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Electric cars are undoubtedly our future, so it is time to consider installing an EV charger at home. Using home electric vehicle charging stations accounts for about 80% of all charging done by EV owners. After all, it is the most convenient way to supply your EV with its daily electricity needs.
The home charging process gets better when you upgrade from a 120-volt wall outlet to using a “Level 2” 240V home car charger that can add from 20 to 100 kilometres of range per hour of charging. A faster charger allows getting the most out of your EV and drives electric more of long-distance trips.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution as different EVs and consumers have different charging needs. Let’s talk about some factors to consider when buying an electric vehicle charging station.
What is the best location for installing an EV charger at home? If possible, try placing it near your electrical panel. The electrician will probably have to run a conduit from where you will charge your car to your electrical panel. A lot of conduits will significantly increase the overall costs.
Installing an electric vehicle charging station close to your garage door makes it easier to charge several cars. Consider choosing a weatherproof charger rated for outdoor use. Thus, you will be able to install it both indoors or outdoors, depending on where you want to park.
How fast do you need to charge? Level 2 home car chargers use 240V. However, charging speed differs based on an EV charger’s amperage. When assessing your need for speed, think about your commute, driving style and your EV’s range. If you have to drive long distances regularly or mostly at top speed, a faster charge may be the best choice.
Most electric vehicles can take in about 32 Amps, adding about 40 kilometres of range per charging hour. So, a 32 Amp charging station is a good choice for many vehicles. An even faster 50 Amp charger will add about 60 kilometres of range in an hour.
Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations require a 240V electrical connection. You will need to buy a charger with a current level that works with your EV and your home’s electrical capacity.
The electrical circuit has to be rated for 25% greater amperage than your charger’s output. For example, you will need a 50 Amp circuit breaker for a 40 Amp charger. There are flexible charges that allow setting amperage that works for your home.
Some Smart home car chargers can connect to an app to let you set a schedule, manage to charge and get reminders. An app will also track your charging costs and distances driven without much effort.
Installing an EV charger at home is a serious investment. The full price for an average Smart home EV charger starts from €1100. Most of the professional installation companies can help you not only with choosing the best home car charger but also with getting an SEAI Grant. It is worth mentioning that installation cost may vary, and it has to be taken into account when considering different options.
Electric-car ownership can be considerably more viable if you choose to install a fast EV charger instead of using a standard three-pin plug. Smart EV chargers ensure the most efficient process by adjusting the amount of electricity sent to your electric car based on load factors and timing.
Before buying a charger, analyze your speed needs, potential location and available electricity supply. Making a proper decision is not easy, so we suggest addressing a professional installer such as Power Right.
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