Electric car "gas station" in your home - convenient and fast. And how much does it cost to install one?

  • Electric car "gas station" in your home - convenient and fast. And how much does it cost to install one?

    At home, an electric vehicle (EV) can be charged in at least two ways: using the so-called "emergency" charger from a standard 220V electrical outlet or via a dedicated charging station. The "emergency" charger is typically found in the car’s trunk and, depending on the model, can charge an EV in 8-12 hours on average. Admittedly, this process is quite lengthy, isn’t it? So how can it be done faster, more conveniently, and more efficiently for both you and your vehicle? To this end, you can install a dedicated home charging station that can charge an EV up to five times faster, typically within 2-3 hours. But how much does it cost to install such a station, and what steps are needed to ensure quality results?

     

    Why Install an EV Charging Station at Home?

    According to experts, when it comes to EVs, it’s wise to install a "gas station" first and then buy the vehicle.

    The first reason to do so is that a standard home electrical system isn’t designed for high-powered devices like EV chargers, which can lead to overheating wires, tripped breakers, and other issues that are both inconvenient and hazardous.

    The second reason, as previously mentioned, is that "emergency" chargers are slow. Depending on your EV’s configuration, it can take 8-12 hours or more to fully charge the battery at home. In other words, even after charging all night, your car might still not be fully charged.

    Fast public chargers aren’t always a viable solution if they’re not conveniently located near your home, workplace, or a shopping area, as you’d need to plan trips specifically for charging.

    This leaves home as the most convenient option, where you always return and can easily charge your EV with a quality charging station installed.

    charging station

     

    Which Charging Station to Choose and Installation Costs

    To install an EV charging station at home, you first need a suitable location—such as a garage, underground parking spot, or similar. Then, choose the right equipment and entrust the installation to knowledgeable professionals.

    Based on specifications, EV charging stations are categorized as:

    - Slow chargers: These are among the cheapest and most accessible, with power up to 3kW. To use them, your home only needs a properly grounded electrical connection. Equipment costs range from approximately 150–400 euros.
    - Medium (fast) chargers: Equipment costs range from 350 to 1500 euros. These are recommended by most EV manufacturers as they ensure longer battery life.
    - Ultra-fast chargers: These can charge a battery up to 80% in just 30 minutes. This type of equipment starts at 20,000 euros and is usually intended for commercial use.

    charging station

    Cheaper charging station options are available on the market. However, before purchasing one, ensure it has all necessary safety features. If not, you’ll need to invest extra money in additional safety components for your home’s electrical panel. These protections are essential when dealing with high electrical currents and typically cost around 300 euros. Thus, buying a cheaper charging station might end up being more expensive than purchasing quality equipment upfront. For example, a station costing around 400 euros often already includes all required safety features.

    However, this is just the equipment cost. After purchasing it, you’ll need installation services, which are best handled by professionals. They will ensure everything is set up correctly and safely, providing advice as needed. Experts estimate the total cost of equipment plus installation to start from 600 euros. After that, you only pay for the electricity used to charge your car, at rates set by your energy provider. To save on costs, consider special electricity plans or using day/night tariffs.

    You can always choose from different EV charging methods: charging from a standard electrical outlet or using an ultra-fast direct charging station.

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