When choosing an EV charger, I go for one that not only meets my electrical needs but also improves the battery life and function. With the rise in popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), it's essential to have a convenient and aesthetically pleasing charging solution at home.
In this article, I will explore various factors to consider when selecting an EV charger that seamlessly integrates with my home's needs. From power requirements to charging speeds, I've got you covered!
My first choice is the ChargePoint home flex EV charger which charges 9 times faster than most chargers and allows me to schedule for off-peak hours, reducing my electricity bills. My second go-to charger is the MUSTART charger that is portable and I can bring it everywhere in case of emergency charging. The charger is also great for road trips. Third on my list is the EMPORIA which works remotely, and I can use the app on both Android and iOS gadgets.
Before we get into my other best EV home charger options, what exactly is an EV charger?
What is a Home EV Charger?
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A home electric vehicle charger is a level 2 EV charger that you can install in your home. Level 2 EV chargers are 240 volts, which a home electricity supply can handle. The home electric vehicle charger is convenient as EV owners can schedule when they have to charge. Other than scheduling charging, an EV owner can rest assured that their car is safe as it charges without having to stand and wait as it charges. There are many other benefits that I have enjoyed with owning a home EV charger that I talk about below, but first, the best home EV chargers.
5 Best Home EV Chargers
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1) ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger
- Level 2, 240 volt electric vehicle (EV) charging station charges...
- Works with all electric cars, tested on leading EV models:...
- Charge faster and smarter with the ChargePoint app. Set a...
- Safe and reliable, with a 3-year backed by 24/7 customer support...
- Easy for any electrician to install indoors or out. Plug-in...
ChargePoint is a convenient charger for me because it is a smart charger that connects to the Wi-Fi to give me remote control. The charger works 9 times faster than the normal wall connector and works on all leading EV cars.
Image Source: chargepoint.com
ChargePoint has flexible amperage settings of up to 50 amps, widening the variety of EVs that it can charge. Furthermore, I can schedule when the charger starts to charge, allowing me to take advantage of the hours when electricity is cheap.
I can plug in ChargePoint or have it hardwired into my home electric system and still have it serve its purpose fully.
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2) MUSTART Level 2 Portable EV Charger
- FAST CHARGING SPEEDS: The MUSTART 40A level 2 EV charger which is...
- SUPER COMPATIBLE: Works with most electric vehicles in the United...
- Well-trusted Quality: Strictly pass UL-2594, ETL certificated....
- CONVENIENT: Compact size with a total 25 feet charging cable for...
- HIGH QUALITY: This portable charging station is made to last with...
MUSTART is the charger that is always in the trunk of my car to bring everywhere I go. MUSTART is not only the most important electric vehicle supply equipment I have but the best EV charger for convenience as it comes in handy whenever I run out of power far from a charging station.
Image Source: mustartpower.com
With MUSTART, I can go for road trips with my EV without worrying about getting stranded. All I would need is a place to plug and I'm good to go.
MUSTART is compatible with most EV vehicles in the United States. The working current will depend on the car set, which makes it possible to charge multiple cars.
MUSTART is the safest option I have in my trunk and garage because it is protected against lightning. Furthermore, the charger has over-heat, over-current, and leakage protection. With a 25-foot cable, I can use the charger in a double-car garage or where the charger is far away.
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3) JuiceBox 40 Smart EV Charger
- Up to 7x faster charge: High-power, 40 amperes, 9.6kW EV charging...
- Convenient WiFi connectivity: With the free JuiceNet app, control...
- Smart grid savings: Schedule your charging times when rates are...
- Plug-in installation: Just install a simple NEMA 14-50R outlet...
- Rebates: Qualifies for local incentives in many utility service...
Juicebox 40 smart EV charger is a National Electrical Manufacturers Association-approved charger that not only charges 7 times faster than a normal charger but works with Google's Alexa, which is my favorite feature on the charger. Furthermore, the charger has an app that gives me the power to control everything remotely once it is plugged into my home's electrical system.
Image Source: evcharging.enelx.com
Juicebox 40 smart charger works with the NEMA 14 50 plugs, and if that is unavailable, I can use an adapter and plug it into the dryer plug and charge my car.
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4) MEGEAR Skysword Level 1-2 EV Charger
- High-Speed Charging: When compared to the stock 8A level 1...
- Reliability to the fullest: Our smart-chip detection system in...
- Compatible with all EVs: MEGEAR Skysword Ⅱ ev charging station...
- LED indicator: Indicator on the back of MEGEAR Skysword Ⅱ...
- Warranty Information: All products come with a 1-year Limited...
MEGEAR is a charger I carry around when there is a different volt to work with. The charger works with between 100 and 240 volts, giving me the flexibility I need when working with different outputs or cars.
Image Source: megear.com
MEGEAR is my choice when I want to monitor the car closely when it charges as it gives me a diagnosis when charging. The charger shows me any leakage, overheating, current overflow, power surge, low-voltage, overload, and more.
With lifetime support, the MEGEAR brand gives me solutions whenever I have issues with the charger.
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5) EMPORIA EV Charger
- UL AND ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED LEVEL 2 EV CHARGER. DEFAULT CHARGE...
- UL LISTED WITH YOUR SAFETY IN MIND. Manufactured to meet the...
- HARDWIRED OR PLUGGED INSTALLATION - 11.5kW (240V/48A) / 9.6kW...
- COMPATIBLE WITH ANY EV. The charger comes with a SAE J1772...
- REAL-TIME ENERGY DATA: REQUIRES 2.4 GHz WIFI WITH AN INTERNET...
EMPORIA is compatible with any EV, and works both indoors and outdoors, adding to the convenience. The charger further uses any excess solar energy to charge the electric car, saving me electricity bills. EMPORIA has a smartphone app that allows me to use it remotely without having to go into the garage all the time.
The smartphone app allows me to monitor energy consumption in real-time and works with both Android and iPhones.
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How to Choose an EV Charger for Your Electric Car
Image Source: autotrader.ca
Decorating your home is a reflection of your personal style and taste. When it comes to selecting electric vehicle chargers, you don't have to compromise on aesthetics, functionality, price, durability, smart features, and more. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
a) Assess Your Electrical Capacity
Before diving into the world of EV chargers, it's crucial to determine your home's electrical capacity. Hiring a licensed electrician to assess your electrical system is highly recommended. They will evaluate your electrical panel, circuits, and overall capacity to ensure it can handle the charging demands of an EV charger.
b) Dual Charging Stations
If you have two EV cars in your household, there is no need to wait for one to charge before charging the next when you could simply install a dual EV charger. Alternatively, as part of your garage improvement, you can install two EV chargers, especially when you have cars with different needs. For instance, you will need a Tesla wall connector, which might be different from other electric vehicles.
While Tesla is slowly opening its chargers to fit other models, it might not apply everywhere yet.
c) Charging Speeds
EV chargers come in different charging speeds, commonly categorized as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (DC fast charging). Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt household outlet and offer the slowest charging speed. On the other hand, Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240-volt circuit and offer faster charging times. Lastly, Level 3 chargers provide rapid charging capabilities but are typically found in public charging stations. Assess your charging needs and select a charger that aligns with your requirements.
Visit Auto E website for more info about EV Chargers. The company can consult you about
the whole EV Charger range and help with the installation if you decide to get one.
d) Consider the Plug Type
Different EVs come with various plug types. The most common plug types are the SAE J1772 connector for AC charging and the CCS (Combined Charging System) or CHAdeMO connector for DC fast charging. Ensure that the EV charger you choose is compatible with your vehicle's plug type to ensure seamless charging.
e) Wall-Mounted vs. Portable Chargers
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Another factor to consider is whether you prefer a wall-mounted charger or a portable one. Wall-mounted chargers are fixed installations and provide a dedicated charging station at a specific location in your home. On the other hand, portable chargers offer flexibility, allowing you to charge your vehicle wherever you have access to a power source. Wall-mounted chargers are often more suitable for home decor integration, as they can be designed to blend in seamlessly with your surroundings.
f) Design and Aesthetics
Now comes the exciting part—choosing an EV charger that matches your home decor! Manufacturers understand the importance of aesthetics and offer chargers in various styles, colors, and finishes. Look for chargers that complement your home's architectural style and color scheme when doing a garage remodel. Some chargers even offer customizable options, allowing you to personalize the charger to your liking.
g) Smart Charging Features
In the era of smart homes, having an EV charger with intelligent features can greatly enhance your charging experience. Look for chargers that offer smart charging capabilities, such as smartphone connectivity, Wi-Fi connectivity, and scheduling options. These features not only make charging more convenient but also add a modern touch to your home decor.
h) Cord Length
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Cord length is the answer to how conveniently you will charge your car. For instance, if you have a double-car garage and your car is on the other side, it would be convenient to have a longer cord than move your car close to the charger. This is especially the case when both cars are EVs, and you have to charge both without having to move any around.
i) Weather Proof
If your home EV charger is installed outdoors, it needs to be weather-proof to protect against harsh weather. The weather in the US is ever-changing, and the seasons tend to be extreme, therefore, a weather-proof charger is the answer to your outdoor charging port.
j) Warranty
EV chargers themselves are already costly, and you need to be sure that your charger will be of use to you. One way to be sure is when the charger has a warranty and a good return policy that allows you to return it in case of any malfunctions.
k) Installation Process
You may have to do a whole lot of home wiring. If your garage does not have an output from the mains that gives enough power to charge a car, then you will have to do the wiring. Other than wiring, you may need to connect the charging station to your home backup generator. The process of installing the home EV charger will be a cost you need to consider.
The installation costs will depend on the size of your project, including repairing the garage after installation. You can consider installing the EV charger as part of your garage remodel as that will be the most convenient time to do the installation.
l) Power Output
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The power output that your EV charger has is a huge factor that is going to affect your charging habits. There are generally two types of EV chargers;
- Rapid chargers
- Fast-chargers
The fast charger has a rating of between 8kW and 22kW and takes anywhere between 1 and 6 hours to charge your car, depending on the battery size. The home EV fast chargers operate through alternating currents. Depending on the connector type, the charger can be tethered or untethered. Furthermore, you can have a single or three-phase charger, and that depends on the connector type.
The convenient place to charge your EV using a fast charger can be at home, work, school, or anywhere that requires you to be around for many hours.
The rapid charger is the kind of charger you find at charging stations. A rapid charger will charge your car in a period as short as 30 minutes. A rapid charger uses a three-phase, direct current when charging the car. The current from the rapid charger can be up to 50kW and some can go as high as 350 kW. You would not typically find a rapid charger stalled at home as most home EV chargers are just fast chargers.
m) Parking Space
Whether you are parking outdoors or indoors will determine the cable you will get. There are both indoor and outdoor use cables as not all cables are weather-proof. Depending on where you will be using the cable, you may get cables with different resistance levels. When choosing a cable, keep extreme weather like winter storms, direct sunlight, or other conditions in mind as this might affect the lifecycle of your cable.
Why Buy an EV Home Charger?
Image Source: uk.mer.eco
a) Improved Battery Life
Charging the EV at home has a regular cycle which keeps the battery more efficient compared to sporadic charging at stations. When the battery is not charged in regular cycles, it can start acting up because of irregular full-empty cycles.
b) Convenience
While charging your car at a station for 30 minutes sounds convenient, it might be inconvenient in the long run. First, charging at a station is costly as you have to pay for the session. Then, you may have to access a charging station that may not be close to your place, and that takes time considering other factors like traffic and weather.
Charging from your place is comfortable as you can do so while you sleep or go about other errands in your place.
c) Higher Property Value
More people are embracing electric vehicles and having a charging station in your property can increase your property value. You do not have to be selling your property to benefit from this as you can get more clients if you are running rentals or an Airbnb. You can decide to rent or sell your property and a home EV charger will be a great selling point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Can I install an EV charger myself?
Installing an EV charger requires electrical expertise and should not be taken lightly. It's recommended to hire a licensed electrician who is experienced in EV charger installations. They will ensure the charger is installed correctly and safely, adhering to all electrical codes and regulations.
FAQ 2: Are EV chargers weatherproof?
Yes, most EV chargers available in the market are designed to withstand various weather conditions. However, it's essential to check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure the charger you choose is suitable for outdoor installations.
FAQ 3: Can I use an EV charger with multiple vehicles?
Some EV chargers support multiple-vehicle charging, while others are designed for single-vehicle use. If you have multiple EVs or plan to own multiple vehicles in the future, look for chargers that offer the capability to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously.
FAQ 4: Are there any government incentives for installing an EV charger?
In many regions, government incentives and rebates are available to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and the installation of EV chargers. Check with your local government or utility provider to see if you qualify for any incentives or rebates.
FAQ 5: Can I use an EV charger with solar panels?
Yes, it is possible to use an EV charger with a solar panel system. By integrating your EV charging with solar power, you can further reduce your carbon footprint and save on electricity costs. Consult with a solar energy expert to determine the feasibility of integrating your EV charger with solar panels.
FAQ 6: How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?
The charging time for an electric vehicle depends on several factors, including the vehicle's battery size, the charging speed of the charger, and the current state of charge. Level 1 chargers can take anywhere from 8 to 20 hours for a full charge, while Level 2 chargers typically charge an EV in 4 to 8 hours. Level 3 chargers offer rapid charging and can charge an EV to 80% in around 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle.
Conclusion
Choosing an EV charger that seamlessly integrates with your home decor and gets the work done is an exciting endeavor. By considering factors such as electrical capacity, charging speeds, plug type, design, and smart features, you can find the best EV chargers that meet both your functional and aesthetic needs. Remember to consult with a licensed electrician for a safe and professional installation. Embrace the future of transportation with an EV charger that enhances your home's style and contributes to a sustainable future.
