Most EV owners only need a few extras: a portable charger as a backup, a Type 2 cable for public AC chargers, and a jump starter for the small 12-volt battery. Here's what's worth buying in Australia, what to pay and what to look for.
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.
See prices on Amazon ›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.
See prices on Amazon ›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.
See prices on Amazon ›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.
See prices on Amazon ›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.
See prices on Amazon ›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.
See prices on Amazon ›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.
See prices on Amazon ›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.
See prices on Amazon ›Prices are typical Australian ranges in October 2026 and change often. We may earn a commission from Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
More on cables: which charging cables you actually need. Thinking about a wall charger? See home charger costs.
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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.
Only if you'll use public AC chargers that don't have a cable attached, such as many at shopping centres, hotels and caravan parks. DC fast chargers always have their own cable.
Yes, with an approved portable charger plugged straight into a power point in good condition. Don't use an extension lead.
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 October 2026; check with the dealer.
Printed from EV Pick · evpick.com.au. Prices and costs are estimates; check with the dealer. © 2026 EV Pick (T. Crouch). For personal use only; not to be copied, republished or sold without permission.
