Choosing the Right Home EV Charger

Purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) also means choosing a home charger. It’s easy to believe the only consideration is cost, but every EV has a different charge rate. Moreover, some models may only be compatible with specific chargers.

On the other hand, opting for public chargers as a primary charge method can pose its challenges. As of 2022, just 28,000 public fast chargers existed nationwide. But times are changing. In particular, the Biden administration has invested significantly in ramping up the country’s charging infrastructure.

For example, from Q4 2019 to Q1 2023, the number of EV charging ports nearly doubled to 161,562. In other words, EV drivers must have a home charger, but what are the factors to consider? 

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Default Cord vs. Wall Unit 

Every brand-new EV comes with a default cord. For example, Chevrolet offers the Dual Level Charge Cord, which provides Level 2 charging with a simple 240-volt outlet. For context, this outlet is the same one used for an electric stove.

Level 2 chargers can refill an EV battery overnight. In contrast, Level 1 chargers only add two to five miles per hour. A Level 1 charger would take 40-50 hours to charge an EV fully in an average vehicle. Unfortunately, most default charging cords are limited to Level 1 charging, meaning most homeowners opt for a wall unit.

Power Output

Purchasing a charger just because it’s a Level 2 charger isn’t enough. Another factor is the power output. Typically, an EV charger’s power output is 7-20 kW. The higher the output, the faster the charge. However, whether an EV can manage the highest outputs depends on the model’s acceptance rating.

Some units may have the kW rating listed, but others don’t. If so, drivers must calculate it themselves. Plenty of calculators exist online for determining how long a particular unit will take to recharge an EV. To work it out, six pieces of information are required, including:

·  Overall battery capacity

·  EV’s acceptance rate

·  The current state of charge

·  Preferred maximum charge percentage (80%)

·  EV charger’s power rating (in amps)

·  Outlet’s voltage

Electrical Panel Changes

Sometimes, EV owners may need to consider their home’s electrical panel. Since the panel partially controls the electricity flow, updates may be required. Naturally, this can pose a problem for those renting.

Older homes are likelier to require updates than newer ones. For example, the average older home was built with a 100-amp panel. This may require higher ratings to charge an EV while running large home appliances efficiently. Ideally, EV drivers should invest in a 200-amp unit.

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On a side note, EV manufacturers are working on innovations that can send electricity from the battery back into the home via bi-directional energy flow. The Ford F-150 Lightning is capable of this but requires paying extra for Ford’s Home Integration System, which costs around $4,000.

Additional Hardware

Some EV chargers require additional hardware. Many EV drivers also want to reduce their carbon footprints further, so they invest in solar panels.

In 2022, Sunrun released its 40-amp, Level 2 EV charger bundle, complete with solar panels and a home storage battery. Homes with solar panels installed can already take advantage of zero-emission EV charging.

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Budgetary Concerns

Purchasing the most advanced charger that can restore an EV’s battery for the morning commute may seem like the smartest idea. However, not every EV owner necessarily has the budget to make the home improvement changes necessary to make this a reality.

Thankfully, chargers are available at every price point. Most EV owners should consider a Level 2 charger at a minimum due to the significant jump between Level 1 and Level 2 charging times. Depending on the charger, this can cost between $700 and $2,000, with commercial installations potentially costing over $12,000.

Simply put, a Level 1 charger is only suitable for occasional drivers or those with short commutes.

Conclusion: Cut and Earn on Your Charging Costs

With Bluedot for Fleets, track your home charging statistics, from kWh delivered to charging costs. For fleet managers, Bluedot makes it easy to access everything in one simple dashboard. If you are interested in learning more about how to simplify reimbursement with IRS compliant receipts for your drivers, connect with us at partnerships@thebluedot.co.