It’s 2024, and electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular. This popularity can be attributed to their several advantages. With the growth of the EV industry, charging stations are also available in many locations. However, having your home EV charger is still the best option. It will also be more convenient and easy to manage your electric vehicle.
What Is a Home EV Charger?
An electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle requires electricity to run. Just like you charge any other electronic device, electric vehicles require regular charging. Home EV chargers perform the same function. The only difference is that you get the comfort of charging it at your home. In simple words, they recharge the battery of your electric vehicle.
Benefits of Buying a Home EV Charger
If you recently got your new EV, maybe a Tesla model, after endless price comparisons and checking different models, then you’ll find there are many benefits to buying a home EV charger. A home EV charging point is sustainable and eco-friendly, requires less maintenance, and is cost-effective. Some other advantages are listed below.
Convenience
Imagine having several busy days and forgetting to charge your vehicle. And then you find out in the morning of an important meeting that your vehicle is out of battery. A terrible scenario, right? What will you do next? Stand in line for many hours to get your turn to charge your vehicle? A home charger is a permanent solution to this problem. It is highly convenient and accessible. You can charge your car at any time and whenever you want. A bonus point is that you can do anything you want to do while it is charging.
Hassle-free
You might think that with this level of convenience, the installation process will be difficult and full of hassles. You are wrong. You can get one easily installed and it does not even require any special permission. You just have to choose your preferable charger and have it installed at your home. Click here to check out their different types.
Cost-effective
Home EV chargers are also cost-effective. Except for the first-time installation fee, the cost of having your EV charger will be less than the cost of using a public charging point regularly. The only increase will be in your electricity cost, and even that will be minimal. They are a long-term investment that will reduce your overall cost once installed.
Cost efficiency is definitely one of the biggest advantages of having an EV charger installed at home. A minimal increase in electricity costs might be expected, but there are also services online that can help you compare home electricity prices to make this more manageable. Investing in a home EV charger can help you save more in the long run.
Increases the Property Value
From the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and their eco-friendly nature, it is no doubt that they will become mainstream soon. At that time, properties with personal charging stations will increase in value. They will be seen as a long-term investment and affect your property’s value significantly.
Speed
A public charging point can require a lot of time. An effective and good-quality home EV charger can charge your vehicle in less time than a public charging station. Of course, there are rapid charging points, but they are also expensive. A personal charging point is also better for your vehicle’s battery in the long run. Charging your vehicle multiple times can affect its battery life poorly.
Safety
Charging at a public station requires a lot of time and is not safe. There is the risk of your vehicle getting stolen, damaged, or vandalized. The risk is similar to the one you face when you park your vehicle in a public place. These risks will not create a problem if you charge your vehicle in the safety of your home.
Effectiveness of Home EV Charger
With all the benefits mentioned above, there is no doubt about the effectiveness of home EV chargers. They not only effectively charge your vehicle but also are convenient and more compatible. However, the effectiveness of an EV charger depends on its type and its compatibility with your device. EV Australia has several different types of charging alternatives.
Factors to Consider While Buying an EV Charger
Following are the factors you should consider while purchasing an EV charger.
Charging Power
Different types of vehicles have different power requirements. Therefore, the first thing you should consider is your vehicle’s power requirement. The power can range from 3.7kW to 22kW.
Type of Plug
The two standard types of plug available in the market are Type 1 and Type 2. Check the kind of plug your vehicle has. A Type 2 charging station is more flexible and convenient to use. It is the best option for public charging stations.
Supplier
The supplier’s reputation is another factor you should consider. Choose a reputed supplier with good reviews, reliability and services. Carefully check all the details, including whether the supplier provides installation and after-sales services.
Installation
Consider the installation cost before purchasing a charger. Factors like the distance of your parking lot from the fuse box, cables, etc., will also influence the installation cost. Installation of an electric charger can only be done by a qualified electrician. Make sure that your electrician knows the standards and requirements.
Different Types of Home EV Charging
There are primarily two types of home EV charging: Level 1 and Level 2.
Level 1
Level 1 charging is using the charger that came with your vehicle to recharge the battery. Level 1 chargers come free with the vehicle, making it an inexpensive option. It can be easily plugged into any outlet in your home. However, level 1 charging is also slow. It can even take about 20 hours to charge the vehicle.
Level 2
Level 2 charging are faster and more efficient than Level 1 charging. They can quickly charge your vehicle, making them more convenient. However, they require separate installation and can be expensive to install. It is also crucial to know that the initial cost is set off by the various benefits you get in the long term. A level 2 charger can only be installed by a qualified electrician.
Final Words
With the climate crisis we are facing today, electric vehicles are a much-needed change. A home EV charger can enhance the convenience of owning an EV and make people more likely to invest in EVs.
