How to Charge an Electric Car at Home – Easy & Efficient Methods

As electric vehicles (EVs) are getting increasingly popular, a lot of drivers are moving towards cleaner and less-expensive ways of transportation. Among the greatest benefits of having an EV, the convenience in home EV charging is listed. Rather than always use public stations to charge your car, you will be able to charge it at night just as you do your smartphone.
So, what do you do when you have an electric vehicle and you want to run it home? In this guide, you will get all the information that you should know about it, its selection, installation pointers and even money saving solutions. Regardless of whether you drive Tesla, Nissan Leaf, or another EV vehicle, thie guide will assist you in optimizing your electric vehicle homecharging installation.

Explaining Home EV charging fundamentals

It is critical to know about the various levels of charging your EV before putting your EV charger in your home.

Level 1-Standard Outlet Charging

Is powered by a regular 120V household receptacle.
Gains 3-5 miles an hour.
Optimal in plug-in hybrids or persons with commute distances in the form of short trips.
Installs in a snap as it requires no installation and only needs to be plugged into any grounded outlet.

Level 2 – Charging (Fast Charger – Dedicated)

It uses a 240V plug (such as dryer type).
Ranges 15-40 miles for each hour.
Perfect to fully-electric vehicles and quick overnight charging.
Professional installation is required to be safe.

Level 3- Charging (DC Fast Charging)

Not usually ANSI-used at home (needs 480V+ power).
Available at fast chargers in the street.
Pro Tip: Level 2 home charging finds most of its followers among EV drivers as it is a medium-speed, mid-convenience charging system.

Through the Right Homes Electric Car Charger

The most appropriate charger will be selected depending on the type of car, financial opportunities, and a need to be charged.

Forms of HOME EV Chargers

All portable chargers can be charged at any normal outlet (Level 1).
Hardwired or plug-in (Level 2) Wall-Mounted.
Smart Chargers: smarts it up to Wi-Fi schedules and power tracing.

Best Electric Vehicle Chargers Companies

Tesla Wall Connector (Best Tesla owner)
ChargePoint Home Flex (Smart features + changeable power))
JuiceBox 40 (Good value & solid)

Important: Look at your EVs maximum charging rate to make sure you do not purchase a too powerful charger.

Read Also: How Many Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Are in the US?

Setting up a Home EV Charging Station

A good installation is what measures up to safety and efficiency.

Pieced Together Installation

Verify the Electrical Capacity- Check whether your house can take the additional burden.
Use a Licensed Electrician Contractor- Applicable in 240V wiring outlet or hard-wiring.
Permits & Inspections: In some jurisdictions EV chargers installations must be permitted.
Mounting and Testing – The electrician will fix the charger and do a test of functioning.

Cost Estimate:

The level 1 will be zero, since the company will use an existing outlet.
Level 2: 500-2000 (installation + equipment ).
Pro Tip: Check some local rebates or tax credits to cover the installation costs.

Residential Charging EV Cost

Levying at home is less expensive as compared to the gas however the cost is fluctuating.

Rates of electricity & Costs of charging

National Average: 0.15 dollars per kWh.
Full Charging Price: ~10-15 dollars (in case of a 60 kWh battery).
Monthly Saving: EVs are 50-70 percent cheaper to fuel than gas vehicles are.

How to reduce Costs of Home Charging

Alternating Current (Alternating current).
Install solar panels (Free charging using renewable source of energy).
Monitor Energy Consumption (Smart chargers can help optimize the expenses).

Home EV Charging Safety Tips

To prevent hazards follow these best practices:

Plug into a GFCI Outlet- It prevents any electric shock.
Avoid Extension Cords – Potential to burn and make fires.
Regular Inspections- Inspect cables and connectors looking at worn areas.
Splash-Free Charging Area: This is a potentially electrical risk: remain dry.

Key: Never ignore the safety guidelines given by the manufacturer in chargey cleaning.

Initial Revealing of the Common EV Charging Problems

Charger Not Working

Switch the power source (reset breaker, when required).
Make sure the EV connector has been plugged in.

Speed of charging is slow

Make sure you are operating a Level 2 charger (not Level 1).
Observe overheating (adjust reduced charging speed ).

The charger fails to connect in a regular basis

Check the cable to see whether the cable is damaged.
Take another outlet or an electrician.

Home EV Charging of the future

Home EV charging improvement has reached:

Bidirectional Charging – use your EV battery to power your house.
Wireless Charging Cables not required (under development).
Quicker House Chargers – Residences level 3.

Conclusion

One of the most important things that you can learn about the electric car is to enable charging at home as it would make your EV more convenient and cost-saving. Choosing Level 1 or Level 2 home charging has efficiency and safety, which is guaranteed by its correct installment.
Want to install the home EV charging station? Talk to a certified electrician and get to experience the pleasures of electric vehicle home charging without the hassle today!