7 Factors To Consider When Buying Electric Chargers For Your Home
The top consideration for electric vehicle owners is where to charge their vehicles. Based on convenience, practicality, and the options open to them, most electric vehicle owners choose to install an EV charger at home. Asides from convenience, having an EV home charger boosts home value.
But before you get an EV home charger, there are considerations to be made. This article outlines seven factors to consider when buying a home EV charger.
Safety and Reliability
EV chargers aren’t just like any regular electrical appliance. They are electrical equipment that carries high loads, so safety is a priority. Look into EV chargers with safety mechanisms like plug-out detection, ground fault interruption, and power termination. Also, consider EV chargers that have a warranty and have been tested according to internationally accepted standards.
Chargers with these safety features are safer to have at home. If the EV charger also comes with company support, that’s an added bonus.
Smart Features
Many EV chargers have smart features that allow users to connect their chargers with an electric app. Having a smart EV charger isn’t a core consideration; however, it makes managing EV charging easier for the user. An EV charger with smart features allows users to schedule charging while sending reminders. If this is a feature you enjoy, be sure to specifically look for charging models that carry it.
Price
Price is one of the major factors to consider before committing to a home EV charger. Is it cheaper to install a home EV charger over using public chargers at EV charging stations UK? The only way to know is by calculating the actual cost of an EV home charger.
The total cost of installing an EV charger could be more than the cost of the charger. The price also changes depending on hardwired or plug-in installation. Hardwired installations require a conduit, which can be expensive. Users also have to factor in other charges associated with installing the chargers.
The average cost of an EV charger alone is between 400 to 800 pounds. This price could rise even more depending on the charger and where you choose to mount it. Installing an EV charger costs another 800 to 1000 pounds based on the kW range.
Before purchasing a home EV charger, consider the options available based on the amount you’re willing to put towards getting one. Also, look into the government grants for installing home EV chargers. You could be eligible for it, which would decrease the cost of installing an EV charger.
Charging Speed
For some electric car owners, charging speed is the push behind their decision to own a home EV charger. Rather than wait hours at charging stations or charge very slowly at home, they prefer to install a fast home charger.
Not all home chargers are fast, so if you want one faster than usual, you have to specify and plan for it. Before you make your choice, however, consider how much driving you do and how fast you go. This will give you the info to choose the right speed for your charger.
There are three charging speeds:
- Level 1 Charging;
- Level 2 Charging;
- Level 3 Charging.
The charging speeds for each level are different, with the slowest being level 1 charging.
Location and Weather Durability
After you buy a home charger, now what? Where do you plan to keep it? Would it be wall-mounted, or is it going to be outdoors?
These are important decisions. If you intend to mount your charger outside, you may have to take steps to ensure it is protected from harsh weather or purchase a charger with high outdoor ratings.
Wherever you choose to put your charger needs to be close to a power source and adequate charging space. If you can’t find a place close by, you’ll need to buy a conduit which can increase the installation cost.
Before you even conclude how much it’ll cost to get a home EV charger, you should look into the location.
Charging Rate
Before buying a home EV charger, another factor to consider is the maximum charging rate for your device. Older electric vehicles have a low charging rate. Some are as low as 3.3kW.
If you have an older EV model, you’ll be wasting money by installing a charger with a high charging capacity. If you’re planning to upgrade your vehicle, it won’t make much difference. Suppose you have no such plans but still want a higher-capacity charger. In that case, you can get the ones that detect the power of your EV’s charging port and adjust accordingly.
Type of EV Chargers and Connectors
This factor is a more technical consideration than the other factors, and your choice boils down to a mixture of preference and capability.
With access to as many options as possible, making a decision can be challenging. It helps to read up on each charger and connector, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses before choosing what works for you.
Installing a home EV charger can be one of the best decisions to make as an electric car owner. But if you don’t research, you could end up unsatisfied with your decision. We’ve outlined seven crucial factors to consider before getting a home EV charger.
