FAQs

Not finding the answers you seek? Get in touch with the VCSA team today, we're happy to answer any questions you might have.

What is included in the VCS Two installations?

As standard, VCS Two installations include:

A hinged post and boom arrangement, with hooks on the fence or a nearby wall for ‘out of sight’ storage when not in use
A 2.3kW fifteen metre EV charging cable, suitable for use with a standard 10A socket outlet.
Supply and installation.

Any enabling electrical work can be quoted as required.

7kW options are also available.

Where does VCSA manufacture its products?

VCSA undertakes design, engineering and manufacturing in Melbourne. We use Australian made materials where possible, supporting local businesses and local jobs.

Does VCSA sell the hardware for others to install?

Not at this time. We’re deploying new solutions to a new problem and want to be as sure as we can that every installation is exceptionally well managed. We’re starting close to home, and doing every installation ourselves.

As we expand, we’ll partner with selected installers.

Does installing a VCSA product guarantee me a right to park in front of my house?

No, it does not.

The street is a public place, and your local government is responsible for managing any limitations and rights with regard to parking.

If you’re a typical driver, and able to park in front of your home one or two nights a week, a VCSA solution will probably suit you.

If you are rarely able to park in front of your home, it probably will not.

Who owns the installation?

The installation is typically paid for by the resident, and becomes part of the home. If you’re renting your home, you should have a chat to your landlord to seek their approval.

How does it stack up on cost, compared to petrol or fast EV charging?

A typical petrol car uses about $2,000 in petrol per year.
(15,000km / year) * (7 Litres / 100km) * ($1.90 / Litre) ≈ $2000/year

A typical EV charged solely at public fast chargers uses about $1,350 in electricity per year.
(15,000km / year) * (15kWh / 100km) * ($0.60 / kWh) ≈ $1350 / year

A typical EV, charged off-peak at home using the VCS One, will use about $180 in electricity per year.
(15,000km / year) * (15kWh / 100km) * ($0.08 / kWh) ≈ $180 / year

Individual circumstances will vary, but home charging has the potential to save a typical EV driver over $1000 per year - as well as being far more convenient than regularly using public fast chargers.

I don't have an external power point to charge an EV, what can I do?

VCSA can quote for the installation of a power point or a 7kW EV charger as part of the overall installation, or you can engage your own licensed electrical contractor.

If you’re looking to use your own electrical contractor, VCSA experts are happy to co-ordinate with them

What type of EV charger is supplied with the installation?

As standard, the VCS Two includes a single phase, 10 Amp charging cable, with 15 metre length. This is known as a ‘Mode 2’ or ‘Level 1’ EV charger, and has a nominal 2.3kW power output. This type of cable plugs into a standard domestic power outlet.

In a ten hour charging session (for example, 9pm to 7am), this type of cable can deliver about 150km of range top-up to an EV, depending on the vehicle:

(10 hours * 2.3kW) * (100km / 15kWh) = 153km

Most drivers do less than 300km of driving per week, and will be able to charge at home at least twice per week - so this type of EV charger will be sufficient for most EV drivers, and it helps us keep costs down.

For drivers doing significantly more mileage, who need to be able to fully recharge an EV overnight, the VCS Two can be paired with a 7kW instead, at somewhat higher cost.

What steps can be taken to future proof the installation?

For drivers thinking about future proofing at time of installation of the VCS Two, we recommend that the supply to the power outlet installed to support the VCS Two be sized to support the future installation of a 7kW EV charger. This essentially means slightly larger gauge wiring to the location, and a higher capacity circuit breaker. It doesn’t cost much more than standard wiring to a dedicated 10A power outlet, and makes it easier to upsize the EV charger down the track if that proves necessary.

If I’m on a novated lease which incorporates public EV charging costs, what changes for me when I shift to doing most of my EV charging at home?

Shifting to EV charging at home will typically significantly reduce the actual cost of EV charging, but you will no longer have a set of specific transactions to base your cost claim on, because the extra electricity usage will simply turn up on your household electricity bill.

The ATO provides a simple method for calculating the value of energy at home for EV charging when it’s not being separately measured, which is based on 4.2c/km, from an odometer reading – it’s detailed here:

https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/income-deductions-offsets-and-records/deductions-you-can-claim/work-related-deductions/cars-transport-and-travel/motor-vehicle-and-car-expenses/expenses-for-a-car-you-own-or-lease

VCSA encourages drivers in this circumstance to make sure their specific novated lease provider is able to accommodate a shift from using public EV charging, to EV charging at home.

VCSA also encourages drivers to consider available electricity retail offers, particularly the ones designed for EV drivers. It’s definitely possible to charge an EV at home for much less than 4.2c/km, everywhere that a VCSA solution is being supplied.

I'm not certain if a VCSA solution will suit my property?

We are happy to address any specific questions by email or over the phone.

We also offer demonstrations at our factory, without any need to book, at the following times:

Mondays: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Fridays: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Saturdays: 9.00am - 11.00am

*Public Holidays excluded.

VCSA can also visit your home and address any overall concerns and provide you with advice and an obligation free quote.

If I move from my property, can I relocate your product to a new property?

Absolutely, it can be relocated to another property providing you own the product. VCSA will be happy to assist with this process.

What happens if I experience vandalism?

Whilst we have engineered our products to minimise this risk, we ensure that our products are fully supported with spare parts and onsite service.