FAQ’s
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Why Level 1 over Level 2 charging?
Level 1 (L1) charging is a more cost-effective and practical solution for most residential buildings, especially in multi-dwelling Strata-managed environments. L1 charging utilizes existing electrical infrastructure (standard 230V/240V outlets) without generally requiring expensive upgrades like mains cabling or substations, which are often necessary for Level 2 (L2) systems. While L2 charging offers faster charging speeds, the added complexity and costs typically far exceed what’s needed for most EV users who drive an average of 30 km per day. For such usage, L1 charging, which provides around 13-20 km per hour of charging, or couple of hundreds of kilometers overnight, is more than sufficient for overnight charging and ensures the building’s electrical system isn't overburdened. More detail is available here.
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Isn’t Level 1 charging slow?
While L1 charging is slower compared to L2 or DC fast charging, it is still highly effective for the average EV driver. When a car is parked overnight, speed is no longer the most important factor. An overnight charge of around 10 hours can deliver up to 130-200 km of range—more than enough for typical daily needs.
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Does the RSP system work with L2 charging?
Yes! If you want the flexibility of changing over to a L2 charger, then yes the RSP solution is compatible. As L2 chargers draw more power, the cable sizes do need to be larger which will increase the installation cost.
Also, a high-quality, weatherproof 3.2 kW Level 1 Charge Point (GPO) costs around $50 - just a fraction of the $700–$2,000 typically needed for a Level 2 Charge Point! In buildings with limited electrical capacity, installing L2 chargers may also trigger infrastructure upgrades much sooner than the more power-efficient Level 1 option. -
What does it cost?
The installation of ReadySteadyPlug (RSP) is significantly cheaper than traditional L2 charging systems, with costs being up to 80% lower.These cost savings stem from a lighter electrical backbone and a significantly more affordable charge point (see previous note). By leveraging the building’s existing power infrastructure and applying Dynamic Load Management (DLM), ReadySteadyPlug unlocks additional major savings that come over and above the 80% already mentioned. The exact cost depends on the number of parking bays being serviced and the specific configuration of the system, but it is designed to be highly scalable, allowing Strata committees to start small and expand as demand grows.
Billing for electricity is based on individual usage, ensuring that residents only pay for what they consume and of course Strata is reimbursed for any house/common power being consumed. RSP comes with support for multiple tariffs, meaning that users can take advantage of the cheap off-peak electricity rates.
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What is dynamic load management and why is it important?
Dynamic load management is a critical feature of ReadySteadyPlug that ensures the building's electrical system is not overloaded by the simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles. The system continuously monitors the electrical load of the building, including total house power and adjusts the power delivery to the connected EV charging points in real-time. If the electrical load approaches the maximum capacity, the system can delay or throttle overall charging to avoid overloading. This intelligent and dynamic load management ensures efficient use of the building’s existing electrical infrastructure whilst preventing costly power system failures or the need for expensive upgrades. It also optimizes energy usage during peak demand times, contributing to more sustainable energy consumption.
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What about plug-in hybrids (PHEV)?
ReadySteadyPlug fully supports plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Since PHEVs have smaller batteries than fully electric vehicles, they require less energy to charge, making L1 charging more than sufficient for their needs, even if the battery needs to be charged from 0% to 100% overnight. The modular nature of the system means that PHEV owners can easily access and use the same charging points as EV owners, without any additional infrastructure requirements.