Along with the consideration of buying or leasing an electric vehicle is what type of EV charger you will use at home. As an EV driver, it’s a good idea to factor this plan into the cost of ownership. But first you’ll need to find out about home charging and consider your specific requirements. Where do you park your car? How many miles do you drive each day? Most importantly, how quickly would you like your car to charge up?
Another thing to consider is that the cost and convenience of EV battery charging times vary significantly based on your needs. The charger itself is a crucial part of the equation. The type of electric car battery, how much energy it can hold, and the level of battery depletion all play a role in the optimal time needed for charging. Even the ambient air temperature can impact the battery’s ability to accept a charge efficiently.
There are a variety of “plug-and-play” chargers that are ready for immediate use, while some require you to hardwire the installation. This guide will help you learn about the different types of electric car chargers and what features to look for when deciding on a charging system for your electric vehicle.
The significant difference between Level 1 and Level 2 chargers is the rate of speed at which your EV or PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) can charge. Level 2 charges up to eight times faster than Level 1. The other big difference is price. For instance, the Level 1 charger is a cord that comes with most new EVs, while Level 2 home charging stations usually cost an average of $2,000 for purchase and installation. But buyer beware: Installation can cost even more if your home does not meet the electrical requirements.
Another thing to know is that both Level 1 and Level 2 chargers connect to the SAE J1772 charge port equipped on all-electric vehicles except for Tesla models. Tesla, however, provides the adapter necessary for its cars to use this same J1772 charging port.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all option for home EV chargers. Your particular situation will influence the type of setup you can have. Consider these factors when choosing a home charging station.
“Smart” EV chargers are more advanced Level 2 products. They have features including Wi-Fi connectivity that enable users to engage a smartphone app for enhanced displays to track activity and schedule charging.
Choosing this type of charger typically adds a few hundred dollars to the cost, but many users find the convenience and additional features worth the price. Users can start or stop charging remotely, check on charging progress, or receive reminders if they haven’t already done so.
A popular feature on some smart chargers lets users enter their electric company information into their profile. The chargers generate reports for users to review statistics that calculate how much it costs to power the car. And by communicating with the utility, some smart chargers will avoid peak times and automatically charge during hours when the provider charges less for energy.
The additional expense of a smart charger isn’t worth it to every electric car driver. And for others, the features aren’t necessary for electric vehicle models. This includes the Nissan Leaf, which uses apps that function similarly to those offered by intelligent chargers.
In development at several car companies, wireless EV chargers are something to look forward to for charging electric cars. Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, plans this feature as a factory-installed option on its GV60 electric SUV in 2023. Also touting this technology feature are Tesla, Ford, Volvo, Hyundai, and Kia.
The charging unit will consist of a power receiver on the vehicle, a wall box connected to the electric source, and a charging pad on the ground that connects to the box. A car will park directly over the charging pad to receive between 35 and 40 miles of range per hour of charging at about 11 kilowattswithout using a nozzle.
If you do not want to spend an estimated $2,000 for a hardwired Level 2 charger and don’t put a lot of miles on your fully electric vehicle, you could opt for Level 1, which is a typical household outlet. If you want to invest in a device you may use in the future, a Level 2 charges much faster and it’s a better choice.
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