60km of range per hour, making overnight charging highly efficient.

Purchasing Guide:

  • Charging Speed: Opt for chargers with higher amperage (A) and kilowatt (kW) ratings to speed up charging. Faster speeds reduce wait times and make using your vehicle more efficient.
  • Portability: Make sure the charger is lightweight and compact for easy carrying. A bulky charger can be inconvenient and less likely to be taken along on trips.
  • Features: Seek out extra features such as interchangeable plugs, control screen, delayed charging and remote control options. These additions improve usability and offer better control over the charging process.
  • Safety Assurances: Choose chargers that offer robust safety features such as overheat protection, short-circuit protection, and water resistance. These features are essential to prevent damage to your vehicle and ensure safe charging under various conditions.

Recommendations:

Smart Charging Stations and Their Benefits

Smart charging stations connect to your home Wi-Fi network, enabling features that traditional chargers can't match:

  • Remote monitoring of charging status
  • Scheduling to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates
  • Power adjustment to balance with other household electrical demands
  • Usage tracking for budgeting and potential tax benefits

Recommendation:

  • FlexPro Interchangeable Portable EV Charger: Our flagship product, featuring interchangeable plugs and intelligent charging technology, including auto current switch, smart control, and real-time safety assurance. The FlexPro ensures a seamless and advanced charging experience wherever you go.

 

When selecting between these options, consider your daily driving needs and electrical capacity. For most EV owners, the investment in a Level 2 system pays dividends in convenience and flexibility.

See the comparison sheet for more details: 

 
Specifications
Maximum Power 3.5kw 7kw 22kw 3.5kw
Power Plug 15A AU Plug 32A Single Phase
3-Pin
AU Industrial Plug
32A Single Phase
5-Pin 
AU Industrial Plug
10A+15A
Interchangeable AU Plug
Charging Plug Type 2 Type 2 Type 2 Type 2
Cable 5m Heavy-duty TPU Cable 5m Heavy-duty TPU Cable 5m Heavy-duty TPU Cable 7m Heavy-duty TPU Cable
Weight 2.6kg 3.6kg 4.2Kg 3.2kg
Operating Temperature -35 ° C to 50 ° C -35 ° C to 50 ° C -35 ° C to 50 ° C -35 ° C to 50 ° C
Warrenty 2-Year 2-Year 2-Year 2-Year
Certifications ICCB, TÜV , CE, UKCA, RoHS ICCB, TÜV , CE, UKCA, RoHS CCB, TÜV , CE, UKCA, RoHS ICCB, TÜV , CE, UKCA, RoHS
Features
Adjustable Amperage 6A/8A/10A/15A 6A/8A/10A/15A/32A 6A/8A/10A/15A/32A 6A/8A/10A/15A
On-time Display ✔ (2.4'' LCD Screen) ✔ (2.4'' LCD Screen) ✔ (2.4'' LCD Screen) ✔ (2.8'' LCD Screen)
Delay Charging
Remote Control    
✔  (Wifi+Bluetooth)
Automatic Amperage Recognition & Switch    
Delux Storage Bag
Weather Proof  IP65 IP65 P65 IP65 (Console)
IP67 (Plug & Connector)
Ground Protection
Leakage Current Protection
Over Current Protection
Surge Protection
O/U Voltage Protection
O/U Frequency Protection
Over Temp Protection
Impact Resistance


2. EV Charging Cables

While direct connection is always preferable, quality extension cables designed specifically for EV charging can provide flexibility when needed:

  • Heavy-duty 32A-rated cables with weather resistance
  • Cables with integrated safety monitors
  • Reinforced connections to prevent overheating

Important note: Only use extensions explicitly rated for EV charging, as standard household extension cords create fire hazards when used with EVs.

Purchasing Guide: 

  • Compatibility: Ensure the cable is compatible with your EV’s charging port and the available charging points. Different EV models may require specific types of connectors.
  • Amperage and Phases: Higher amperage and multiple phases (single or three-phase) provide faster charging. Depending on your vehicle’s specifications and your usual charging needs, this can significantly reduce charging time.
  • Length: Choose the length based on your typical charging scenarios. Shorter cables are easier to manage, but longer cables provide more flexibility in accessing charging points.

Related Readings: Understanding EV Charging Cables: A Comprehensive Guide

Recommendation:

  • 32A Single Phase & 3 Phase Options: We recommend 32A cables for their superior charging speed and efficiency, which are crucial for reducing downtime and ensuring your EV is ready to go whenever you need it.
  • Length Options (3m, 5m, 7m):
    • 3m Cable: Ideal for home charging where the charging port is close to the power source.
    • 5m Cable: Perfect for public charging stations where you may need extra length to reach the port.
    • 7m Cable: Great for maximum flexibility and ensuring you can connect to any power source without hassle.

Explore our complete range of EV Charging Cables to find the perfect match for your needs.

3. Premium Storage Bag

Having a high quality storage bag is important for organizing and safeguarding your portable charger and cables. This is especially handy for people who own electric vehicles and travel often, needing a dependable method to carry and store their charging accessories. Keeping your charging gear properly stored helps prevent damage and extends its lifespan.

Purchasing Guide: 

  • High-Quality Material: Make sure the bag is crafted from sturdy materials that can endure daily wear and tear and tough environments. 
  • Durability: A top notch storage bag should be designed to last, providing lasting protection for your charger and cables. Seek out reinforced stitching and strong construction that can handle regular use.
  • Extra Protection: The bag should offer additional padding to safeguard your charging gear from impacts and scratches. This extra protection ensures your equipment stays in top condition.
  • Ease of Use: Opt for a bag that is easy to zip open and access, allowing you to store and retrieve your equipment with ease. Design elements like smooth zippers and well positioned handles improve usability.

Recommendation:

Our Deluxe Packing Bag is crafted to fulfill all these requirements. Constructed from top grade materials it provides longevity and additional safeguarding for your portable chargers and cables. The bags sturdy build guarantees its resilience to use, with the extra padding ensuring your equipment remains protected from any impacts. The sleek zippers and handy handles make storing and retrieving your gear effortless offering an experience for busy EV owners, on the move.

4. EV Charging Apps

Accessing details on charging stations is essential for electric vehicle (EV) owners particularly while on the go. Utilizing applications can offer up to date insights on the whereabouts of charging stations their availability status and feedback, from users. This can simplify your travel arrangements. Guarantee that you are equipped with charging options at all times.

Top 5 Apps for Australian EV Owners:

  1. PlugShare: Offers a comprehensive overview of charging stations, user reviews, and filters by plug type.
  2. ChargeFox: Australia's largest charging network with real-time information on charger availability, pricing, and functionality.
  3. A Better Route Planner (ABRP): Navigation app that plans your charging stops, integrates with Android Automotive, and provides detailed route planning.
  4. EVie: Provides a detailed map of charging locations and allows you to start and stop charging sessions directly from the app.
  5. ChargePoint: Allows users to locate ChargePoint stations, check real-time availability, and start charging sessions from the app.

Conclusion

Enhancing your experience as an electric vehicle owner can be greatly improved by investing in accessories. Whether its portable chargers, versatile charging cables, protective storage bags or essential mobile apps EVsHome offers a wide selection of products to cater to your needs. Browse through our collection to discover the accessories for your new electric vehicle and make your driving experience smooth, efficient and enjoyable.

For details and to buy these accessories please visit our website: EVsHome. Have a time, on the road!

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