Tips and Guides

Should I Buy a Home EV Charger for My Electric Vehicle?

By CarsFellow

November 28, 2022

In recent years, electric cars have become increasingly popular. If you own an electric car and want to recharge it at home, it requires a home charging station. There are many different types of these stations on the market today, from dual chargers that can power two vehicles simultaneously to single wall outlets for your front or back door.

With home charging stations becoming more and more common, there is a big demand for these devices in the market.

1. How much does a home EV charging station cost?

The average cost of a home charging station is around $1,000. However, if you shop around, you can find one for as low as $1,000 to $5,000. These prices are better if you have an electric car with a smaller battery and you need to install a single charger in your garage, but you should always check different models first, it could be that a Tesla EV or others vary in price.

If your car has a big battery and can drive long distances without recharging it, then it is advisable to buy a dual charger or a charger that can be installed outdoors on the ground near your driveway. These types of chargers cost around $2,500 to $4,500. Still, most of them are under $2,500 but above $1,000. You can save money by buying a used charger.

2. Will it increase my electricity bill?

Purchasing your home charging station will not increase your electricity bill. Most home charging stations require 120 volts of electricity, which is far less wattage than a standard laptop or hair dryer (which both use 240 volts).

Home charging stations are not power-hungry. The charging station only requires a small amount of energy to power your vehicle successfully. Most home EV charging stations do not even need you to upgrade your electricity box.

3. Can I use the same EV charger if I buy another EV?

This is a common question among EV buyers. The problem is that there are many different types of electric vehicles, and each car has different charging needs. If you buy a home charging station to charge your EV, you will have to know the charger it has to use correctly.

For example, the Tesla Superchargers and CHAdeMO chargers are completely different. This can be confusing because you may want to use the same charger for multiple cars when you own an EV, but if the charge type is incompatible, this will be difficult.

4. Why should you buy home EV chargers?

● Convenience

A home EV charger helps you keep your car full of electricity when you’re not traveling. This is much more convenient than going and filling up at a gas station. A home charging station is also good if you are the only person driving the vehicle, as you can charge it whenever there’s an available plug.

● Cheaper

If you’re driving an electric car and you don’t have to stop for gas, you’ll likely spend less money on transportation. Buying a home charging station is a cheap way to save money on your vehicle. Just purchase and charge a home EV charger whenever you need to.

● Faster

Charging your vehicle with a home charger is much quicker than using a regular point. The performance and the efficiency of the charger depends on the level of power that it contains. Some chargers have better capabilities to supply higher amounts of power.

● Longer battery life

Using a home EV charger is suitable for your vehicle’s battery life. If your car has very low or zero reserves, charging it with home chargers is advisable because it will help the battery reach its full potential faster. Regular access to extra electricity will allow you to use your vehicle long enough and efficiently.

5. What power home EV charger should I buy?

A smart charger is a device you need to install at home to charge your electric vehicle (EV). The smart charger will do this automatically and turn your EVs into a power bank. It will store the energy for when you need it, taking it from the grid or the EV. This way, you don’t have to use additional electricity from your car when charging at home.

The smart charger is available as an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Service Equipment) for public charging stations, like a Tesla Supercharger, or as a wall-mounted unit for at-home charging.

Conclusion

You should buy a home EV charger for your electric vehicle. Home charging stations are a great way to charge your car even at the end of the day when the sun has started to set. While they are a little expensive initially, they will save you money in the long run.