Most EV owners only need a few extras: the portable charger for a normal power point (usually supplied with the car), a Type 2 to Type 2 cable for public AC chargers without one attached, and a jump starter for the small 12-volt battery. Fast DC chargers always have their own cable. Here's which cables you need, what's worth buying in Australia, what to pay and what to look for.
Only if you'll use public AC chargers that don't have a cable attached, such as many at shopping centres, hotels and council car parks. Fast chargers always have a cable. Many owners buy one for peace of mind.
Which Type 2 cable should I buy for an MG4?
The MG4 charges at up to 11 kW on AC, so a three-phase 16 A Type 2 to Type 2 cable is enough. A 32 A cable also works and suits future cars.
Can I use an extension lead to charge my EV?
It's not recommended. Household extension leads and power boards aren't designed for hours at full load and can overheat. Plug the portable charger straight into a wall socket.
Does a fast charger need my own cable?
No. DC fast chargers (CCS2) always have their cable attached.
Does an EV need a 12-volt jump starter?
It's worth having. EVs and hybrids still use a small 12-volt battery to run the locks and computers, and if it goes flat the car won't switch on even with a full main battery.
Is it safe to charge from a normal power point?
Yes, with an approved (RCM-marked) portable charger plugged straight into a power point in good condition. Don't use an extension lead.
Every new EV sold in Australia uses the same Type 2 plug for AC charging and CCS2 for fast DC charging, so you don't need adapters for different brands of charger.
Choosing a Type 2 to Type 2 cable
Cable rating
Single-phase charger
Three-phase charger
Good for
16 A
up to 3.7 kW
up to 11 kW
Most EVs (most can only take 7–11 kW on AC)
32 A
up to 7.4 kW
up to 22 kW
Future-proofing; a few cars take 22 kW, and single-phase 7 kW posts need 32 A
Match your car. Your car's maximum AC charging rate (in its specs, often 7 or 11 kW) sets the most it will ever use. A cable rated higher is fine; one rated lower slows charging.
Three-phase works on single-phase too. A three-phase cable works on any charger, so it's the safer buy.
Length: 5 m suits most bays. 7.5 m helps if your charging port is on the far side from where chargers usually are, but it's heavier.
Buy certified. Look for testing to IEC 62196 (the plug standard), a recognised test mark such as TÜV, and a local seller and warranty. Avoid no-name marketplace cables: a poor cable carrying 32 A can overheat.
Portable chargers and power points
Check yours is RCM-marked. That's the Australian electrical safety mark. The one supplied with the car will be.
Plug straight into the wall. Don't use a household extension lead or power board; they aren't made for hours at full load. See power point vs wall charger.
10 A vs 15 A. A normal 10 A point gives about 2.3–2.4 kW. If you rely on a power point every night, a 15 A outlet installed by an electrician (with a 15 A portable charger) is safer and a little faster.
Check the plug and socket. If either gets hot, discoloured or loose, stop using it and get an electrician to look at it.
The gear worth having
Portable charger (10 A plug to Type 2)
$170–$550
Plugs into a normal power point and adds about 10–15 km of range an hour. Some new EVs don't include one, and it's the backup that gets you home anywhere with a power point.
Buying tip: Buy one with an Australian RCM approval mark and a cable of at least 5 m. Never run it through an extension lead.
EVs and hybrids still have a small 12-volt battery that runs the locks and computers. If it goes flat, the car won't 'start' even with a full main battery.
Buying tip: A compact 400–1,000 A unit is plenty for an EV or hybrid, and doubles as a power bank.
A low, bright ramp that covers a charging cable so people don't trip on it. Councils that issue footpath charging permits, like Inner West, require the cable to be covered.
Buying tip: Only use it on a footpath if your council has given you a permit. Pick a bright yellow ramp with a channel wide enough for your cable and a non-slip base.
Plugs into the car's diagnostic port so a phone app can read battery state of health and cell voltages: handy when checking a used EV, and for keeping an eye on your own.
Buying tip: Buy a quality adapter (OBDLink or Vgate are common choices) and check it works with the app for your car. iPhones need a Bluetooth LE adapter. Unplug it after use.
Prices are typical Australian ranges in October 2026 and change often. Amazon links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Other useful extras
Accessory
Typical price
Why
Type 2 to Type 2 cable, 5 m
$150–300
Shorter and lighter. Fine for most public chargers.
Type 2 to Type 2 cable, 7.5 m
$200–400
Reaches awkwardly placed chargers and the far side of the car.
Tyre repair kit or space-saver
$40–300
Many EVs have no spare tyre. Check before a road trip.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter
$100–250
Runs appliances from the car's battery, for cars that support it. Use the maker's or a certified adapter.
Charging apps
Free
Chargefox, Evie, NRMA, Tesla, BP Pulse and PlugShare. Set them up before your first trip.
What to skip
Extension leads for charging. They overheat at EV charging loads. Get a longer charger cable or a power point installed closer instead.
Cheap unbranded chargers without Australian approval. Look for the RCM tick mark.
"Range boosting" gadgets. Tyre pressure, speed and pre-conditioning make far more difference.
Weekly cost = the car's energy use × 250 km × your electricity or fuel price, with 90% of charging at home. Prices are list prices at November 2026; check with the dealer.
Electricity: 2026–27 default rates (AER, Victorian Default Offer, state retailers). Public charging: Sydney network prices, July 2026.
Petrol and diesel: capital-city daily averages from state government price feeds, via FuelRadar, 12 November 2026. Diesel for Hobart, Canberra and Darwin is estimated from the national fall.
Cars: maker figures via CarExpert, Drive, CarsGuide and EV Central. Plug-in electric range is taken as 80% of the claim.
Servicing: published capped prices; marked as an estimate where not yet published (CarExpert comparison).
Tyres: an EV set lasts about 35,000 km, a petrol or hybrid set 50,000 km (RACV); prices from Gridly.
Home charger: about $2,000 installed ($1,000–$3,000). Novated leases:PwC summary.