Electric utes and vans are arriving on Australian worksites, and tradies have an advantage most drivers don’t: power outlets are everywhere you work. With the right portable charger, your vehicle can top up while you are on the tools.
Where you can charge
- At home overnight: the main charge. A 32A single-phase or three-phase outlet in the garage is ideal.
- At the depot or workshop: many have 15A or three-phase outlets already.
- On site: temporary site power boards often include 15A and red three-phase outlets.
Charging from a site power board
Temporary builders’ boards are designed for heavy tools, but an EV is a continuous load, so:
- Get the site’s permission and check who is paying for the power.
- Ask the site electrician which outlet you may use and at what current.
- Make sure the board is tagged, tested and RCD protected, as site rules require.
- Set your charger’s current so you don’t trip the board when other trades start up the big tools. You can turn it down and still add range.
- Route the cable away from vehicle and foot traffic.
Which charger suits a tradie?
- 11 kW or 22 kW portable chargers plug into red three-phase outlets common on sites and in workshops
- The 7.2 kW suits 32A single-phase outlets at home
- The 3.3 kW suits 15A outlets found on many boards
All have an IP67 control box, a hard carry case that lives in the canopy, and a bonus 10A adapter for a normal power point. Set the charger to 10A first. Check your vehicle’s maximum AC charging rate: many accept 7–11 kW, so 22 kW is only faster if the vehicle supports it.
How much range during a work day?
Even six hours on a 15A outlet adds roughly 85–140 km. On three-phase at 11 kW, it can be several hundred kilometres, if the vehicle accepts it. Heavy loads and towing use more energy, so allow extra.
Keeping it tidy and safe
- Inspect cables for cuts and crush damage daily, as you would any lead
- Never use extension leads between the outlet and the charger
- Cap the Type 2 connector when it is not in use to keep dust out
Frequently asked questions
Can I charge my electric ute from a builders’ temporary power board?
Often, with the site’s permission and the site electrician’s guidance on which outlet and current to use.
Will charging trip the site power?
It can if the board is heavily loaded. Turn the charger’s current down to share the supply.
Is a portable charger tough enough for site use?
Choose one with a high IP rating and a hard case, and inspect the cables like any site lead.
Key takeaways
- Charge at home overnight, then top up at the depot or on site
- Always get site permission and guidance on which outlet to use
- Three-phase portable chargers suit sites and workshops
- Turn the current down to share power, and inspect cables daily