If you own an electric car, you know that one of the most important things you need to know is how to charge it. After all, you can’t just go to any old gas station and fill up your tank.
Electric car charging stations are becoming more and more prevalent, but what if you want to charge your car at home? Below, we’ll give you everything you need to know about charging your car at home, from the initial investment to the day-to-day charging process.
Different Types Of Chargers
You first need to know that there are different chargers for electric cars. The type of charger you need will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your personal preferences.
There are three main types of home electric car chargers:
- Level 1 Chargers: These are the slowest type of charger and usually come with the car when you purchase it. Level 1 chargers plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and can take up to 8 hours to fully charge a vehicle.
- Level 2 Chargers: These are faster than Level 1 chargers, able to charge a car in 4-6 hours. Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240-volt circuit, similar to what’s used for electric dryers and stoves.
- DC Fast Chargers: These are the fastest type of charger, able to charge a car in under an hour. DC fast chargers are costly and not commonly found in homes.
The Initial Investment
If you’re going to be charging your car at home, the first thing you need to do is make a few initial investments. First, you’ll need to purchase an EVSE or electric vehicle supply equipment. This is the device that will charge your car. There are various EVSEs on the market, so research before purchasing. You’ll also need to have a dedicated circuit installed in your home. This is necessary because electric cars require a lot of power, and your home’s existing electrical system isn’t up to the task. Once you’ve made these initial investments, you’re ready to start charging your car home.
Charging Your Car Daily
Now that you’ve made the necessary investments, it’s time to start charging your car daily. The good news is that setting up an electric vehicle is pretty simple – all you have to do is plug it into the EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) and let it charge overnight. Unfortunately, most people set their cars while sleeping since it takes several hours for the battery to reach total capacity. However, if you don’t have time to charge your vehicle overnight, there are rapid chargers available that can charge your battery much faster.
Staying Safe While Charging Your Car
Safety is one of the most important things to remember when charging your car home. Since electric vehicles require a lot of power, there’s always a fire risk when setting them. Be sure to read all of the safety instructions that come with your EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment), and make sure that you follow them carefully. Additionally, keeping a fire extinguisher close by is always a good idea, just in case something goes wrong while charging your car.
Following these simple tips, you can charge your car safely and efficiently at home. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular daily, so drivers must know how to set them correctly. Be sure to follow the tips above and always consult with an expert if you have any questions or concerns about charging your electric car at home.
Should You Charge Your Car Every Day?
While you don’t need to charge your car daily, it’s generally a good idea. This is because electric cars have a limited range, and if you only set your vehicle once a week, you may not have enough power to make it through the week. Additionally, charging your car daily helps prolong the battery’s life. If you only charge your car once a week, the battery will constantly cycle between full and empty, which can shorten its overall lifespan.
Electric cars are becoming more popular daily, but many drivers still don’t know how to charge them properly at home. With these tips, we hope to change that! Hopefully, now you understand the initial investment required and the daily process for charging your car. Remember – safety should always be your top priority when working with electricity! A qualified electrician after doing an EICR, will give you a quote for the installation of your electric charger.