Electric vehicle charging

An electric vehicle is a car powered by electricity instead of petrol. The energy used to power the vehicle is drawn from a rechargeable battery stored onboard. Drivers 'top up their tank' by recharging this battery with electricity.

The travelling distance of an electric vehicle will vary depending on the model. But as an example, Mitsubishi claims that the i-MiEV vehicle has a drive range of approximately 160km a full charge. After arriving at a destination with a charging station the driver simply plugs their vehicle in to top up the battery.

The first generation electric vehicles are a big step forward towards clean transport and the benefits go further than simply helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport. Some effective energy and carbon saving initiatives undertaken by organisations – such as lighting and cooling efficiencies - happen behind closed doors. But an electric vehicle, powered and promoted as using renewable energy purchased from an energy retailer such as Origin, is a public statement about your environmental responsibility.

So take the next step and be seen in an electric vehicle.

Electric vehicles have four key benefits, including:

1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions arising from transportation
   When powered by renewable energy, the fuel related carbon emissions from your electric vehicle are reduced dramatically. For example, GreenPower is Government accredited renewable energy. If you purchase Origin 100% GreenPower, 100% of your vehicle’s electricity consumption is matched into the power grid with electricity from GreenPower accredited renewable sources, such as wind farms.
2. Being tangible
   When powered and promoted as using 100% GreenPower, stakeholders may better appreciate your organisation's efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Going further for less
   A simple calculation shows the cost saving:
   
   • Electric vehicle: $7.00 per 100km*
   • Petrol vehicle: $15.00 per 100km**

   *Assumptions - Electricity Running Costs
   Calculations based on:
   Average annual travel distance of 15,000 km
   Assuming an efficiency of an electric vehicle of 200Wh/km = 1kW/5 km, or an annual consumption of 3,000 kWh per annum (3 MWh)
   At a cost of 35c/kWh for 100% green power, annual running cost is 3,000 x 0.35 = $1050.00
   Average cost/km = $0.07/km or $7.00 per 100 km
   
   **Assumptions - Petrol running costs
   Average travel distance of 15,000 KM
   Assuming an efficiency of 10.8L/100 km, and a cost of $1.40/litre for petrol, the annual running cost on petrol = $2,268.00
   At a cost of $1.40 per litre (in some places on some days), the cost of fuelling a 10.8L/100 km car is $0.15/km or $15.00 per 100 km
   Source: AutoCRC Report: Planning for Electric Vehicles in Australia (2009) 

   Multiply this across a fleet of vehicles and the savings start to gain speed.

4. Being cheaper to maintain than petrol vehicles in most cases
   This is because their engines are less complex and have fewer moving parts^.

   ^Source: AECOM (2009) ‘Economic Viability of Electric Vehicles’ pp. 49 (Section 4.12.3)

The carbon reductions achieved by electric vehicles fuelled with renewable energy are worth considering.

These may be especially relevant if your company has a fleet of vehicles or parking facilities, such as the following industries:

• Councils
• Couriers
• Fast food chains
• Car parking garages
• Shopping centres
• Commercial property developers

Origin can provide your organisation with a reliable and safe method of recharging  (1MB) these vehicles.

Origin is pleased to offer a safe, reliable and easy to use ‘smart’ networked charging solution.

The Origin ChargePoint Network Operating System comes standard with the following features:

• Secure user authentication (using an Origin ChargePass smart card)
• Vehicle tracking
• Real-time charge station finder and availability (via Online)
• Trip mapping
• Access to reporting and usage data
• Driver notifications
• Billing management
• Summaries of reductions in greenhouse gas emissions

We also provide peace of mind with 24hr / 7 day driver phone assist and greater flexibility with purchase or leasing options.

Furthermore, when recharged with renewable energy, there are no fuel related greenhouse gas emissions.

Put simply, the Origin ChargePoint Network Operating System enables an easy, convenient method of managing your electric vehicle than non-networked systems.

Browse the Origin ChargePoint Product Range  (1MB)

Introducing the Origin “15Amp Powerpoint Charging Solution”

Origin's 15Amp Powerpoint Charging Solution is perfect for any electric vehicle owner, either private or commercial, that is looking for a low cost charging solution.

Features include:

• Provision of a 15 Amp powerpoint GPO
• Deliver an electric charge via an approved standard Australian outlet
• A dedicated circuit to ensure delivery of a safe recharge session
• Complies with published requirements of most major electric vehicle manufacturers
• Green power supplied separately

15Amp Powerpoint Charging Solution fact sheet  (1.28MB)

Introducing the Origin 'Solar Electric Vehicle Charging Solution'

By installing an integrated solar electric vehicle charging system, you are able to generate electricity from the sun to offset the electricity that is consumed when you charge your electric vehicle.

You can save $250 of the purchase of any Origin solar electricty system. Once you have purchased your 15 AMP EV Charging Station, visit originenergy.com.au/solar and enter Promo code EV250 when prompted to receive your discount.

Charging your electric vehicle is easy, reliable and safe.

Origin and ChargePoint have developed an easy to follow step-by-step guide to charging  (855KB) your electric vehicle. Print and store a copy in each of your vehicles.