Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. With that increased popularity, EV charging stations are popping up all around. You’ll find charging stations at gas stations, on college campuses, and even in the parking areas of large businesses.
However, you might find that installing an EV charging station at home could be more beneficial than charging your vehicle in a public space. Continue reading to learn more about home EV charging stations and the benefits of having one so you can decide if one is right for you.
Understanding the Different Types of EV Chargers
Before shopping around for an EV charger for home use, you’ll need to understand the different types of chargers available to you. There are three levels of electric vehicle chargers to choose from for home use. When learning about each type, consider your driving habits and how much time you’ll have at home to charge your vehicle. Of course, you’ll want to consider the cost of purchasing and installing each type.
Level 1 EV Charging Station
A level 1 EV charger is a standard charger that often comes with your new vehicle purchase. This charger uses a standard 120-volt connection that plugs into your existing home outlets. You do not need any additional equipment to use a level 1 charger, and you do not need any professional installation. Simply plug the cord into your car and the other end into a power outlet.
A level 1 charger can be great for anyone who spends a lot of time at home and drives very little. These chargers are best for charging your EV while you sleep. With a level 1 charger, you’ll get about 2 to 4 miles of driving range per hour of charging. This number fluctuates based on your particular vehicle. At such a slow charging pace, many EV owners find that level 1 charging isn’t sufficient to keep up with their driving needs alone and must supplement with public charging stations.
Level 2 EV Charging Station
Level 2 chargers work at a rate of six to eight times faster than a standard level 1 charger. Level 2 chargers operate at 240 volts and give you about 12-32 miles of driving range for each hour of charging. As with level 1 chargers, this range depends on the make and model of your electric vehicle. With that in mind, be sure to do your homework when choosing a level 2 charger as you may spend more on a more powerful charger that doesn’t work any faster on your EV. Check the specifications of your vehicle before deciding on a charger. Most public charging stations offer level 2 charging.
If you opt for a level 2 charger, you’ll want to call a professional electrician to help with installation. The electrician will check your home’s power grid to ensure it can handle the electricity needs and make any upgrades necessary. Professional installation is a must with a level 2 EV charger at home.
Level 3 EV Charging Station
With level 3 EV charging, you’ll get the fastest charge. Level 3 chargers provide 100-250 miles of driving range in about 30-45 minutes. These charging stations are great for quick charging and longer distances. When using public chargers, a level 3 may be hard to find but is great for longer trips that require multiple stops for charging. At home, a level 3 charger could be ample enough to meet your charging needs for daily driving with little interruption to your daily life. A professional electrician is necessary to install a level 3 charger at home. You will likely have to upgrade your electrical panel to handle the load required for this type of charger.
Why Choose Home Charging for Your EV?
With more and more people owning EVs now, you’ll find EV charging stations all around. Even with readily available public charging for your EV, there are several key benefits to installing a charger at your house. You may have reservations based on the high up-front installation costs, but once you read on and learn about the pros of home charging, you may find that the initial cost is well worth the investment.
Ease and Convenience in Charging
The simplest way to charge your EV battery is to plug it in at home and walk into the house. You can spend time doing whatever you like from relaxing in front of the TV, hanging out with family, or sleeping. Plug your car in once you arrive home and let the charger do its job while you worry about other things. Having a charger at home saves you time as you aren’t stuck waiting in a public place while your car charges. You can skip the boredom as minutes tick by at the public charger. You might also find that you’re driving out of the way, even if only a little bit, to get to the nearest public EV charger. With a charger installed at home, you can enjoy more free time and relax a bit more.
Save Your Hard-Earned Money
You work hard for your money, so why not make every cent count? When you charge your EV at a public charging station, you pay for the energy you consume. The price for public charging includes a profit for the charger’s owner. When you charge your electric vehicle at home, you pay only for the electricity used. This cost comes as part of your monthly utility bill. Depending on your utility company, you may be able to cut down on the cost by charging during off-peak times. Additionally, many cities, states, and even some utility companies offer incentives for installing EV chargers at home. You could be eligible for rebates or tax deductions for installing a home EV charging station.
Enhanced Safety for You and Your Vehicle
You may not realize the risk to your safety and your vehicle when you charge in a public space. When charging your car in public, you are left waiting in or near your car as your battery fills up. Even in well-lit, high-traffic areas, you may be safer at home than at the public charging station. If you leave your vehicle unattended while it charges, your property could be stolen or damaged. The safest way to charge your EV is at home, where you can park in your garage or your driveway and have a view of your vehicle.
Earn Money From Others
If your charger sits idle for much of the time, consider selling electricity to others. You could offer the charger to friends, family, and neighbors at a set rate. You can also sign up for one of many peer-to-peer charging apps that allow others to sign up for the use of your charger. The fee through these apps is typically lower than what the local gas station charges but enough to cover the cost of your electricity and give you a small profit.
Get Started With Your Home Charger
Now that you have a basic understanding of home charging and the different types of chargers available, it’s time to talk with a professional electrician at Mighty Pine Heating & Air. Your electrician will discuss your driving habits and charging expectations with you to help determine what type of charger best suits your needs.
If you are ready to start charging your EV at home in Wheat Ridge, CO, call the trusted professionals at Mighty Pine Heating & Air today. In addition to our electrical work, we also provide heating and cooling services.
