As a car owner, it is necessary to have a home charger for electric vehicles that is not only reliable but also conveniently and calmly functioning. But with so many options available, picking out one home electric vehicle charger can be much more difficult than one might think. In this guiding book, you will discover how to negotiate through the key determining factors of the choice of a charger for your EV, such as the speed and cost of charging and the compatibility with the vehicle of yours. Whether you are a new EV owner or you want to alter your current configuration, this book will make sure that you make an informed choice.
Why You Need a Home EV Charger
Even though public charging stations are becoming more common, the convenience of having a home EV charger is hard to beat. This provides you the opportunity of charging your vehicle overnight, making sure it is good to go every morning. Additionally, on occasions, charging at home could be the cheaper option especially if one can take advantage of the lower electricity rates during off-peak hours. With the appropriate home EV charger, you can be certain of having your EV ready and fully charged every day. To know more about the potential benefits of charging at home, visit the U.S. Department of Energy.
Understanding Different Levels of Home EV Chargers
Before settling on the best charger for your home, it is very important to understand the different levels of EV chargers:
1) Level 1 Chargers
The Level 1 chargers are the ones that plug into my normal home 120-volt outlet. This is the simplest and most elementary type of charger and we often do find them to be included in the EV purchase. However, they are the ones that will take time to add even 2 to 5 miles to the range within one hour of charging. In fact, level 1 chargers are especially useful for drivers who have short commutes and those who will be plugging in their electric vehicle for long amounts of time, such as overnight.
2) Level 2 Chargers: A Popular Choice for Home Use
Level 2 chargers connect to a 240-volt outlet, which is also used by heavy home machines such as dryers. They charge much faster than Level 1 chargers, typically adding 10 to 60 miles of range per hour. The majority of EV owners find that Level 2 chargers provide a quality cost and convenience balance thereby rightfully becoming the best choice for them in home use situations.
3) DC Fast Chargers
DC fast chargers hold the title of the fastest alternative, which can reach maximum capacity 80% in just 20 to 30 minutes. Nonetheless, they are highly dependent on a higher voltage of about 480 volts, therefore, they are usually found in public charging stations, among others. Besides their expensive nature and massive energy requirements, DC fast chargers are not generally appropriate for home use.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Home EV Charger
Now that you know the different kinds of chargers, let’s take a look at the factors that you should consider while choosing the correct home EV charger:
1) Charging Speed
One of the most crucial elements to consider is the charging speed. If you frequently travel long distances or if fast charging is important to you, a Level 2 charger is probably your best choice. Unlike a Level 1 charger, it charges very quickly so you can fully charge your car during the night. Careful introspection of your driving and decision for the right kind of charger is necessary to ensure that you facilitate your own needs.
2) Installation Costs
Installation costs are depending on the kind of charger and the electrical system of your home. Level 1 chargers are the least expensive because no special installation is required, but typically the installation of Level 2 chargers will need to be done by a licensed electrician. If your home electrical system is not up to standards to accommodate a Level 2 charger, the upgrading your electrical panel can be an extra cost. So you should get quotations from a variety of electricians and choose the option with the most favorable quote among them.
3) Compatibility with Your Vehicle
All chargers are not the same; only certain types can be used with some electric cars. The overall majority of electric vehicles use the same standard connector (J1772) here in North America, however, it is always a good idea to check your vehicle’s specifications to make sure it is compatible. For instance, if you own a Tesla, you may need an adapter to get a non-Tesla charger to work. Make sure to double check that the charger is compatible with your specific make and model before the purchase.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Many modern-day EV chargers come with smart features that can help you have a great charging experience. These features may include Wi-Fi connectivity, which lets you monitor and control your charger remotely by using a smartphone app. Some chargers also come with scheduling capabilities, which enables you to charge your vehicle during off-peak hours and save on electricity costs. Even though these features may add to the cost, they offer added benefits of convenience and flexibility.
1) Wi-Fi Connectivity
Those chargers that are equipped with Wi-Fi allow you to monitor your charging sessions, have your energy usage tracked, and control your charger from anywhere. This is especially useful when you want to optimize your charging so that it occurs when the electricity rates are lower. Through the use of some applications, real-time alerts, and notifications can also be delivered, keeping you always informed about your EV’s charging status.
2) Scheduling Capabilities
Repeatable times for the charger to start and stop charging can be set with scheduling capabilities. This is especially useful if your utility company provides time-of-use rates and electricity is cheaper during specific hours of the day. If in these times you register your charging sessions you will save money and your EV will be fully charged precisely when you need it.
Planning for the Future: Future-Proofing Your Home EV Charger
Isn’t it true that EV technology is evolving continuously? The key here is to think about future needs while searching for the best EV charger for home use. If you forecast the larger battery of a new car or the arrival of another EV in your house, the option of investing in a more powerful charger should also be taken into account. Also, remember to think about how easy is it to upgrade the charger or whether it has interfaces for charging new technologies in the future, like bidirectional charging, which allows you to use your electric vehicle as a backup power source for your home.
1) Higher-Capacity Chargers
The first point to consider is to listen to the charging power requirement in the future. if you need more charging power, it may be worth investing in a higher-capacity Level 2 charger now. This is the option for saving money. you can also find chargers that offer adjustable power settings, and you can increase the charging speed when needed.
2) Bidirectional Charging
The newest technology is the two-way charging system that allows you to power your home during a blackout or give energy back to the network with the car battery. Although currently this ability is not widespread, it is a good idea to think of it if you want to keep the charger for several years. Some companies have already created chargers compatible with this way of charging, and it is an option to seek when you are going to shop.
Conclusion
Which one is the most suitable home EV charger to use? Try to take a close look at aspects such as charging speed, the cost of installation, compatibility, and future needs. In this way, you will have enough knowledge about the options available and your pertinent needs, thus you may find the right charger that meets your needs and improves your electric vehicle ownership experience. Whether you are a newcomer to EVs, or want to improve your charging electrification, relying on a home EV charger that fits you perfectly will await convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind.
For more details about charging electric cars, go to our tutorial for a home EV charger installation.