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Gear · Updated November 2026

EV charging cables and gear worth buying

Quick answer

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.

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Common questions

Do I need a Type 2 to Type 2 cable?

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.

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Which cables you need

CableWhat it's forDo you need one?Typical price
Portable charger ("granny charger")Charging from a normal power point at home or awayUsually comes with the car. Check: some brands now charge extra$170–550
Type 2 to Type 2 cablePublic AC chargers without an attached cable (shopping centres, hotels, councils)Worth having. Many cars don't include one$150–400
CCS2 / DC fast chargingFast chargers on highwaysNo. Fast chargers always have their own cable attached–
Home wall chargerFaster overnight charging at homeOptional; see home charger costs$1,000–3,000 installed

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 ratingSingle-phase chargerThree-phase chargerGood for
16 Aup to 3.7 kWup to 11 kWMost EVs (most can only take 7–11 kW on AC)
32 Aup to 7.4 kWup to 22 kWFuture-proofing; a few cars take 22 kW, and single-phase 7 kW posts need 32 A

Portable chargers and power points

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.

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Type 2 to Type 2 cable

$150–$400

Needed for 'bring your own cable' AC chargers at shopping centres, hotels and caravan parks, which are common on Australian road trips.

Buying tip: A 32 A three-phase cable works everywhere and future-proofs you, even if your car only takes 7 or 11 kW.

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Lithium jump starter

$80–$300

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.

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Cordless tyre inflator

$50–$150

EVs are heavy and wear tyres faster, and low pressure cuts range. Topping up monthly saves money on both.

Buying tip: Choose one with a digital auto-stop at your set pressure. Check the door sticker for the right pressure.

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Cable holder and wall hook

$20–$60

Keeps the charging plug clean and dry and the cable off the garage floor, where it gets driven over.

Buying tip: Get one that holds the plug itself, not just the cable, to keep dirt and water out of the pins.

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Cable protector ramp

$30–$120

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.

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Charging cable bag

$20–$50

Stops a dirty or wet cable rattling around the boot or frunk, and keeps it easy to find.

Buying tip: A bag with a zip and a stiff base sits flat in the frunk.

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All-weather floor and boot mats

$80–$250

Protects resale value, which matters more as EV prices fall. Model-specific mats fit far better than universal ones.

Buying tip: Search for your exact model and year; many popular EVs have fitted 3D mats.

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Dash cam

$100–$400

Useful for insurance claims and parking incidents. Some EVs have built-in cameras, but many don't record on the road.

Buying tip: If your car powers its 12 V socket off when parked, look for a hardwire kit for parking mode, fitted by an auto electrician.

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Bluetooth OBD2 adapter (for battery health apps)

$40–$200

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.

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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

AccessoryTypical priceWhy
Type 2 to Type 2 cable, 5 m$150–300Shorter and lighter. Fine for most public chargers.
Type 2 to Type 2 cable, 7.5 m$200–400Reaches awkwardly placed chargers and the far side of the car.
Tyre repair kit or space-saver$40–300Many EVs have no spare tyre. Check before a road trip.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter$100–250Runs appliances from the car's battery, for cars that support it. Use the maker's or a certified adapter.
Charging appsFreeChargefox, Evie, NRMA, Tesla, BP Pulse and PlugShare. Set them up before your first trip.

What to skip

Thinking about a wall charger? See power point, wall charger or fast charger.

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How we work it out, and our sources

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.

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Do I need a wall charger?

Open the home charging calculator ›

Your daily driving and overnight parking time tell you whether a normal power point is enough.