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How to Choose a Home EV Charger?

Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is now more convenient and straightforward than ever, thanks to home EV chargers. When you switch from using a 110-volt wall outlet to a quicker, 240V “Level 2” home EV charger, which can provide 19 to 96 km of Range Per Hour of charging, home EV charging gets even better. You can maximize the use of your EV and use it on more short- and long-distance excursions by investing in a faster charger.

While Tesla chargers will only operate with Tesla vehicles, the majority of home chargers can charge any EV utilizing the J1772TM universal socket (with an adaptor for Teslas). Although compatibility with your car won’t likely be a problem for your home charger, there are a lot of additional factors to take into account. In order to help you choose the charger that is best for you, let’s look at some of the most crucial things to think about and questions to ask about charging at home.

Guide to Choose a Home EV Charger

Check out the things you need to look for to find the best home EV charger.

1. Speed

All Level 2 chargers use 240V, however, the amperage, or electrical current, of a charger determines how quickly batteries will charge. Depending on the range of your EV, how far you travel, and how you drive, you may require a faster charge at home if any of these factors apply to you. For example, if you have a long journey or if you always drive fast. A 32-amp charging station is a suitable option for many vehicles because the majority of EVs can use roughly 32 amps, adding about 40 km of range every hour of charging. A quicker 50-amp charger, which can offer around 60 km of range in an hour, may also be useful if you want to go faster or prepare ready for your next vehicle. An agency with broad experience in EV charger installation can help you install the right charger at your home.

2. Supply

All Level 2 chargers require a 240V electrical connection, as previously mentioned. You must pick a charger whose amperage, or current, level, is compatible with the electrical capacity that is accessible in both your home and your car. For instance, if you want to purchase a 40-amp Level 2 charger, a circuit breaker with a minimum 50-amp rating is necessary. To find out how many amps your house has available for charging, check your electrical panel. Either visit an electrician or open the panel door and search for an unused circuit breaker. You might need to improve your electrical service if your panel is currently full or about full.

3. Location

Install your home charger as close to your electrical grid as you can. From your panel to the location where you will charge, your electrician may need to run a conduit, and a lot of conduits can get pricey. You have the option to place an outdoor- or indoor-approved waterproof charger depending on where you want to park. Installing your charger next to your garage door may make it easier to charge several automobiles. However, seek a charger that can use a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 socket, two popular plug types that electricians can readily install. Using a dryer circuit is typically not safe for chargers.

Related Article: How to Make Your Home EV Ready?

4. Safety & Reliability

You can use a charger with confidence in your house and with your EV if it has passed testing and certification by a nationally renowned testing laboratory. Energy Rating Label ensures the charger is energy-efficient and helps you save money on your electricity bill. A portable charger could seem appealing for a trip, but having to deal with cords and plugs that are left on the floor when you charge almost every day gets old quickly and is not very safe, especially if you have little children (human or animal) running around. A wall-mounted charging station with a safe hook to hang the connection and charging line from while not in use is something to think about buying.

Make sure to research the charger’s warranty and support options as well as the company’s reputation before making a purchase. Reputable EV charger companies must offer a 3-year warranty, and 24-hour phone support is useful if you need a charge but are having difficulties working something out.

5. Savings

When you charge your electric vehicle (EV) during off-peak hours, which is typically at night, several utilities provide special rate options for EV charging. To avoid having to wait until after midnight to plug in, you can obtain a charger with scheduling built in by asking your local utility if such a plan is offered. (While many cars allow for scheduled charging, doing so while driving may prevent you from charging when you’re gone from home.) There may be subsidies and rebates available from your local utility for home charging. In most cases, to be eligible for these incentives, the chargers need to be smart (WiFi capable). Learn more about the electric vehicle charger grant.

6. Smart Features

It’s one thing to find the appropriate charger. Another is actually putting it to use. Some “smart” EV chargers with WiFi link to an app to manage charging, schedule it, and provide helpful notifications to charge. An app can also help you track kilometers traveled and charging expenses in one spot without any additional work if you’re a data geek or just curious about how much you spend on charging.

7. Cost

A typical home EV charger costs between $500 and $900, which is roughly half what most drivers spend on petrol annually. Your home charger is probably something you’ll maintain for a long time, bringing it with you and (if it’s possible) changing the amperage for your next vehicle. It makes sense to choose a smart charger that has completed safety testing and is backed by a warranty to protect your investment in your electric vehicle. Cheaper chargers might not have undergone safety testing and might be deficient in features like the ability to schedule charging and create reminders. Choose a charger that will not only keep your house and car safe but also allow you to save money on charging via scheduled charging and possible rebates, some of which may require safety certification and “smart” charging.

8. Brand

Choosing the right brand when buying a home EV charger can make a big difference in terms of product quality, reliability, and customer service. Brands with a good reputation often put money into research and development to come up with new features, make safety standards better, and improve total performance. Look for brands that have a good reputation in the EV charging industry. By reading customer reviews and asking other EV owners for advice, you can learn a lot about the experiences of real users.

Here are some of the best EV charger brands:

Conclusion

Now that you know what to think about when selecting a home EV charger, it’s time to look at your options. You should weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and consider your personal preferences and circumstances. By doing so, you can find the best EV charger for your home and enjoy the benefits of driving an electric vehicle.

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