Rabbi confirms EVs can be charged on Shabbat

A growing number of Jewish families are choosing electric vehicles, according to the Jewish Climate Network (JCN), which is launching a push to encourage further take-up across the community.

Petrol price spikes and cost-of-living pressures are driving more electric vehicles onto the streets of Bondi, Bentleigh and beyond, according to the network, which says increasing EV ownership is central to its mission of accelerating the transition to a zero-emissions world.

The campaign has highlighted a question of particular interest to observant families: whether an EV can be charged over Shabbat.

St Kilda Shule’s Rabbi Yaakov Glasman said it could, provided the vehicle was plugged in beforehand.

“Halachah permits us to charge an EV on Shabbat, as long as it has been plugged in before the start of Shabbat. This enables us to take advantage of low electricity costs during the day. Or free if you have solar,” he said.