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By | 24 Apr 2022

What is the best EV charger home?

In today's article, we will be taking you through What is the best EV home charger? Charging your electric vehicles (EV) at home is simple and convenient, making electric driving more accessible than ever before. When you convert from a 110-volt wall outlet to a 240-volt "Level 2" home charger, you may add 12 to 60 miles of range each hour of charging. A quicker charger allows you to get the most out of your battery electric vehicle and drive it for longer distances.

Most home chargers use the universal J1772TM connector to charge any EV (with an adaptor for Teslas), whereas Tesla chargers will only charge Tesla vehicles. Your home charger's compatibility with your car is unlikely to be an issue, but there are many other factors to consider when selecting an EV charger for your house. Let's look at some of the most essential elements to consider and questions to ask about EV charging stations at home so you can pick the appropriate charger for you.

Things to take care of while purchasing home EV chargers:

1.      Speed:

 How much charging speed do you want?

Although all Level 2 chargers use 240V, the charging speed varies depending on the amperage (or same electrical circuit) of the charger. Your demand for speed will vary depending on the miles of range per hour of your typical electric car charging station, your commute, and your driving style: a car with a shorter range, a long commute, or constantly driving at peak speed may indicate that a quicker charge at home might be beneficial.

A 32-amp charging station is a suitable choice for many vehicles because most EVs can take in approximately 32 amps and contribute roughly 25 miles of range each hour of charging. You might even use a quicker 50-amp charger to boost your pace or prepare for your next car, which can add around 37 miles of range in an hour.

2.      Supply:

 How much space do you have on your electrical panel?

All Level 2 chargers, as previously stated, require a 240V electrical connection. You must select a charger with an amperage, or current, a level that is compatible with your vehicle and your home's electrical capabilities. An electrical circuit must be certified for 25% more amperage than your charger's output, according to the National Electrical Code.

If you want to buy a 40-amp Level 2 charger, for example, you'll need a circuit breaker that can handle at least 50 amps. (Alternatively, you can acquire a flexible home charger like the ChargePoint Home Flex, which you can adjust to the right amperage for your home.) To find out how many amps your home has available for charging, open up your electrical panel door and look for an unused circuit breaker, or see an electrician. You may need to increase your electrical service if your panel is currently full or almost full.

3.      Location:

Which is a good location to place your charger?

Install your home charger as near to your electrical panel as possible. Your electrician may need to run a conduit from your panel to the location where you will charge, which might be costly. Installing your charger near your garage door may make charging several cars easier, and a weatherproof charger approved for outdoor usage offers you the option of installing it indoors or out depending on where you want to park.

Chargers should not be used on a dryer circuit; instead, search for a charger that can utilize a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 socket, two popular plug types that electricians may readily install.

4.      Safety & Reliability:

Safety and reliability

Relax knowing that your charger has been thoroughly inspected and validated by a nationally renowned testing facility, ensuring that it is safe to use in your house and with your electric vehicle chargers. While a charger is ENERGY STAR certified, it consumes very little energy when it is not charging, which can help you save money on your electric bill.

While a portable charger may appear enticing for travel, dealing with cords and plugs laying on the ground gets old fast—and it's not particularly safe, especially if you have little children (human or animal) roaming around. Consider purchasing a wall-mounted station with a secure location to store the charging wire and connection while not in use.

Check out the warranty and support options for the charger you're considering, as well as the reputation of the company that makes it. A three-year guarantee from a reputable charging firm is a must-have, and 24/7 phone assistance comes in handy when you need a charge but can't figure out what you're doing.

5.      Savings:

Are they cost-effective?

Many utilities provide specific EV charging rate plans that allow you to save money by charging during off-peak hours (usually at night). You may inquire with your local utility about such a plan, and obtain a charger with scheduling built in so you don't have to wait up until midnight to install the plugin.

While many automobiles allow you to schedule charging, doing so while you're away from home and on the road may cause issues with charging. Grants and incentives for home EV chargers may be available from your local utility. In order to qualify for these discounts, chargers must be intelligent.

6.      Smart Features:

What else you can expect from a charger?

It's one thing to find the right charger. Putting it to use is another story. Some WiFi-enabled smart EV chargers link to an app to control charging, establish a timetable, and receive easy charging reminders.

If you're a data nerd or simply want to know how much you spend on charging, an app can help you keep track of your charging costs, and miles are driven all in one place with little effort. The ChargePoint app displays your public ChargePoint activity with home charging if you have a ChargePoint home charger. New features are also immediately updated on smart EV chargers. 

7.      Cost:

What is the cost?

You get what you pay for, as with anything else. The typical cost of a home EV charger is $500-900, which is almost half of what most drivers spend on petrol in a year. You'll probably retain your home charger for a long time, transporting it and (if feasible) changing the amperage for your next vehicle. It's worth investing in a smart charger that has passed safety testing and is backed by a guarantee to secure your EV investment.

Cheaper chargers may not have been safety certified and may lack useful features such as the ability to set charging reminders and schedules. Choose a plug-in charger that will not only keep your car and house safe but will also help you save money on charging by allowing you to schedule charging and maybe qualify for rebates, which may need a safety certificate and "smart" electric vehicle charging station.

Advantages of EV home charger

1.      Most electric vehicles have a number of advantages, such as not having to travel to a gas station to recharge, but public EV chargers can be difficult to come by or overcrowded. EV users will want to install a home charger if they can to avoid running out of electricity.

2.      Having an EV charger at home is not only handy since you can charge whenever you want, but it also eliminates the need to wait in line if public chargers are all full. It also increases the value of your property if you decide to sell.

What are the best home EV chargers?

If you're looking for a vehicle charger, you've undoubtedly learned that a regular power outlet won't suffice. Level 1 chargers are inexpensive and plug into a conventional wall socket. Level 2 chargers are faster than Level 1 chargers, but they require an electrician to install and may require a different power outlet and circuit than you presently have in your home.

Hardwired chargers are available, although plug-in chargers are also available. Choose between a plug-and-play charger and one that requires professional installation by an electrician.

Chargers for the home come in a wide variety of costs, but they're well worth the money. You should also look into local rebates, tax credits, and other incentives for installing an EV charger at home.

Finally, if you're not going to place your charger in a garage, be sure it's rated for exposure to the sun, wind, dirt, and water. 

Read more: dc fast charger at home

Conclusion

Now that you know what to look for when purchasing a home charger, it's time to explore your alternatives. ChargePoint Home Flex supports your home's electrical capacity, it can be put indoors or out, is UL rated for safety, offers smart features like scheduled charging, and is an economical investment. It worth spending money as safety, durability, and efficiency are the crucial factors of any type of electric vehicle charger.

Efficiency: DC charging stations are increasingly integrated with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, enhancing the sustainability of EV charging.