Although gasoline powered vehicles are by far the leading form of transportation around the globe, electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming a mainstream choice for drivers. The growth in the purchase of EVs is driven by concerns over climate change due to our dependence on fossil fuels, the major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Just like gas consuming vehicles, electric vehicles need to be refueled once their batteries run low on electrical charge. Consequently, the availability of reliable and convenient charging for EV owners becomes a necessity of everyday living.
The obvious choice to recharge your EV is to find a local charging station just like a gas station to refuel your vehicle. As you might suspect, there are significantly more gas stations than EV charging stations. Also the distribution of those EV charging stations are not as widely spread or densely populated as gas stations.
That is where the convenience and time savings of installing a home EV charger becomes a true necessity for EV owners. Let’s go over some of the top 5 reasons for installing an EV charger in your home.
Convenience
One of the top reasons for installing an EV charger at home is the convenience of having a fully charged vehicle when you need it. This is especially true for commuters who never know when they will get stuck in a 2- or 3-hour traffic jam going to or from work. The last thing a commuter needs to do worry about is where to find a charge along their way to getting to work on time or making it to a meeting.
Rather than depending on the availability of public charging stations, which can be inconveniently located and often require waiting times, installing a charger in your home allows you to charge your vehicle whenever you need to before your trip. It takes one more worry out of your life so you can focus on what is most important to you. This is one move you can make that literally solves a problem while you sleep.
Time Savings
Of course, one of the obvious benefits of convenience is also time savings. The working world does not wait for you and time marches on with or without you. Why not play to win at the use of your precious time? Home EV chargers will save you time by not having to wait in line at a public charging station or include stops for charging your car into your schedule.
Today’s home EV chargers are significantly faster than using a standard household electrical outlet. The most common type of EV charger, a Level 2 charger, can provide a full charge in a fraction of the time it takes a standard household plug. We all know how important having a fast charger is for your mobile phone and likewise the faster you can charge your car the more time you will have to do all of the other things that need to get done during your busy day.
Cost Effective: Saving Money
Moreover, home charging can be significantly more cost-effective than relying on public charging stations, which may charge premium rates or subscription fees. By leveraging your home’s existing electricity supply, you can benefit from lower electricity rates, especially if you take advantage of off-peak hours or enroll in special EV charging plans offered by utility companies.
While the upfront cost of installing an EV charger may seem significant, it can lead to substantial long-term savings. This is definitely one of those purchases that will save you money every time you use it. It is becoming more common for utility companies to offer discounted electricity rates for EV owners, especially during off-peak hours. By charging your Electric Vehicle at home during these off-peak periods, you can take advantage of lower electricity rates thereby reducing your transportation costs.
Also consider that your investment in solar panels for your home will be put to good use for both the environment and your pocketbook by using solar energy to charge your car. Pretty quickly over time, the savings on installing your own EV charger can outweigh the installation expenses, making home charging a cost-effective solution.
Safety and Reliability
In addition to convenience, time and cost savings, installing a home EV charger can also provide enhanced safety and reliability. Unlike standard household outlets, which may not be designed to handle the electrical demands of EV charging, dedicated EV chargers are specifically engineered to meet the charging requirements of electric vehicles while adhering to strict safety standards. Investing in an EV Charger is good for your car and good for your own safety at the same time.
Increasing Your Home Value and Future Readiness
Installing a home EV charger can also be a valuable investment in your property. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, having a dedicated charging station can become a very attractive selling point for potential home buyers, increasing the overall value of your home.
Furthermore, by installing an EV charger in your home, you are positioning yourself to embrace the inevitable shift towards renewable energy resources and electric transportation. As more automakers commit to producing electric vehicles and governments incentivize their adoption, having a home charging solution in place will ensure that you are ready to transition to an electric vehicle the complies with government regulations.
A Wise Investment
Installing an EV charger at home is a wise investment that offers numerous benefits, including convenience, cost savings, safety, increases in home value, and future proofing your home, not to mention helping fight climate change one of the biggest existential threats to human existence today. By taking advantage of this technology, you can enjoy a seamless and efficient charging experience while contributing to a more sustainable future.