Being able to charge your vehicle at home is convenient and easier than charging in a petrol station. Today, you will come across many electric vehicles on the roads. However, the confusion comes when selecting the right charger. If you have an EV, it is crucial to pick the right one to keep your vehicle going. It is easy to get a charger that is compatible with your vehicle. However, there are other important factors you should consider. In this article, we will discuss 5 simple tips to help you choose the right home EV charger.
- Location
It is crucial to know where you want to install your charger. Taking of installation, ensure you know the proper way of installing your EV charger. Look for a guide that will direct you on electric car charger installation. It can be a good idea to install the charger close to your garage door. This will allow you to charge several cars at the same time. Additionally, make sure the charger is weatherproof if you intend t install it outdoors. It is advisable to avoid using dryer circuits since they are not normally safe.
- Speed
Another factor that will guide you toward the most suitable EV charger is the speed of charging. How fast do you want the charger to charge your EV? Mostly, the speed of charging depends on the electrical current or the amperage of the charger. Therefore, look for a charger based on your style of driving and commuting and your EV’s range. You may need a fast charger if you drive at a high speed.
- Supply
Supply means the amount of electrical current available at your home. Level 2 chargers require 240V when connected. You need a charger that works well with your car. Make sure the circuit breaker you buy has a higher amperage than the charger. So, ensure you check with the electrical panel to know the number of amps in your home. At this point, it may be a good idea to work with an experienced electrician to know if the panel is capable of handling the charger.
- Features
Getting a great charger also involves picking one with smart features. Some chargers are Wi-Fi enabled and you can control the charging through an app. The app can also help you track how much charge you spend or how much electricity you have spent on charging.
- Reliability and Safety
EV chargers can pose a potential danger to your home. Therefore, ensure you can rest by buying an ENERGY STAR-certified charger to keep your home and EV safe. The certification ensures the charger uses less energy when not charging and this helps control energy consumption. It is also ideal to choose a charger that can be mounted on the wall and has a place to hang the cables. This ensures you don’t have to worry about electric cables lying all over, especially if you have kids or pets.
In Conclusion,
Now that you know the things you need to look at when buying an EV charger, it is time to go shopping. Make sure you have a budget and do not forget to consider the factors we have mentioned here.
