Owning an electric vehicle has its benefits, one of which is never having to go to the gas station to refuel. But if you live in an area with underdeveloped infrastructure, there’s a good chance you’re going to have to install a home EV charger so you don’t end up having to look for a nearby public charger. Not only is having an EV charger at home convenient so you can charge anytime you want, you’ll also never have to worry about waiting in line if public chargers are all being occupied.
If you’re shopping for a car charger, you have probably realized a standard wall outlet just doesn’t cut it. Home chargers aren’t exactly inexpensive, but they’re worth the investment. You can also check for available rebates, tax credits, and other incentives in your area for installing a home EV charger.
There are a few factors to take into consideration when choosing the right charger. For starters, is your vehicle a plug-in hybrid or a battery-electric vehicle? A plug-in like the Chevrolet Volt doesn’t necessarily need an expensive charger, as opposed to fully electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt or Nissan Leaf. Don’t spend more than you have to, especially if you’re charging a plug-in hybrid.
Next, you’ll need to determine whether you want a Level 1 or a Level 2 charger. Level 2 chargers do the job quicker than Level 1 chargers, but often require a different power outlet that you may not already have available in your household. Some chargers are hardwired, while others can simply be plugged in. Decide whether you want a plug-and-play solution or a charger that requires professional installation from an electrician.
Lastly, if you aren’t installing your charger inside a garage, make sure to purchase one that is durable when exposed to sun, wind, and water. You’ll want to make sure the charger you’re purchasing is outdoor rated.
Updated 09/11/2019 with a new home EV charger.