As an electric vehicle (EV) owner, you enjoy a ton of perks, one of which is having the privilege of charging your vehicle at home.
Still, there’s one drawback all EV drivers face – the standard outlets available on your property might not meet the requirements for your vehicle, making EV home charger installation a tad bit more complicated.
Before we jump into discussing the factors you should consider when getting your very own EV home charger, here are some particulars that could greatly influence your decision:
- The nearest electric panel. The closest one to your garage needs to be able to handle the charging rate.
- The model of your vehicle. This allows you to figure out the on-board charger’s capacity and the battery pack size.
- The car’s electric range. This will be your guideline to ensure that your charger is efficient in charging your car between trips.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, it’s time to talk about your key considerations when buying your first home EV charger. These are:
POWER
Cheaper chargers can deliver as much as 15 amps, but that’s not enough if your vehicle has much more to give. It’s strongly advisable to look for an EV home charger packing no fewer than 30 amps of power. The circuit breaker, on the other hand, is a different story. It must be able to handle at least 40 amps. In some cases, chargers with fewer amps can fuel EVs. However, if you are looking to have some guarantee and confidence in your charger, you should buy one with more capacity than you actually need. This is a handy tip for those planning to trade in their vehicle with more capacity in the future.
CORD
While an EV home charger typically has a plug suitable for 240-volt outlets, the cords differ in length. Therefore, when choosing the right model, you should make sure the cable is long enough to extend all the way to your charging port without any problem. More affordable options are at least 15 feet, but there are also chargers with 25-foot cords that are handy for a huge garage or a distant power source. Always look for an easy-reel power cord so you don’t have a hard time putting the charger away when you’re done.
CONNECTION
The best home EV charger should be easy to use. High-end products tend to be worth the price, especially the internet-enabled models. This feature permits an EV owner to charge the vehicle through his or her smartphone. Smart chargers are also manageable through Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant. One other benefit is that a smart charger can help you save money by reducing your energy bills. It connects with your electric company and sets charging times during off-peak hours. The display panels are also advantageous, as they show essential information, such as your car’s electricity consumption.
PORTABILITY
Aside from needing to know how to install an EV charger at home, especially a permanent installation, there are many reasons a portable model might be the better option for you. For one, it helps you economize because you don’t have to hire an electrician to set it up. Second, and perhaps the most impactful, a portable charger is so much better. You’ll be able to bring the charger with you should you go on a long trip with friends. More importantly, it won’t pose an issue if you rearrange your garage or move to a new home.
Special Note: If you plan to charge your EV outdoors, you need a particular model for the job, one that’s hard-wired to meet building codes.
INCENTIVES
Take note of your locality or state’s incentives, which can reduce the dent in your wallet when it comes to purchasing and installing EV chargers. Some states offer up to $500 in rebates. However, bear in mind that the incentives are usually only suitable for workplace or public installations.
Buying your first home EV charger needs careful consideration. However, it becomes less complicated if you know which elements to look for.
If you need an expert opinion when buying an EV home charger, contact the best Tesla auto body shop in Clearwater, FL. We’ll be more than happy to help at Northwest Collision Center.
