More Australians are taking an EV on the road, and a caravan park powered site is often the most convenient overnight top-up you will find. It will not replace a fast charger on a long day of driving, but it can comfortably add a good chunk of range while you sleep, as long as you understand the outlet, the speed and the park rules.
What outlet is on a powered site?
Most Australian powered sites have a weatherproof outlet on a post or pillar. Many are 15 amp outlets, which look like a normal power point but have a wider earth pin slot. Some parks also provide a standard 10 amp outlet.
A 10A plug fits into a 15A outlet, but a 15A plug will not fit a 10A outlet. That is deliberate: it stops a heavier load being plugged into a circuit that was not designed for it.
How fast will you charge?
- 10A outlet: roughly 2.3 kW, or about 10–15 km of range per hour. Ten hours overnight adds around 100–150 km.
- 15A outlet: roughly 3.3 kW, or about 14–23 km of range per hour, depending on your car.
Actual figures depend on your car’s efficiency, the weather, and the supply voltage at the park, which can sag at busy times.
Ask before you plug in
Parks set their own rules. Some welcome EV charging on powered sites, some charge a small fee, and some ask you to use a dedicated charger elsewhere in the park. A powered site is usually priced for a caravan’s typical use, not a car drawing power all night, so always ask at check-in. It is good manners, and it avoids tripping a shared circuit at 2am.
What to pack
- A certified portable charger that can be set to a lower current. Our 3.3 kW portable charger runs straight from a 15A outlet, and every Evtronix model comes with a bonus adapter for 10A outlets.
- The adapter that matches the outlet, rather than a power board or double adaptor.
- No extension lead. If the cable will not reach, move the car. (We explain why in Can you charge an EV with an extension lead?)
Set the current to match the outlet
On an Evtronix charger, press the A button to set the charging current before you connect the car. Use 10A on a 10A outlet. If a park asks you to keep usage down, you can set a lower current still, and the car will simply charge more slowly.
A simple overnight routine
- Check in and ask whether EV charging is allowed on your site.
- Plug the charger into the outlet and check the screen shows it is ready.
- Set the current to suit the outlet (10A on a 10A outlet).
- Plug the Type 2 connector into the car.
- Lay the cable so nobody trips on it, and keep the plug connection off wet ground.
Frequently asked questions
Can I charge an EV from a caravan park powered site?
Usually yes, with the park’s permission. A 10A or 15A outlet will add roughly 100–230 km overnight depending on the outlet and the car.
Will a 15A plug fit a normal power point?
No. A 15A plug has a wider earth pin so it only fits 15A outlets. A 10A plug fits both.
Should I use the boot cable or a portable charger?
On a 10A outlet both charge at about the same speed. A 15A-capable portable charger is faster on a 15A outlet, and adds protections, a display and current control.
Key takeaways
- Most powered sites have a 15A outlet; some also have 10A
- Expect about 10–15 km/h on 10A and 14–23 km/h on 15A
- Always ask the park first, and never use an extension lead
- Set your charger’s current to suit the outlet before plugging into the car