Home charging is one of the top considerations for electric vehicle (EV) owners, with research showing that residential charging accounts for about 80 percent of total EV energy use. Understanding the various charging technologies and options is crucial for making the best choice.
While EVs come with a standard charging cable, the capabilities vary among makes and models. Some cables plug into standard 120V outlets, which often charge slowly and are unsuitable for large batteries. Upgrading to a 240V wall connector provides faster charging.
Electric vehicle owners should understand the three charging levels. Level 1 EV chargers use a standard 120V outlet, providing 4 miles of charge per hour, suitable for occasional use or short commutes. Level 2 chargers use 240V for two to three times faster charging, delivering around 25 miles of charge per hour - suited for longer daily commutes. Finally, level 3 chargers use DC power and are generally not feasible for homes due to their reliance on 480V. These chargers are common at charging stations and in areas such as grocery stores.
Since different vehicle manufacturers have adopted varying physical connection standards, compatibility is essential when selecting an EV home charger. Tesla uses an exclusive Supercharger port, while most American EVs use the SAE J1772 plug. Before investing in an EV charging unit, owners should verify their vehicle's inlet type to ensure a proper physical fit. However, there are adapters for Tesla vehicle's to plug into the J1772 port, as well as adapters for J1772 cars to plug into Tesla's plugs.
Electric vehicle owners have two main options when choosing a home charger: plug-in or hardwired. Plug-in units are convenient and easily fit into the standard electrical outlet. They offer flexibility since owners can move them around or service them without professional help. Conversely, hardwired units require integration into the home's electrical circuitry. Their installation carries higher upfront costs.
Another factor to consider is power delivery. EV owners should find a charger that provides sufficient current for continuous charging and accommodate future EV battery upgrades. Most experts recommend a charger that supplies at least 7.7 kW and preferably 9.6 kW power output for charging modern batteries. Opting for a higher-powered charging unit can avoid additional costs later.
EV owners should consider the tradeoffs between tethered and untethered options when choosing a home charger. Tethered models integrate the charging cable permanently for effortless plug-and-play charging but are restricted by cable length and require storage space. Untethered models omit the fixed cable and allow users to connect their own portable charging cord, making untethered cables more affordable, compact, and upgradeable.
EV chargers also have smart and basic variants. Smart chargers offer remote control, monitoring, scheduling, and notifications. They allow users to initiate and stop charging sessions from mobile devices. Smart chargers have higher upfront costs. Basic chargers lack smart features but automatically stop charging once the battery is charged.
Consulting with an experienced EV charging consultant is beneficial since they can evaluate each driver’s situation, such as daily driving habits, vehicle model, parking spaces, and electrical wiring, and recommend the ideal home charging solution. Additionally, consultants can help secure incentives or subsidies for EV charger purchase and installation.
