With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia, more and more people are considering switching from traditional gasoline-powered cars. However, one of the key factors potential EV owners need to understand is how to calculate the charging rates for their vehicles. Understanding these charging costs is crucial for managing expenses and making informed decisions about EV ownership. This article will guide you through the types of EV charging and how to calculate these charging rates accurately.
Types of EV charging
First, let’s go over the different types of EV charging, from home charging to public charging, as well as the power they provide and how long it takes to fully charge an EV.
Home Charging: AC Chargers
AC stands for Alternating Current and is a current that changes direction periodically. It is the standard electricity that comes out of power stations and travels along power lines to homes and other buildings, sometimes referred to as mains or utility power.
Level 1, Slow/Default Wall Chargers
This is the basic type of home charger that uses the charging cord that comes with your EV and plugs into wall outlets. Level 1 chargers use a single-phase AC configuration with a low charging output of around 1.44kW – 1.92kW, and this type of charging takes approximately 17 hours to fully power a 40 kWh EV. This means level 1 chargers are mostly used to charge your EV overnight or while your EV is parked during your working hours.
A level 1 charger would come at no extra cost since the power cord usually comes with the EV you purchase and you can just plug it into a wall outlet.
Level 2, AC Fast Chargers
Level 2 chargers are the type of wall box chargers you usually see in public locations like shopping malls and supermarkets, and can also be found in homes. This level of EV charging is suitable for those who regularly use their EVs in their daily commute, as the charging output of 3.1kW – 22kW can fully charge a 40kwH EV in just 4-8 hours and makes it much more convenient than level 1 slow charging.
Level 2 chargers are available in either a single-phase AC or a 3-phase AC configuration. The maximum output for a single-phase AC is 7.68kW, while the maximum output for a 3-phase AC is 22kW. These level 2 wall-box chargers are available in capacities ranging from 7kW to 22kW variations, and typically a 7kW EV charger costs RM3,000 – RM5,900 while a 22kW model costs RM3,500 – RM 7,900, excluding the cost of installation.
However, if you’re planning to get a level 2 wall-box charger for your home, do note that you will need to hire a professional electrician to help with the installation since most home electrical configurations are single-phase AC and an upgrade is usually required to support 3-phase charging.
Public Charging: DC Chargers
DC stands for Direct Current, and as the name suggests, is an electric current that moves in a straight line and thus charges faster than AC. DC EV chargers require direct connection to the electric grid and often require their own individual substation.
Level 3, DC Fast Chargers
These high-powered fast chargers are the fastest type of EV charging available and use DC (direct current). DC chargers are usually found in public charging stations, highways, RNR (rest & refreshment) facilities, or routes where long-distance travel takes place. Due to their high output capacity of 50-120kwH, they can fully charge a 40kwH EV in just 30 minutes to 2 hours!
However, the hefty power requirements of DC charging mean that it can’t be installed in a residential home, and can only be found in public and commercial areas. In fact, installing a level 3 charger would cost more than purchasing an EV, even without considering the cost of the electrical infrastructure.
While most level 3 chargers have a maximum charge of 50kW, some EV manufacturers have specialised superchargers that can deliver up to 120kW! However, these superchargers typically come at a premium cost and are only meant for specific EV brands and models.
Calculating Charging Costs
Now that we’ve covered the different types of EV charging and chargers, let’s go over how to calculate the charging fees and the difference in costs between charging at home and using public charging facilities. Home charging
When charging your EV, there is usually an energy loss of approximately 10% since that energy dissipates as heat during the process. Taking this energy loss into account and according to the latest TNB tariffs and residential rates of 21.80 cents per kWh for the first 200 kWh, fully charging a 40kwH EV at home would cost you approximately RM9.59. Public charging
Naturally, faster DC charging typically comes at a higher cost compared to slower AC charging at home. In public charging facilities, charging rates differ widely between providers and are often on a per-minute basis. However, there are also annual subscription memberships that allow you to charge your EV at no extra cost, and there are also apps available that you can use to find public charging points near you.
Incentives
To further reduce your charging costs, here are some EV-related incentives and benefits announced in the Malaysian Budget 2024 that you can take advantage of as an EV owner:Individual income tax relief of up to RM2,500 on expenses related to installation, rental, purchasing including hire-purchase equipment or subscription fees for EV charging facilities.Tax rebates of up to RM300,000 per vehicle for businesses renting EVs.
In addition, here at MG with our Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance, you may be eligible for reimbursement of up to RM10,000 should the Wallbox Charger provided with our vehicle model be stolen or damaged by external factors.
Calculating the charging rates for EVs in Malaysia involves understanding the types of chargers, electricity tariffs, and how various factors affect overall costs. By choosing the right charging methods and taking advantage of off-peak rates and government incentives, EV owners can effectively manage their charging expenses. With strategic planning, and exploring cost-effective options, you can maximise your EV’s affordability and contribute to a greener future. If you’re interested in purchasing an MG EV, check out our range of models and contact us for a test drive today!
