Tom Crowder
Hibiscus Coast · 3 people, 250 m² · EV, Heat pump, Induction cooking, Solar
Honestly, driving an EV is just fun.
$2,880 saved per year
What's in your electric home?
Our home is powered by a 7.5kW solar setup with 17 panels and a 6kW inverter. We've moved to an induction hob for cooking and have three heat pumps keeping us comfortable year-round. While we still have a gas fire in the lounge and an older hot water cylinder, I've integrated Home Assistant with smart switches on the cylinder and a 3-pin outdoor socket for car charging. It's a great mix of modern tech and smart automations.
When did you start, and why?
Our journey toward electrification began in 2020 when we got our first EV. The primary motivation for us was to reduce our impact on the planet. Since then, we've continued to transition, and we now operate with one EV and one petrol vehicle as we move closer to a fully electric lifestyle.
What do you love most about it?
Honestly, driving an EV is just fun. Beyond the drive itself, I've really enjoyed watching the numbers. There is a real sense of satisfaction in seeing exactly how little energy we actually need to import from the grid.
How has it changed your behaviour?
It's made me much more aware of our energy footprint. Having all that usage data at my fingertips through the inverter app and Home Assistant means I naturally use less because I can see exactly when our consumption is high.
Any advice?
Start with something that's engaging for you. If you enjoy driving, start with a car. If you're into data and tech, start with a solar system that has a good app. Finding the part that interests you makes the whole journey much more rewarding.
Solar: 7.5 kW, 17 panels
Vehicles: 1x EV, 1x ICE