Choosing the Right EV Charging Solution for Your Home

Get going with your electric vehicle using a charger that meets your power needs.

With electric vehicles (EVs) gaining in popularity and accessibility, it’s a great time to think about purchasing your own. They have a low impact on the environment to support sustainable living goals and may save money in the long run. If you buy one, you’ll need to learn what is EV charging and what type of charger you need. Charging your electric vehicle at home is more convenient than taking it to a public charging port, and usually less expensive.

Prepare your space for charging.

How much space you have has a lot of bearing on whether you permanently install a port on your service channel, or if you plug your car charger into an outlet. One thing to consider is the length of the cable and whether it will reach all the way to your vehicle. If you can't park right next to an outlet or permanent charger, choose a charger with an extended cable or buy an extension cord.

Another thing to keep in mind is that extreme temperatures can influence how well your vehicle charges. Try to pick a charging area with a consistent, temperature year-round. If you need to charge outdoors, be sure to buy a waterproof charger that can withstand a variety of weather conditions. Attempt to keep it close to your electrical panel as this saves you money on conduit costs for hardline chargers. Lastly, organize your garage to optimize room for things like heaters and storage boxes to give your charging space priority.

How to charge with the right power.

To determine what kind of charger works best for your specific vehicle, you need to find out how fast it powers up. This directly relates to how much your vehicle's onboard charging capacity allows because even if your charger is fast, it may be limited by the vehicle itself. Once you know that, you can determine whether you need a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 charger.

Level 1 chargers go into standard outlets, and typically come included with your vehicle purchase. They may take a while to charge but are generally the least expensive. Level 2 chargers are faster but need a wall-mounted charging station to work. Level 3 is fastest, high-powered and looks a lot like those you'd find in public e-vehicle charging stations. Charging fully with a Level 3 charger may complete in less than an hour if your vehicle can charge that quickly.

Also keep in mind that there are other limitations when deciding whether you can charge an electric car at home. If the power output of your outlets isn’t enough, high-speed cables won't make it go faster. For some vehicles, you may need an adapter for various high-speed cables, at an extra cost. If you live in an apartment, it's smart to contact your landlord to ensure you can get enough power for your chosen charger.

Take your charger on the go

Because you’ll be out and about in your e-vehicle, it’s important to consider ease of portability for your charger, especially if you travel frequently. Some electric vehicle chargers and adapters fit inside your car so you can take them with you and plug them into any garage outlet at your destination. When choosing which portable charger or adapter parts you need, check what kinds of outlets they hook up to. Compatibility may vary by country and region and limit your options. Do your research before buying, so you can get the best charger for your money without needing too many adapters and extra parts.

How to check for extra savings

To take advantage of even more electric vehicle savings, look at your state and county regulations. Sometimes, areas offer incentives for installing Level 2 chargers at home, including money off your purchase price.

Utility companies may also offer a few perks for going electric. Some companies have charging rate plans that give you lower costs if you charge your vehicle during non-peak hours. Others may give you rebates and grants for at-home charging. This benefit might require a specific type of charger, so investigate that before making a purchase.

Be sure it's safe and smart

Safety is important when buying chargers and adapters, no matter what kind you have in mind. Only buy safety-certified chargers and accessories to ensure no accidents or faulty parts. If you notice a defect, send it back rather than trying to make a potentially defective charger work for you. Always adhere to city regulations and permits for electric vehicles as well, whether it is charging times or wearing a helmet on electric scooters.

Being smart with your purchase has a double meaning with chargers as well. Smart charging cables and adapters help you turn your power flow off and on easily or automatically. That way, when your car is fully charged the charger shuts off and stops running up your power bill. Some smart cables send a signal to your smartphone to remind you to turn the power off yourself. Many chargers include an app that lets you monitor your long-term power usage or control it even when you're not at home.

When deciding what is the best home electric car charger for you, there's plenty to mull over. Think about how much power your home has, if a vehicle has features for storage for cables and laptop bags, how expensive it is and how fast it charges. An EV charger is a vital component if you want to help the environment and cut down on your gas costs. There are a variety of chargers available to help your vehicle charge quickly and effectively whether you’re at home or away. Once you assess what works for your home and lifestyle, you can start saving money and time.