Electric vehicles are quickly becoming more popular among auto consumers and manufacturers alike, but not all-electric cars are the same. The industry commonly breaks them down into three main types or classes: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). Each of these EVs has its strengths and weaknesses, but their similarities also extend beyond just the fuel they use—all require charging at some point in their use cycle. And that’s where home EV charging and EV charger installation comes in.
1. Consider Your Electric Car’s Needs
If you have a Tesla or some other type of electric vehicle, your charging needs are different from those who drive gasoline-powered cars. That is because EVs take much longer to charge and run out of power faster than gas vehicles. If you don’t have home charging access, make sure you purchase an external battery with enough range to get through your typical day while leaving some juice in reserve for emergencies or unexpected events. In general, look for an EV with at least 100 miles of estimated range on a full charge for long-distance travel.
Most daily commuters will be well with something closer to 80 miles per charge. For short-distance travels, most EVs can handle less than 20 miles without needing to be recharged. Your best bet is to find an EV with a battery capacity of around 60 kWh; these vehicles offer both decent range and shorter recharge times compared to larger batteries. Remember: if you use public charging stations frequently, you may need additional equipment (like a second 240-volt outlet) or time (upwards of 8 hours) to recharge your car thoroughly.
2. Consider Electric Vehicle (EV) Home Charging Station Solutions
There are many factors to consider when selecting an electric vehicle home charging station. Namely, you want an efficient power output system that charges your car and household electronics simultaneously. Before buying, it is also essential to make sure that you know what type of connection interface you need for your vehicle. For example, smart splitters allow you to plug multiple devices into one outlet.
That means that if you have other appliances with similar requirements (i.e., refrigerators or televisions), it would be possible to use one outlet for all three items. However, always use a certified solution, as qualified third parties have tested and approved these products. They also have safety features such as protection from over-voltage and ground fault circuit interrupters. In other words, you don’t need a high-power wall charger at home. You need a device that will provide 2-3 kW at 240VAC.
3. Consider Self-Installable Home Wall Box
For quick charging, self-installable home wall boxes make for an easy, effective, and affordable solution. These home charging stations will directly connect to your electrical system and provide a standard NEMA 14-50 outlet (the same type used by dryers). You can charge up to 7.2kW using these devices. In some states, utilities offer rebate programs that cover up to 50% of installation costs. A good plug-and-play home EV charging installation will allow auto-switching between grid and solar power for surge protection.
4. Consider Certified Smart Splitters
You can ensure that your charging station works as efficiently as possible without spending too much money. Certified smart splitters (CSMs) feature two cords; one plugs into your charging station, and the other to a standard outlet. You select how much power you want to charge at once, ensuring you don’t overcharge your batteries.
Most certified smart splitters can also manage your energy usage to reduce costs. Using an electric vehicle makes it worth checking out these devices for home and work EV charging needs. Smart splitters come with a Wi-Fi connection to monitor your energy usage from anywhere—or set up timers, so they automatically turn off when not in use. The cost will depend on its features, but you’ll save money on electricity bills in no time.
5. Keeping Your EV Home Charging Station in Good Condition
Keeping your EV charging station in good condition is the first step to getting the most out of your home charging system. The heart of an EV charging station is its electrical transformer, which converts electricity from the wall outlet into a high-voltage DC that charges your car. To keep this part of your charging station working correctly, regularly maintain contact with the contacts when you’re not using it to ensure that they remain clean and shiny.
Keeping your EV charging station in good condition is essential because it helps to maximize its efficiency and lifespan. Regular cleaning with a vacuum cleaner is vital to prevent dirt buildup and clogged airflow. However, contact professionals to inspect insulation or slat board covers (if present) to inspect the device’s exterior for damage. Also, keeping your EV home charging station up to date with the latest technology can help you to charge your electric car more efficiently, reduce energy usage and save you time
Conclusion
Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around for a while. However, only recently did they start to hit markets in significant numbers. It is a disruptive technology that changes how we use power to drive our cars. The whole point of an EV home charging station is to make home charging easier, more convenient, and less expensive than the myriad fill-ups available at most gas stations today. These factors are crucial when deciding on an efficient and safe method of charging your vehicle at home.
