Planning to install a charging station at home? Here's what you need to know.
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Do you drive an electric vehicle? If so, you likely understand how convenient it is to charge your EV at home. Are you planning to install a home charging station? If yes, this article is for you. Here, we provide helpful information for those planning to set up an EV charging station at home.There are three ways to charge an EV: through a power outlet, a charging station (public or home), and a fast-charging station. The first two options can be used at home.
Charging an EV at Home: Power Outlet or Charging Station?
You can typically charge your EV using a standard power outlet, but the efficiency depends on your vehicle and battery type. EV manufacturers provide a special cable and adapter for charging. The cable includes a control box, which ensures optimal protection during charging and uses safety switches and current limiters.
Using this method, each hour of charging adds approximately 12 kilometers of driving range. Ensure your electrical installation is in good condition and that the outlet meets all requirements. You can safely charge using a standard (grounded) power outlet at up to 10 amps. Warning: never use an extension cord.
However, household outlets are not designed to deliver high levels of current regularly or for extended periods. It’s essential to limit the charging current. Use public charging stations whenever possible, reserving household outlets for emergencies.
Note that charging an EV using a standard outlet takes a long time. A full charge can take around ten hours, depending on the vehicle type. In contrast, using a dedicated home charging station reduces charging time to four to six hours—much faster. The faster charging speed is a significant advantage of a charging station. So, if you’re still considering it, now is the time to decide and install an EV charging station at home.
Benefits of a Home Charging Station
Installing a home EV charging station provides four key benefits:
1. If you have a charging station at home, you avoid the risk of overheating or wearing out a standard power outlet. Charging stations are specifically designed to supply more energy without overheating.
2. A home charging station is equipped to safely deliver the necessary power. Since there’s no need to artificially limit the current, charging is much more efficient than using a standard household power outlet.
3. A home charging station is particularly appealing as it supports cleaner energy use. Do you have solar panels on your roof? If so, solar energy can charge your car for free.
4. Charging your EV accounts for a quarter of the total available power. A charging station simplifies the process by determining whether other devices are consuming significant energy and adjusting accordingly. You can set your car to charge only at night, monitor energy consumption online, and take advantage of other smart features for added convenience.
EV charging stations should always be installed by a certified electrician. A professional can assess the site and electrical connections, plan the installation, and carry out any necessary upgrades, leaving you to enjoy the benefits of your home EV charging station.
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