Over the past decade, electric vehicles (EVs) have become more widely available. If you’re in the market for a new car and are considering buying an EV, you’ll likely need to purchase a home EV charger to ensure your vehicle is always charged before you drive it to work or run errands.
All EVs come with a charging port on the side of the vehicle. Most of these vehicles use the same type of charger, a J1772. When charging at your home, the cost you pay will mirror what you pay for your home’s electricity. While you can use a public charging station because the plugs are universal, installing a Level 2 EV charger at home has numerous benefits.
Better than Slow Chargers
There are two primary methods you can use to charge your electric vehicle at home. The first option is to use a slow charger, which you’ll receive when you buy an EV. In this scenario, you can charge your vehicle with any standard three-pin plug in your home. Even though you don’t need an extra installation for this option, it can take up to 24 hours to charge your vehicle to capacity.
The second, and arguably better, option is to install a Level 2 charger at your house. This home EV charger offers much faster charging times and does so in a safer manner. Depending on the type of vehicle you have, you can fully charge your EV in just five to six hours.
In addition, when you install a home EV charger instead of using extension cords, you will not have numerous cables and cords cluttering up your space. A home EV charger can be set up out of the way, with a place to store its single cable when not in use. Many homeowners have them installed in the garage, but you can also ask the professional you are working with to design an outdoor station that will not detract from the appearance of your house.
Much More Convenient
Home EV chargers are much more convenient than public charging stations. In fact, more than 75% of all EV drivers choose to charge their vehicles at home. The main advantage of doing so is that you can charge your vehicle overnight without leaving your home. You will avoid the hassles of using a public station, such as driving out of your way to access one, being in line, and waiting for your vehicle to charge when it is finally your turn.
More Affordable
You should already be saving a considerable sum of money by driving an EV as opposed to a traditional gas-powered vehicle. It’s possible to lower your costs even further by installing a home EV charger and making sure to charge your vehicle overnight. Electricity costs are oftentimes lower during off-peak hours, which typically occur between 6 p.m. and continue to the next morning. If you use a public charging station, it will cost you much more per kilowatt-hour than charging at home during off-peak hours.
Keep in mind that places with Level 3 charging stations usually charge higher rates than you will see at other charging stations. This higher rate is partially because Level 3 charging units have a much higher purchase price than Level 2 units do, and the business needs to recoup this expense. In addition, for a facility to provide users with Level 3 EV charging, they have likely had to make a significant investment to accommodate 900V connections. While these stations can fully charge vehicles in just 30-40 minutes, you can expect Level 3 charging to cost around 25% to 40% more than Level 2 charging, which is already more expensive at a public station than it would cost you at home.
Extends Battery Longevity
While you might be tempted to charge your EV with a Level 3 fast charger at a public charging station, many EV automakers are stating that drivers shouldn’t use these chargers exclusively. It’s believed that regularly charging your EV with a fast charger can cause the battery to degrade at a faster rate. While you can still take advantage of Level 3 fast chargers when needed, you shouldn’t use them exclusively. You can avoid this problem altogether by installing a Level 2 home EV charger.
Smart Charger Options
You can talk to a professional about smart options for your charger. This feature allows you to monitor and control your charging station remotely through an app. Smart technology also allows you to set a schedule to ensure your car only charges during peak hours. This can be handy so that you can plug your car in, forget about it, and then wake up the next morning to a fully charged vehicle. In addition, you can see how charged your car is without going outside to check. Finally, the app can provide you with reports on how much electricity you are using to charge your vehicle. For instance, you will know exactly how much money you save by charging during the night versus during peak hours or at a public station. These reports may help you make better decisions about your charging habits.
Lowers Your Stress Levels
Once the home EV charger has been installed, you can simply plug your EV in at night, and your vehicle will be ready to go in the morning. You don’t have to worry about planning extra time to stop en route to work or if you are headed out to get shopping and get other chores done. Additionally, pricing is also predictable with home EV chargers. You won’t need to deal with the hassle of fluctuating charging station prices and how they will affect your budget.
Federal Incentives
Incentives may make installing a home EV charging station more manageable. The federal government provides funding for initiatives associated with home charging stations. While these programs vary by city or jurisdiction, you can substantially reduce your costs. In some cases, you can reduce the cost of your EV charging station installation by 80%.
EV Chargers Can Increase Your Property Value
You may be hesitant to install a home EV charging station because you plan to sell your house in the near future. However, taking this step can increase your property value. Even if the extra money you get for your house does not cover the expense of a charging station, it could be an amenity that makes your home more appealing and results in a quicker sale. Keep in mind that many car manufacturers are starting to move away from gas-powered vehicles, which is why having a home EV charger may soon be necessary for potential buyers.
Contact the Professionals
At Norman Air, we have proudly served the residents of Norman, OK since 2008. We are expert electricians who have experience installing home EV charging stations. In addition, we install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems and are skilled plumbers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our team members.
