Charging Your Electric Vehicle at Home: The Basics
One of the benefits of owning an electric vehicle is that you do not need to visit gas stations to fuel up your vehicle. While there are EV charging station setups installed at stores, rest stops, parking lots, and many other locations, one of the most common places for people to charge their electric cars is at home.
Here is everything that you need to know about home charging and what you should do if you want to charge your electric vehicle at home.
What is an EV Charging Station and How Does it Work?
Electric vehicles must be charged similarly to how a smartphone is charged. They need to be plugged in, have electricity stored in their batteries, and then they use the electricity to power them. As this charge runs out, they need to be recharged by plugging them in.
Electric vehicle charging stations convert the current that is available in your home (either 120-volt or 240-volt alternating current) into a current that can be used by the EV to charge its battery.
Benefits of Installing a Charging Station
When it comes to electric car charging at home, most people install a charging station. This makes it more convenient to charge your vehicle. In addition, using electricity from your home is also often cheaper than using public chargers. That’s because public charging stations often charge a premium. Even stations that offer free charging require you to spend time and effort driving to the station and waiting for your vehicle to charge.
How Often and When Should I Charge my EV at Home?
Most electric vehicle owners charge their EVs every night. However, this may not be necessary if you don’t drive very far each day. Charging too often can potentially shorten the lifespan of the vehicle’s battery.
If you live in an area where you are charged different electricity rates depending on the time of day, you likely want to try to charge your vehicle when electricity is the cheapest (this is usually at night).
Can I Charge my EV Using the Standard Wall Outlet?
While a home electric vehicle charging station is the most common way to charge an EV at home, it is often possible to plug it into a standard wall outlet as well. However, it will typically take much longer to charge your car using this method.
Types of Chargers
There are three basic types of electric vehicle chargers. The differences are described as levels: level 1, level 2, and level 3.
Level 1 chargers are often provided by automobile manufacturers when you purchase a vehicle. These plug into a standard 120-volt AC outlet that is found in most homes. However, as mentioned, using a standard wall outlet to charge an electric vehicle is quite slow. Depending on the vehicle, it could take up to 24 hours to deliver an optimal charge.
A level 2 charger is more common for those who charge at home. These use 240-volt circuits. Using this type of charger is about five times faster than plugging it into a standard outlet. Using a level 2 charger, most vehicles can receive an optimal charge in about five hours.
If you wish to use a level 2 charger to charge your EV, you’ll need to have a 240-volt circuit installed in your garage, parking space, or wherever you charge your vehicle. This means you’ll want to hire an experienced electrician to run the circuit to your parking area.
Level 3 charging stations are typically designed for commercial use and are mostly designed for public charging.
The team at Pro-tech Electrical Maintenance can help you choose the right charger for your home, your vehicle, and your situation. We can help you determine the best location for your charger, make all necessary electric upgrades, and more. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact us online or call our Lower Mainland office at 778-241-5102 or our Okanagan office at 778-245-3909.
