One of the main advantages of an electric car – aside from the benefits it offers the environment – is the fact that you no longer have to queue and pay for gasoline at filling stations. By learning how to charge your electric car at home, you have the added advantage of never again having to depend on available charging stations, or waiting for other motorists to complete their recharges.
Most electric car owners charge their vehicles at home, as it is fast, easy and convenient.
Learn How to Charge Your Electric Car at Home
Charge Your Electric Car at Home – Option 1 (level 1) – The most common way to charge your electric car at home is to use the standard 120-volt outlet available in your home. Electric cars come with an adapter that you can use to connect your electric car to your home’s 120-volt supply.
Charge Your Electric Car at Home – Option 2 (level 2) – If you need a faster charge, you can use a 240-volt circuit. Simply purchase and install a special control – known as an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) control. The EVSE uses a dedicated 240-volt circuit in your home, as does your oven and clothes dryer.
Speak to an electrician about the best option for your home. Type 2 sockets are fitted to the homecharge unit and use your car’s charging cable or a built-in tethered cable to connect. The right connector is crucial to your safety. However, if you hope to buy a different car in the near future, you may have to invest in a new adaptor, as cables are fitted to car-specific connectors.
Dedicated homecharge units offer a convenient way to recharge your electric car and government incentives could help make the cost well worth the effort. Once your car is fully charged, the unit will switch off, and some units will even display the amount of electricity used.
Since your home charge unit is directly wired to your fuse board, it is completely safe to use. These units are safe for outdoor use, as they are weatherproof and include enhanced overload protection circuitry.
Charge Your Electric Car at Home: Facts and Figures
The charging time of an electric car depends on your car’s battery and capacity, as well as the power output of your homecharge unit. The costs vary depending on the unit price of your electric price compared to the cost of fuel in your area.
But one fact remains: If you charge your electric car at home, you will spend much less than if you filled up with gas. It’s also much more convenient.
One last thing that maybe bother you – Are you concerned that they may not be able to make long-distance trips? Don’t worry, electric car charging stations are available in most areas in the US. And even when it is not, a multi car carrier such as Nationwide Auto Transportation can provide a green option.
