Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular due to their sustainability. They are better for the environment, better for your bank accounts, and let’s face it: they look pretty stylish, too. If you’re thinking of purchasing an electric car, it’s important that you have regular access to a charging station. For many people, this means installing one at home.
Installing a Charger at Home
There are a number of benefits to installing an EV battery charger in your garage or on the side of your home. Perhaps the biggest benefit is convenience. Charging your car at home means you don’t need to take time out of your day to find a station. Instead, you can charge it overnight while you sleep. Charging it at home is also less expensive than using public stations, as well as provides a more predictable charge every time.
Types of Chargers
There are several types of EV chargers. A Level 1 charger is a standard 120-volt wall outlet. It charges up to 5 miles of range hourly and comes standard with your electric vehicle. This is best for overnight charging and low-mileage driving. A Level 2 charger is a 240-volt outlet. It charges up to 25 miles hourly and is best for quick charging or getting a full charge overnight. This type must be installed by an electrician. The fastest type is DC fast charging, which charges up to 250 miles of range hourly and takes only about 30 minutes to charge up to 80%. This is best for people who often travel long distances.
Where To Place Your Charger
When you’re installing an EV charging station for your home, you need to think about the logistics. If you already have an outlet, where is it located? If you don’t, where can you put one? Keep in mind that you’ll need to work with a professional electrician to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Typically, it is a good idea to install your charger inside the garage and on the side where the car’s charging port will be pointed. This way, you won’t have to try to overextend your EV battery charging cable. If you don’t have a garage, your electrician can help you determine where the best place is to add a charging station on the outside of your home.
How Long To Charge Your Vehicle
The amount of time you should charge your electric vehicle depends on the type of charger you have, how much charge the car still has, and what you need to do. A car can charge in as little as 30 minutes on high-powered public chargers but can take up to 12 hours or more on home chargers. Typically, an electric car with a 60kWh battery takes about eight hours to charge from empty to full if it uses a 7kW charging point. Many drivers choose to top up before reaching empty. Keep in mind that the bigger the battery is in your car, the longer it will take to charge.
When installing an EV charger, always be sure to purchase your parts from a reputable dealer. Furthermore, work with an electrician to ensure legality, safety, and a job done correctly the first time.