If You’re Considering an Electric Vehicle, a Home Charging Station is a “Must Have,” and Here’s Why.
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, one crucial aspect that EV owners consider is their ability to charge their vehicle conveniently and without concern over running out of charge and being stranded on the road. Installing an EV charging station at home (or ensuring the availability of charging stations at your apartment building or condominium), offers numerous advantages that make the switch to electric vehicles even more appealing. In this article, we explore the indispensable advantages and cost-effectiveness of a home charging station.
Convenience of Overnight Charging:
One of the primary advantages of having an EV charging station at home is the convenience it offers. Nobody wants to waste their valuable time locating and waiting for their car to charge. Unlike public charging stations or DC fast charging, where users may have to wait 20 to 45 minutes to achieve a full charge, home charging allows EV owners to plug in their vehicles overnight. This means waking up each morning to a fully charged battery, providing a hassle-free and seamless charging experience
Cost Savings:
Home charging also presents significant cost savings for EV owners. The retail cost of electricity at home is generally lower—often 10 to 15 cents less per kilowatt-hour compared to public charging stations, including premium options like Tesla's supercharging stations. Additionally, users can take advantage of time-of-use rates (cheaper electricity at off-peak times) offered by many power companies by setting their home charging units to operate during specific times, such as evenings or weekends. This strategic approach can result in substantial annual savings, potentially covering the initial cost of installing the home charging station within a very short period – as little as a year or two
Avoid Extreme Weather Challenges:
Recent reports have highlighted challenges faced by electric vehicle owners during extreme cold weather conditions, including extended charging times and stranded vehicles at public charging stations. Home charging eliminates these concerns, as your EV can be comfortably charged in the warmth of your garage or designated charging area. This ensures consistent performance and reliability, even in the face of adverse weather conditions.
Eliminating Range Anxiety:
The ability to fully charge your EV at home each night provides peace of mind and eliminates range anxiety. Knowing that your vehicle is ready to go each morning allows you to plan your day without the need to factor in visits to public charging stations. One of the greatest concerns potential EV drivers express is the fear of running out of charge and being stranded on the road. The flexibility of a home EV charging station empowers EV owners to use their vehicles freely without worrying about running out of charge during their daily activities.
Installing an EV charging station at home proves to be a wise investment for electric vehicle owners. The convenience of overnight charging, coupled with substantial cost savings and the assurance of a fully charged vehicle each day, makes home charging a no-brainer. Just be sure that you use a professional installer, such as Humm Energy, that is a licensed and insured electrical contractor and expert in electric vehicle charging to ensure everything is working properly and safely.