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Top 5 Home Car Chargers for Your EV

Jun 02, 2021
Top 5 Home Car Chargers for Your EV

A few years ago, home charging stations were immensely expensive and needed to be hardwired to an electric system at home. Those stations did not work with every electric vehicle. Modern electric vehicle charging stations have come a long way. Nowadays, they offer faster charging times. They are also more efficient, affordable and convenient compared to what they have been in the past. 

When considering purchasing an electric vehicle, charging may become an issue. However, charging is not a complicated process. Simply plug in, and plug out. There are several charging types to meet the needs of every EV owner.

You can charge an EV battery by connecting the car to a charge point using a cable. Most EVs support a standard charge and a fast charge through a single connector or separate dedicated connectors.

The main charging types for EVs are:

  • Home charging
  • Public on-street charging
  • Destination charging
  • Fast charging

 

Public and Destination EV Charging

On-street vehicle chargers in county Galway and everywhere in Ireland have become common. As an electric car owner, you may top up or charge using one of these, or you can choose to use private destination chargers located in facilities like hotels, guesthouses, restaurants or other small businesses.

Destination and public charging point power size are usually 22kW, although some EVs can only accept a single-phase charge.

 

Fast Charging

Fast chargers deliver 43kW AC or 50kW DC charging. Rapid charge points delivering DC power act as battery chargers. They communicate with the car and control the charge rate.

Usually, they are located in places like supermarkets or garage forecourts. The fast charge cable is attached to the charge point. When travelling far, use the charge point map to plan long journeys and to find fast chargers along your way. 

 

Home Charging

The most popular and convenient way to charge your EV is at home. EV owners can do it through a dedicated charge point. An affordable home charging station can supply 3.6kW, although some can supply up to 7.2kW. While planning your EV charger installation, consult your electrician as some houses may only be able to accept the 7.2kW solutions.

If you visit someone who has no dedicated charge point, it is possible to utilize a 'granny cable'. This cable allows charging the electric car from a standard household socket. It is not nearly as fast as standard vehicle charging stations. Nonetheless, it may give you extra reassurance when visiting.

Home is where your plug is. About 80% of charging is done from home. At home, you can use your smartphone app or car timer to obtain cheaper night-time electricity.

If you are looking for a reliable EV charger installation company, make sure to ask them about some possible options to save up money. You might be eligible for a home charger unit grant or they may advise you to install a night saver meter to save with reduced price electricity at night.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Home Car Charger

  1. Type of Your EV

Is it a battery-electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid? Plug-in models do not necessarily need a costly vehicle charging station, as opposed to fully electric cars.

  1. Level 1 or Level 2

Determine what type you would prefer. Level 2 type provides faster charging, but it often requires a different power outlet that you may not have in your household. Decide whether you want a plug solution or a charger that needs professional installation from an electrician.

  1. Place of Installation

If you prefer to install it outside of your garage, make sure to buy a charger that is durable when exposed to sun, wind, and water. 

 

The Best Home Car Chargers on The Market

 

Myenergi Zappi Home EV Charger

It is a smart device that operates as a standard charger, but it also suggests optional modes to use green energy generated from your Solar PV or wind generation. Zappi EV Charger is user friendly and easy to install. 

  • Pros: paired with an app; first-ever solar EV charger; Pincode protected; 3-year warranty;
  • Cons: Price 

 

EO Mini Pro 2

It might be the smallest charger in the world. It allows solar charging and power balancing to avoid overloading your electrical supply. There is an EO app that enables remote monitoring and managing your EV charging.

  • Pros: good-looking, small, unobtrusive;
  • Cons: Difficult to pair with the app; requires an earth-rod;

 

JuiceBox Smart EV Charger

There are three options of JuiceBox series home EV chargers available: 7.7 kW (32 amp), 9.6 kW (40 amp), and 11.5 kW (48 amp). The 7.7 kW and 9.6 kW versions can be used as both a plug-in charger or hardwired.

JuiceBox 11.5 kW is only available as a hardwired option. All JuiceBox options are WiFi-enabled, Level 2 stations that can top up all EVs on the market, including Tesla cars with an adapter.

  • Pros: Built-in Wi-Fi, JuiceNet mobile app and support, compatible with Alexa/Amazon Echo, compact size;
  • Cons: Reported issues with the Wi-Fi

 

ChargePoint Home EV Charger

Everybody who has used public charging has probably come across a charger from ChargePoint. There are hardwired and plug-in versions. You can control any of them remotely with an Alexa device. The app allows setting reminders and scheduling charging when electricity is the cheapest.

  • Pros: Level 2 charger, Built-in Wi-Fi, compatible with Alexa;
  • Cons: Reported issues with the app;

 

Wallbox Pulsar & Pulsar Plus Home EV Charger

Pulsar is the best selling Wallbox Charger, designed specifically for the home it is compact, economical and packed full of technology and features. The Wallbox Pulsar is suitable for every type of vehicle, with Type 1 and Type 2 tethered connectors and is rated all the way up to the maximum domestic charging power of 22kw. It is one of the quickest and smartest chargers available.

 

Home charging stations are more efficient than ever before. They allow a variety of features to suit your specific needs. Whether you have an idea of what kind of a vehicle charging station to set up or you are still not sure, consider addressing a professional EV charger installation company in Galway to help you out. 



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