Ready, Set, Charge!

If you are one of the many who has opted for an EV for whatever reason, then the time will come when you have to charge it up – just like you have to charge up your phone, e-reader or laptop. However, charging an EV is not quite the same as filling up a petrol or diesel tank, and if you’ve never done it before, there are a few things that you’ll have to get used to, especially regarding the different charging speeds.

Deep breath required here. There will be maths.

With all types of charging, the exact amount of time you’ll need to charge the battery will depend on the voltage of the outlet and the battery capacity. The formula for working it out is:

E = P × t

Makes you feel a bit like Einstein, saying that. E is energy, P is power and t is time.  Rearrange this and you get t = E/P or, in plain language:

Your EV’s battery capacity (in kWh) ÷ power output of the charger (in kW) = hours of charging time

This equation, however, mainly applies to charging to 80% rather than 100% (and this is the charge time figure that you’ll see in specs and stats from the manufacturers of EVs). This is because charging isn’t a linear process and it slows down as the battery gets closer to full charge. It’s a mechanism that helps prevent overheating. If you want to charge to 100%, bear in mind that doing so will take a bit longer.

The thing that most people are concerned about is the charging speed. In fact, the charging times are one factor that can put people off purchasing an EV, especially an all-electric BEV or a PHEV. Here in Australia, we have reasonably sensible names for the different charging speeds, unlike in other countries, where you have to ask a few questions to be sure what you’re talking about during a discussion of fast charging – you’ll hear some people talk about fast charging as something different from rapid charging (I feel sorry for those who don’t speak English as their first language because – well, you try explaining the difference between fast and rapid!). Here, we keep things straightforward, calling the two most common charging speeds Level 1 and Level 2, with only the fastest type being called “DC fast charging”.   

Level 1 charging is simplest type of top-up charging that you can do at home or anywhere else you can access a standard common or garden power socket.  It seems very simple but the trouble is that this type of charging is very, very slow. Recharging a completely drained battery will take at least a whole day, as in a 24-hour day.  It could even take 48 hours, which is fine if you’ve got the whole weekend to recharge your car’s batteries as well as your own and don’t have to go anywhere.  On the other hand, if you find yourself at a relative’s place in the country and not enough charge to get you home, you can just plug in and recharge enough to get you home again, or at least to the nearest public charging station (it would be nice if you compensate your relative for the power you’ve used, same as if they let you have a jerrycan of petrol if you’d run out). You may hear this referred to as trickle charging.

Level 2 charging is the sort of charging you do with one of those wall boxes in your home, and Level 2 chargers are what you’ll find in typical public chargers of the kind you’ll see at the supermarket, mall or gym and, if you’re really lucky, at work. Typically, you get around 7.2 km of mileage for every 10 minutes of charging with a 7.2 kW unit, or 22 km of mileage for every 10 minutes with 22 kW charging. (Is anybody else getting flashbacks to the sorts of word problems we had to solve at school?)

However, remember that these mileage figures are approximate and are under ideal conditions. If you have a heavy load, if you have to go into a headwind, or if you want to run the lights or heaters or play music, you’ll reduce the range.

Commercial outlets will often provide chargers not just for their customers’ convenience (although this is certainly part of their motivation) but also as a marketing ploy. If you need to ensure that you’ve got enough charge in your battery to get you home again after work and shopping, then you may need a couple of hours to charge the battery to the right level. However, it may take you only one hour to do your workout at the gym or to pick up your groceries, leaving you with time to kill. Chances are that you’ll spend time in the gym cafeteria or that you’ll spend a bit longer in the supermarket browsing the shelves to fill in the time and will thus spend more money, which is what the commercial outlets are hoping for.  Just be aware of this little ploy and budget for it, develop some iron self-discipline and a healthy bit of patience, or take a book. Just don’t make the mistake of sitting in your car doing things on your phone or laptop with your device plugged into the charger in the car!

Speaking of budgets, a home wallbox will have to be bought separately when you buy a new EV. It’s a good idea to buy one, as otherwise you’ll be relying on super-slow trickle charging or public charging stations to top up the battery. It will also need to be installed by a professional electrician, like your oven or hot water cylinder and for the same reasons. You’ll also have to factor the cost of labour in as well. This is something to keep in mind.

DC fast charging (aka rapid and ultra-rapid charging) uses DC electricity, whereas Levels 1 and 2 use AC electricity. The best known DC chargers are the Tesla superchargers even though, ironically, the original Nikola Tesla promoted and popularized the use of AC electricity. How fast this type of charging will be will depend on the battery, but charging can be done in less than an hour, depending on the kW rating and the type of car. Some EVs charge faster than others. It has to be remembered that not all EVs are compatible with DC fast charging; this is often the case with PHEVs. This is something to check and think about when you buy an EV.

It’s also important to understand the different types of connectors or plugs, but that’s another story for another time.

6 tips for a fun and hassle-free Australian road trip with family and friends

Everyone loves a road trip (well, most of us)! Picking your favourite songs, choosing snacks, embracing the sense of adventure and taking the road less travelled.  

However, as much as we romanticise the idea of spontaneity, the best road trips are those that you are prepared for. This helps avoid stress and struggles during the drive, so you can focus on the journey together with your friends, mates and family. 

So, to help you prepare before you set out, we’ve listed some useful tips and tricks for a hassle-free road trip in Australia. 

Read on for a great journey. 

When it comes to road trips, more preparation = less stress during the trek 

Before hitting the road, you want to make sure that you have everything you need for the next couple of days. This way, you can have carefree fun without worrying during your road trip. 

Start with these six: 

1. Begin with a plan

   While there is nothing wrong with being impulsive to a degree, a rough plan of where you’re headed can help you prepare for your road trip (even just mentally!). By mapping out your routes, key stops and destinations, you can check:

   ✓ weather conditions
   ✓ must-see spots
   ✓ ideal (and free) campsites
   ✓ safety concerns
   ✓ road conditions
   ✓ online reviews, and more

   All these can contribute to a memorable adventure!

2. Carry your essentials with you

   Before leaving, make sure that you have all your essentials – these will help you survive all sorts of road trips in different conditions. For instance, check that you have:

   ✓ food and water (snacks are a must!)
   ✓ essential medication
   ✓ first-aid kits
   ✓ extra batteries and chargers
   ✓ clothes that suit the weather conditions
   ✓ IDs, cards and money
   ✓ and everything else you can’t live without

   While we’re lucky in Australia that most things are always close at hand, there’s nothing more stressful than realising you have to find these during your trip – so best pack them before leaving.

3. Book your accommodation in advance

   If you’re planning to stay in a hotel, resort or holiday park, be sure to book ahead, especially if your trip falls during the school holiday season. This helps make sure that you have a place to stay to rest and that you’re getting the best deals – so, less stress on the road!

4. If you’re taking children, pack something that will keep them entertained.

   Long drives can be stressful with bored children on board – so it helps to be prepared with road trip activities that will keep them occupied. You can also prepare music, audiobooks and other games.

5. Know when to fill your fuel tank

   The safest way to go when doing long road trips is to fill up your tank at every opportunity – even before it’s empty. When your tank is half empty (or half full, if you’re an optimist) it’s a sign to find the nearest petrol station and fill up.

   Just take note: the cost of fuel may differ in different locations across the country, especially in more remote areas of Australia – so add a little to your budget for this.

6. Bring the right vehicle for your trip

   Your best asset during any road trip is the car you’re driving.

   So, whether you’re renting a car or bringing your own, make sure that your vehicle is a match for your route, your destination and the number of people travelling – you don’t want your car breaking down in the middle of nowhere, that’s not fun on any adventure!
   

These are just a few of the things that you should consider before hitting the road – but the best tip there is: don’t forget to have fun! 

Ready for your big Australian road trip? 

Your next great adventure is waiting for you – embrace it head-on with the right car for you and your entire family! 

If you’re looking for a robust vehicle, car or 4WD that you can take on your next adventure – whether it’s a road trip or a long-awaited dream car for your family, our experts can help you navigate the complexities of buying a new car. 

Simply reach out to us and we can have a chat about your options. 

Find the right vehicle for your next road trip with Private Fleet. 

Private Fleet empowers you to gain all the fleet benefits, but as a private buyer. 

Backed by decades of industry experience, fleet buying power and a network of car dealers across Australia, we are here to make sure that buying a new car will be as straightforward as possible for you. 

Buying a new car is a memorable experience – let us make it hassle-free, too. 

Reach out to us today for a seamless and easy car-buying experience. 

Travelling with a dog these holidays? How to safely restrain your dog

 According to RSPCA, 19 percent of dog owners take their pets with them on holiday. Considering a study found that almost half of Aussies now own at least one dog, that’s a lot of dogs in cars.

However, cars are built for the safety of humans, not pets.

So if the car breaks and your dog isn’t restrained properly, it could become a 20kg projectile. In fact, 5,000 dogs each year are either injured or killed as a result of jumping from a moving car. 

In most states it’s illegal to drive with an animal on your lap, as they can distract you from driving. It’s also against the law in Australia to carry a load that’s not fastened, such as dogs on the back of a ute. So, what are the options for safely travelling with Bluey?

Safely restraining dogs in cars

Safely restraining your dog in the car depends on the size of your dog and the make of your car. 

Dog seat belt or safety harness

You may already have a harness for your dog. Dog safety harnesses work by slipping over the dog’s head, under the front legs and attaching to the back piece on the sides of its body. The anchor attaches the harness to the seat belt attachment.

The dog should be able to sit and lie down comfortably while wearing the safety harness in the car.

NRMA revealed that only two harnesses on the market passed their test, adequately restraining their crash test dummy dog. Purina Roadie harness and the Sleepypod Clickit harness passed out of the 25 tested. That’s because their webbing and buckles were stronger than the others. 

Dog transport crates

Dog crates can be made of hard plastic, metal or fabric with supports. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to lie down, stand, turn around and stretch. Your dog may feel anxious in the crate, so adding its favourite toy may help. The crate needs to be fixed to the car using the seat belt. If you have a ute, bolting the crate to the tray may be the safest way to go.

Cargo barriers

Station wagons and 4WD vehicles can get custom-made steel mesh bolted to the rear seat floor and up to the car’s ceiling, sectioning off the space behind the seats. This provides a separate section in the vehicle for your luggage or pet. But, if the space is too large, securing your dog with a harness could also help avoid an injury.

If you’re looking for a new car big enough for your best friend, get in touch with Private Fleet. We can discuss your needs and find the right car for you.

Top 5 safety tips for driving this Easter Long Weekend

Planning a road trip this Easter long weekend? You’re not alone. With the four day weekend coinciding with the school holidays in most states, it’s a busy time of year to travel. 

But, it’s also one of our deadliest. Last year in NSW alone, there were 7 fatalities recorded from Thursday to Easter Monday, and more than 4,500 drivers were hit with fines. An estimated 4 million Aussies travelled by air and road around the country. So, how can you stay safe on the road?

Stay alert while driving this Easter Long Weekend

1. Plan to avoid the traffic

The Easter break starts this year on the 9th of April, which is Good Friday, and runs until Monday, 10th of April. However, many travellers choose to begin their break on Thursday in a bid to beat the traffic.

While leaving the day before should be quieter on the roads, don’t make the mistake of leaving straight from work.

2. Check your car is safe

Your tyres legally must have at least 1.4mm tread depth. Incorrect tyre pressure can speed up tyre wear, so before your big trip, check your wheels. Lift the bonnet and check the oil level doesn’t need topping up and walk around the car to check the lights and blinkers work.

Fill up the tank the day before you depart and check the windscreen washer bottle and coolant is full. 

3. Stop revive survive

Plan your route with places you’d like to stop for a break. The highway may be the most direct route. But, often the time passes quicker when you plan the trip on smaller roads and through small towns. 

Every two hours, take a break from concentration and stretch your legs. If you need to stop and there isn’t a town, perhaps look out for one of the many Driver Reviver spots.

4. Put your phone away

If you’re using the GPS on your phone, make sure the phone is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the car. It’s against the law to touch the phone once you start driving, so enter your final destination before pulling away from the curb.

5. Store your luggage securely

Loose items can become hazardous projectiles if you brake too suddenly. If you’re carrying items on top of the car, regularly stop to check the straps are holding the items securely. Even dogs can be secured with a specially designed dog seat belt. 

If you’re thinking of purchasing a reliable car to get around the country, get in touch with us. We can discuss your needs and find the right car for you.