Investing in an electric vehicle is looking like a better idea with each passing year, between the rising costs of gas and the quickly escalating prices of gas-powered cars. Of course, an EV still requires regular refueling, just not with gasoline. Since you get between 200 and 500 miles per full charge on most electric vehicles, you need to invest in a home charger to avoid searching for an EV charger near me a couple times a week and rerouting your daily schedule to suit.
Since EVs take considerably longer to top off than electric vehicles, that can be a lot of rescheduling. By contrast, a home charger sets you up for overnight charging sessions, allowing you to take it out with a full battery every day.
Power Levels Needed for Your Vehicle
If you are buying a standard charging station and not one that is built to work with a specific make or model of EV, there are two power levels to choose from. Proprietary station designs may have more choices, and finding the right one for your EV is vital. You may be able to charge with an off-size charger if it is close enough to the right one, but you will either lose efficiency or put extra wear on the battery if you do so. It’s much better to have the right EV battery charger from the beginning.
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Vital Requirements for Your Charging Station
Not every home is equipped to handle every charging station. On top of the right power level, you also need to choose based on what your home can handle. Power consumption is a limited resource, and your home breaker box is designed to protect you from the effects of an overloaded circuit. That means you need a breaker circuit with enough open amperage to suit your charger, or else you need to expand your home breaker box to handle more power. Size also matters. Your car EV charger needs to be able to fit in the space you have for it while still reaching your vehicle.
You should also pay attention to the connector type, because some vehicles work best with chargers made specifically for their charging systems. In those cases, finding the right model charger or the right adapter for your existing charger is vital to avoid having issues with home charging.
However, commercial EV charging stations offer a different solution for those who require a quick recharge on the go. These stations are equipped with high-power chargers that significantly reduce charging times, providing a convenient option for drivers with tight schedules or those on long journeys. While home chargers cater to overnight charging convenience, commercial EV charging stations enhance flexibility and accessibility, ensuring that electric vehicle owners can find suitable charging options wherever their travels take them.
Get Help From the Pros
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While there are a lot of DIY automotive projects out there that you can use to build or challenge your skill set, your EV charging station is not the place to experiment. Chargers can easily draw in excess of 20 amps, which is often the largest breaker circuit in a home box. That means it is likely your entire breaker box will need an overhaul to accommodate a new switch, even if your power consumption doesn’t max out the box’s capacity and force an upgrade. Call in an experienced electrician to make sure your EV charger is set up correctly to avoid any issues with your vehicle or home electrical system.
