As electric vehicles continue gaining popularity on our roads, the demand for convenient charging has grown. This resulted in a surge of home electric vehicle charger installations. Having your charging station at home makes it easier and faster to recharge your car. However, several factors such as power output, cost, compatibility and installation requirements come into play here. Let us delve into everything you need to know about efficient home EV charger installations.
Finding the Right Home EV Charger
The type of charger you need depends largely on your electric vehicle model as different EVs have different battery capacities and charging standards. Mostly, Level 2 chargers are recommended for home usage due to their higher speed compared to Level 1 chargers that come with the vehicle. Most popular brands have their version of Level 2 chargers compatible with their models.
Understanding Charging Levels
There are three charging levels – Level 1, Level 2 and DC Fast Charge (Level 3). The difference lies in their charging speed and power supply method. Level 1 and Level 2 can be set up at homes while Level 3 usually require professional installations at commercial areas.
Installation Costs
The costs vary among different models and companies. However, the overall costs usually cover the charger itself, delivery charges, along with professional installation fees. Bear in mind some states offer incentives which can reduce these charges significantly, you can check out these affordable vehicle charger prices if you’re looking to save money.
Professional Installers Vs Do-It-Yourself
Most people would prefer professional help of ev charger installation glasgow due to complex electrical works involved during installation. On the other hand, if you have a technical background or you feel confident enough you may install it by yourself following guidelines provided by manufacturers. You may also hire a contractor to create bespoke car park layouts if you are planning to build a new car park.
Necessary Home Preparation
Prior to installing an EV charger, your house might need certain electrical modifications depending upon the charger model and your existing electrical set up. These prerequisites might involve fitting a new circuit breaker or upgrading your main panel.
Indoor Vs Outdoor Installations
You can either install an EV charger in indoor garages or outdoor parking spaces based on your space availability and convenience. In case of outdoor installations, make sure that the chosen model is weather resistant.
Determining Charging Power Requirements
The desired units power requirements should be compatible with your houses electrical infrastructure. While most homes handle Level 1 easily owing to its low voltage needs (120V), only modern homes can handle level 2’s requirement (240V) without any upgrades.
Wired versus Wireless Home Chargers
You can opt for either wired or wireless home EV chargers depending upon convenience and budget parameters. While wired chargers guarantee faster recharges, wireless ones provide ease-of-use without any plugging hassles.
User Interface Features
Modern-day smart charges allow users to monitor charging progress via mobile apps helping them plan journeys effectively. They also come equipped with timers which facilitate scheduled recharges during off-peak hours to save electricity costs.
The Benefits of Owning A Home EV Charger Installation
Apart from convenience due to anytime charging access, another benefit includes elimination of range anxiety as there is no more relying on public charge stations while driving short distances within city limits.
Alternate Charging Solutions
If you do not have the required infrastructure or space for a home-based charge setting but still want the flexibility offered by dedicated chargers, then portable chargers can come handy which depend on traditional wall outlets for power supply but offer much faster recharges in comparison to standard vehicle charges.
In conclusion:
Purchasing Electric Vehicles is just half the battle won against carbon pollution. Ensuring hassle-free recharges forms the other half. While finding suitable models might seem overwhelming at first because of multiple technical specifications involved but once understood they become a part of regular life making all efforts worthwhile!