Why ReadySteadyPlug
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to rise in popularity, the demand for efficient and accessible charging solutions is becoming more pressing, especially in urban settings like Strata-managed buildings. With one-third of Australians planning to purchase an EV in the coming years, the infrastructure to support this shift must evolve. Interestingly enough, one-third increases to two-thirds amongst apartment dwellers when this question is again posed with the pre-cursor that charging the EV within their own garage/car space is available.. However, many Strata buildings are grappling with the complexities of implementing off-street EV charging solutions. This is where ReadySteadyPlug steps in, offering a revolutionary approach to EV charging that addresses the unique challenges faced by such residential complexes.
The Growing Demand for EV Charging Infrastructure
The transport sector is one of Australia's largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to 21% of national emissions in 2023. As the country strives to reduce its carbon footprint, transitioning to electric vehicles is a crucial step. Government incentives and public sector support have increased the uptake of EVs, with sales in Australia more than doubling from last year. But uptake around the world differs greatly. For instance, in Norway August this year, EVs accounted for 94% of all new car sales vs Australia with a circa 10% market share as of early 2024.
Despite this momentum, a significant barrier to widespread EV adoption in Australia is the lack of accessible and affordable off-street charging solutions in Strata-managed buildings. The dominant Level 2 charging solutions currently on the market generally require substantial investments in new electrical infrastructure, often necessitating upgrades that can cost hundreds of thousands or even $1 million+ dollars. This creates a significant obstacle for Strata committees and residents who want to support EV adoption but are deterred by the high costs and complexity of these installations.
Understanding EV Charging Levels
Before diving into ReadySteadyPlug's innovative solution, it's essential to understand the different levels of EV charging available. Read more here on our separate blog post which gives a summary on the differences between Level 1 AC trickle charging, Level 2 AC faster charging and Level 3 DC fast charging.
Why Level 1 Trickle Charging is the Best Fit for Many
Every driver has different routines, but reviewing the average Australian’s driving habits, cars are parked 80% of the time and only driven around 35 km per day. For this scenario Level 1 trickle charging is not only sufficient but ideal. With an average charging rate of 15 km per hour, an overnight charge of 10 hours (eg 8pm to 6am) can easily cover typical daily driving needs, providing 150 km of range. This makes Level 1 charging a practical and cost-effective solution, especially for Strata buildings where the focus should be on convenience and affordability.
The following table provides a summary of the time it takes to charge from 20% to 80% using L1 trickle chargers (both 2.3kW and 3.5kW options), for some popular EV’s.
| Vehicle | Battery Capacity
(kWh) |
Charging Time @2.3 kW (20% to 80%) |
Charging Time @3.5 kW (20% to 80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 77.4 | 20.2 hours | 13.3 hours |
| Audi e-tron GT | 93.4 | 24.4 hours | 16.0 hours |
| Mini Cooper EV | 40.7 or 54.2 | 10.6 hours or 14.1 hours | 6.9 hours or 9.3 hours |
| Tesla Model 3 Standard | 50.0 | 13.0 hours | 8.6 hours |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range | 80.0 | 20.9 hours | 13.7 hours |
| Tesla Model Y Standard | 60.0 | 15.7 hours | 10.3 hours |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | 75.0 | 19.6 hours | 12.9 hours |
| BYD Atto 3 Standard | 49.8 | 13.1 hours | 8.6 hours |
| BYD Atto 3 Extended | 60.5 | 15.8 hours | 10.4 hours |
| BYD Seal | 61 to 82 | 15.9 to 21.4 hours | 10.4 to 14.0 hours |
Traditional EV charging solutions, particularly Level 2 systems, often require substantial upgrades to a building’s electrical infrastructure, including new mains cabling, substations, and complex rewiring. These upgrades can be prohibitively expensive, especially in Strata-managed buildings where the cost must be borne by residents. Power requirements for Level 1 systems are lower and therefore reduces or completely avoids upgrade requirements.
Introducing ReadySteadyPlug: A Turnkey Solution
ReadySteadyPlug is a groundbreaking EV charging solution specifically designed for Strata buildings. It leverages the simplicity and efficiency of Level 1 charging while incorporating advanced billing and load management features typically associated with more expensive Level 2 systems. At the core of ReadySteadyPlug is the Electric Vehicle Charging Distribution Board (EVDB), which connects to a regular power outlet and offers a suite of benefits:
Modular Design: The EVDB can be installed in the main switchboard or distributed along parking lots, supporting configurations for 6 to 24 General Power Outlets (GPOs, also known as Socket Outlets). This flexibility allows for a modular and scalable approach, growing with the building’s needs and keeps upfront costs down.
Individual Metering and Billing: Each GPO is individually metered, and billing is handled via a cloud-based system, offering both credit/debit card payments and post-pay options through Strata management. Any House power usage is billed to each user – and reimbursed to Strata.
Load Balancing, Monitoring and Scheduling: The system includes dynamic load balancing, mains monitoring, and secure, reliable communications, ensuring efficient energy usage and preventing overloads. Load balancing and Scheduling mitigates the need for expensive electrical infrastructure upgrades and reduces energy retailer maximum demand charges.
Benefits of ReadySteadyPlug
The ReadySteadyPlug system offers numerous advantages over traditional Level 2 charging solutions:
Cost-Effective: With installation costs up to 80% lower than generic Level 2 solutions, ReadySteadyPlug provides an affordable entry point for Strata buildings looking to support EV adoption.
Easy Installation: The use of off-the-shelf GPOs allows for straightforward installation by any qualified electrician, avoiding the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
Extended Battery Life: Trickle charging at a lower rate is better for EV battery health, prolonging the vehicle’s range and resale value.
Flexible and Scalable: ReadySteadyPlug’s modular design enables a gradual rollout based on demand, allowing Strata committees to start small and expand as needed.
No charger vendor lock-in: Each owner can use whichever L1 charger they already own (or decide to buy), as long as it plugs into a regular power outlet.
Property Value
As EVs become more common, buildings that offer accessible charging solutions are likely to see an increase in their property value. ReadySteadyPlug not only provides a practical solution to a growing need but also enhances the appeal of the building to prospective buyers and tenants, who are increasingly looking for EV-friendly properties.
ReadySteadyPlug vs. Generic Level 2 Charging
When compared to traditional Level 2 charging systems, ReadySteadyPlug stands out in several key areas. It eliminates the need for major electrical infrastructure upgrades, supports gradual investment via a modular approach, and offers better battery longevity through trickle charging vs fast charging.
Additionally, the system’s use of standard GPOs ensures that it remains accessible and flexible for various applications, including charging e-scooters and e-bikes.
Conclusion
ReadySteadyPlug is a forward-thinking approach to addressing the unique challenges of EV adoption in Strata-managed buildings. By combining the simplicity of Level 1 trickle charging with advanced features like individual metering, billing and load balancing, ReadySteadyPlug offers a practical, cost-effective, and scalable solution that can grow with the needs of any residential complex. As Australia continues to embrace the green transition, ReadySteadyPlug is poised to play a crucial role in making off-street EV charging accessible to all.
Register your interest today for a free site assessment and early adopter discounts.
