America is currently undergoing an electric vehicle revolution, with huge growth in EV ownership across the country. Buyers love saving on fuel expenses as well as lowering their overall carbon footprint. However, taking time to juice your vehicle at charging stations can be frustrating. Home EV chargers have become more accessible to meet rising EV ownership.
However, if home charging is new to you, you may not be sure what to look for in an optimal system. Today, we review what you should consider when determining what makes a great home EV charger.
Charging Speed
Time is valuable, and the last thing you need is to be delayed by slow charging speeds when we’re on a tight schedule. Whether you have a long commute or forgot the charge the night before, slow charge speeds can be frustrating. Different home EV systems have different charging speeds, and some models prioritize speed more than others.
If fast charging isn’t as important to you, there’s an opportunity to save on your EV charger.
Compatibility With Your EV
One mistake first-time buyers fall into is not checking the compatibility of their charger with their EV brand or model. Different brands use charging ports that contain different structures. Sometimes, even models from the same brand will have different charging requirements. These issues may come from input/output mismatches, but can also be due to a difference in the voltage of the charger and the vehicle’s battery.
Ensure that the EV charger you’re looking at is compatible with whatever vehicle you own, down to the specific model.
Available Power Supply
A home EV charger delivers tons of value, but it’s also important to consider the expense it adds as well. EV chargers can draw a lot of power, which can spike your energy bill if you’re not properly prepared. However, some states and localities have incentives available for home EV chargers that can offset some of the added expense. Another alternative is to pair your charger with a home solar system, which ensures you don’t have to pay extra to charge your vehicle.
Regardless of the direction you go, it’ll be important to bring an EV charging expert out to assess your home’s electrical system to make sure it has the capacity to handle the addition. Also, hooking up the system can be difficult for those without electrical experience, so it’s valuable to defer to a qualified professional in this case.
Budget
Your budget will play a crucial role in the home EV charger you end up choosing. These systems typically range from $300 dollars to upwards of $1,500. There are several factors that can determine how a system is priced. These include its output capacity, number of hookups, charging speed, ease of use, and longevity of the system.
Be sure the EV charger you choose for your make and model falls within a budget that you’re comfortable spending.
Defer to the Experts
If you’ve reviewed the info and still don’t know which charger is best for you, we’re here to help. The Fusion Solar Services team can help you pick the best EV charger to meet your needs. We also provide expert home EV charger installation to get your system up fast.
Reach out today for a free EV charging recommendation and a free quote for your system.
