Photo by Complete Electrical Services
Investing in an Electric vehicle, or EVs as they’re more commonly called, is one of the top ways an individual can contribute to global sustainability. Are you planning your first EV purchase? Has your research led you to wonder whether it will be more effective to install a charging station at your home?
Fortunately, you won’t have to look very far to find an expert to do the necessary adaptions to add a charging station in your garage. The same electricians who you enlist for your home or office switchboard upgrades will easily be able to install your charging station in the safest and most convenient place on your property.
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What is a Home EV Charging Station?
As the name suggests, a home EV charging station is a device that supplies electricity to your EV. This unit can either be connected directly to your home’s electrical supply or via your rooftop solar energy.
The process to do this involves having a dedicated power supply circuit installed by a qualified electrician. Most EVs will use a Level 2 charging station that plugs into a 240V outlet (like the one you use for your water heater). A dedicated charging cable completes the process.
Typically, there are three types of electric car charges to choose from in Australia. These are listed as:
- Standard wall charging: In this option, you use the standard plug that comes with your vehicle and allows you to charge your EV anywhere. While this option is flexible, it’s a slow process.
- Dedicated power supply: Increase the speed of your charging process by installing a dedicated power circuit. These units are placed in your private garages at home or workspace. This will require written permission from the owner of the property. (Keep this in mind if you’re renting).
- Rapid charge with high-power units: These are the power units that you will find in public charging stations. They resemble pump stations as they need to provide supercharged output rates of up to 50kWs to charge your EV in rapid time, reducing long waiting times.
Know The Convenience of a Home Charger
Many EV users will tell you that you don’t need to invest in the added cost of installing a charging station at your home or workspace. It’s essential to keep the following factors in mind:
- Where are the public power stations placed near your home and work? (Currently, EV power stations aren’t located as frequently on your route as traditional petrol stations).
- How far do you drive every day? (Will you need to recharge during the day, or will one charge be adequate)
- Do you have time available to spend at charging stations, especially if there are queues during the peak periods of the day?
Answering these questions will help you decide how essential a home charger may be to your unique situation. Here are a few benefits to consider if you’re still unsure.
- It’s Super Convenient
Convenience is the number one reason to consider installing an EV charger at home. With your own home station, you don’t need to stand in a queue, or waste time and electricity finding a working station. A home station allows you to charge your EV safely while you’re sleeping or catching up with chores or family time.
- Significantly Lower Charging Costs
Home charging will be considerably cheaper than the rates you’ll pay for a home charger. In some parts of Australia, electricity rates vary depending on the time of the day. This means that charging during off-peak hours will save you money if you’re charging at home. You’ll also not be subject to the service fees of public charging stations.
- Potentially Faster Charging Speeds
We’ve already mentioned that charging your vehicle with a standard charger can be slow. However, if you opt for a Level 2 home charger, you will be able to charge your EV faster and also be able to top it up if your car only needs a quick charge.
Charging your vehicle at home with a dedicated power circuit can take as little as seven hours for a full charge which is considerably less than the 18 to 24 hours that may be required when you use a regular 2,4kW charge. Keep in mind that this can vary between Tesla, Nissan, and Hyundai chargers.
- Compatible with Solar Power
If you’ve already converted to renewable energy at home, the good news is that your EV charger will be solar-compatible, maximising your use of solar energy. Use your excess solar energy to charge your EV rather than putting it back on the grid. You’ll also reduce your dependence on grid electricity.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to install a home EV charger is both cost-effective and convenient as it eliminates the need for standing in queues or spending hours at a public station. Having a charger at home allows you the flexibility of charging your EV at your own pace, at a time that’s most convenient for you.
