Chargin' Up: Understanding the Basics of Home Charging Electric Cars

If you’re shoppin’ for a new ride that won’t guzzle up gasoline, you’re probably looking at electric cars. Score! You’re making an eco-friendly decision that can save you a ton of dough in the long run. But if you’re gonna take the leap, you need to know the basics of home charging electric cars.

Summary:

Charging your ride at home means you can save your hard-earned dinero, keep up with your car’s needs, and never be stuck waiting for your car to power up.

The Benefits of Charging Your Ride at Home

• Save money - Charging at home costs significantly less than gas, with some estimates saying it can save you as much as $250/month.
• Control over your charging schedule - You can set your car to charge at night, when electricity is cheaper.
• You don’t have to wait in line - With charging stations popping up everywhere, they can get really busy. Plus, you’re not tied down to a specific charging station.
• Buy the right charger - Check with your car’s manufacturer to pick the right wall charger. Some charge faster than others.

Choosing Your Charging Station

Choosing the right charging station is essential if you want a successful home charging experience. Determining the right charger for your car can feel like a bit of a guessing game, but it’s fairly straightforward.

First, take a look at the manufacturer’s specs for your car. Most electric cars come with a Level 1 or Level 2 charger. Level 1 is usually the slower charger that comes packaged with the car, but it takes a lot longer to power up.

Level 2 options are around 3x faster but you may need to buy one separately. Most cars on the market today have a Level 2 charge port, but double-check with your manufacturer, which will also tell you the type of plug your charger needs.

Installing Your Charging Station

After you’ve chosen the right charging station for your car, you need to install it at home.

If you’ve decided on a Level 1 charger, you should be able to charge your car simply by plugging it into an ordinary household outlet using the charger that came with your ride.

If you’ve chosen a Level 2 charger, you’ll need to have your charger professionally installed and connected to a 240-volt circuit to get the most optimal charge.

Charging Time

Figuring out the charging time for your car is important so you can set up a schedule that works for you.

If you’re using a Level 1 charger, it can take anywhere from 8-20 hours to recharge your car. With a Level 2 charger, charging times can range from 3-8 hours.

Most cars will have an approximate time estimate for a full charge in their documentation or on the manufacturer’s website.

Final Word on Home Charging

Whether you’re buying a new electric car or you’re just looking to get the most out of your current ride, understanding the basics of home charging can save you time and money.

By choosing the right charging station, understanding the charging time, and having it professionally installed, you can get the maximum benefits of charging your car at home.