Charging an EV at home is more convenient and cheaper than public stations. But that does not mean everyone should consider setting up an EV charging station where they live. Before making this decision, people must ask certain questions about EV charging at home. For instance, individuals must ask themselves whether they know the types of EV chargers, how to install them, and the steps involved in maintaining the station over the years.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV at Home?
The average charging cost at home for electric vehicles is around $63 per month. The cost of charging the EV’s battery can fluctuate depending on several factors, including the car model, where and how the owner charges their car, how the car is used, and the existing electricity prices.
What Are the Types of Electric Car Chargers?
There are three popular electric car charger types.
Level 1 Chargers
These chargers typically use a standard household 110V outlet. They take the most time to power an electric car—around 5 miles worth of battery power after an hour of charging. This means an overnight charging session with a level 1 plug will power the car up to a range of 50 miles. The type and size of the vehicle may cause variations in these numbers. For most drivers, level 1 chargers are temporary solutions until they (or their landlord) install a level 2 charger to power up their EV.
Level 2 Chargers
These chargers give car owners about 15 to 25 miles of range after charging for an hour. This means they can fully power up EVs after an overnight charging session. Level 2 chargers are normally installed in most multi-family properties. Installing them may be challenging in older buildings with dated electrical infrastructure without intelligent load management.
Level 3 Chargers
Also known as DC fast chargers, level 3 chargers provide large amounts of power very quickly. Due to this, they are used in public charging stations and gas pumps with dedicated power outlets for EVs. While having a level 3 charger at home may seem beneficial, such powerful chargers are dangerous. Moreover, each charger will likely cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, making them financially out of reach for most users. Due to these reasons, level 3 chargers are impractical for EV users to buy and own.
When Is the Best Time to Charge an EV?
In many states, the peak demand for electricity is usually from 4 pm to 9 pm. As the sun sets during this time, charging stations and ports begin using energy from natural gas to power grids. Consequently, electricity prices are high, so charging can be expensive.
When the sun shines brightly in the mornings, there is plenty of solar energy on the grid. This means charging one’s vehicle between midnight and 3 pm is not only beneficial to one’s pocket but also more sustainable for the environment.
The non-peak hours may vary from state to state and county to county. Still, charging during non-peak hours helps vehicle owners save money in most cases.
Does the Charging Station Support Smart Charging?
Smart chargers help people save money on their electricity bills by scheduling charging during off-peak hours. They also support home smartphone connectivity and can be controlled and monitored remotely. Checking whether the charger supports smart charging is important to ensure energy efficiency.
How to Install an EV Charger at Home?
One can streamline the process by following certain standard steps.
Prepare the Installation Area
The first step is to zero in on a location on the property to install the charger. The charger must be installed at a spot that is easily accessible and protected from environmental elements. It must be close to the electrical panel and clear of obstacles that may interfere with the installation process. Things like the length of the charging cable and potentially harmful objects lying nearby need to be studied.
Select the Right Type of Charger
Due to its obvious benefits over the other types, level 2 chargers are a better option for EV owners to charge their vehicles at home. Still, EV charger compatibility depends heavily on the type of vehicle and one’s budget.
Install the Charger
Installation involves a few steps that must be completed with professional assistance.
- Turn off the power to the electrical panel.
- Mount the charger to the wall or pedestal according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Run the wiring from the electrical panel to the charger.
- Connect the wiring to the circuit breaker and the charger.
- Turn on the power to the electrical panel.
- Test the charger to make sure it works properly.
The wiring needs to be rated to match the amperage of the charger. The manufacturer’s instructions will prevent people from damaging the charger or causing other safety hazards.
How to Maintain the Charger?
After the charger is installed, it needs to be maintained well. This involves keeping the charging cable clean and dry, periodically checking the cable for signs of wear or damage, and keeping the area around the charger clear of debris and obstructions.
