Home charging is the key to liberating yourself from top-offs…
Charging your vehicle at home means you never have to stop and wait at a public charging station. Owning an EV or PHEV should feel like the future, not take longer than filling up an ICE vehicle. A home charger is the critical component to the EV and PHEV lifestyle that provides that liberation!
At first, choosing a home charger for your EV or PHEV can seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. Below you will find a wealth of information to help you along your journey in choosing a home charger for your EV or plug-in hybrid.
There are 2 Basic “Levels” of Home Chargers
Level 1 (L1) Home Chargers
Ah, merging the car-savvy, conversational style of Jay Leno with the logical, analytical tone of Data from Star Trek makes for an interesting blend. Here’s how it might look:
L1 Chargers are an Intro to EV Charging
Most newer EVs and PHEVs feature some kind of onboard Level 1 charger. If you have found yourself in possession of an EV, chances are it is stored in the trunk, potentially under the rear mat.
Level 1 charger are designed to operate on the domestic electrical infrastructure that can be found in most homes and buildings. Outlets are available both inside and outside of structures, and Level 1 chargers can be a good option if you find yourself suddenly out of power with no fast-chargers available.
Basic Specifications of Level 1 Chargers
- Voltage: All L1 chargers utilize a standard 120-volt AC circuit that is compatible with typical household outlets.
- Charging Speed: A measured approach to recharging, you can typically get 2 to 5 miles of range per hour.
- Plug Type: The charger is equipped with a standard three-prong plug known commonly as NEMA 5-15.
- Cord Length: Most vehicles come with an adequately sized cord ranging from 15 to 25 feet that facilitates the connection between vehicle and power source. If you find that yours is too short, you will want to find an electrical cord that can handle the extra load from an L1 charger.
Top-Rated Level 1 Extension Cords on Amazon
The Perfect Lifestyles for EV-Drivers Considering Level 1 Chargers
- Infrequent Driver Lifestyle: For those whose do not use their electric vehicle often, a L1 charger can be a great solution. If you work from home, and maybe drive once or twice a week, an L1 charger would be more than adequate.
- Second Vehicle Lifestyle: If your electric vehicle is not the primary mode of transport within your household, an L1 charger should serve well in your household as you can recharge leisurely.
- Budget Lifestyle: Given that most Level 1 chargers are bundled with the vehicle, the fiscal impact is often negligible. It should be noted that L1 chargers are not as friendly to your power bill as smarter chargers, however.
The Pros and Cons of L1 Charging
Pros
User-friendly to the point of plug-and-play simplicity.
No additional electrical modifications to your dwelling are necessary.
Its portable nature allows for easy transport and versatile application.
Level 1 chargers typically do not require municipal permits in operate.
Cons
Charging speed is, by design, not optimal for rapid energy replenishment compared to L2 chargers.
A dedicated electrical circuit may be beneficial to prevent circuit overloads, a common occurrence in Earth households.
Can be more expensive than a smart charger when factoring in your power bill.
Safety Protocols
Even though an Level 1 charger typically does not need to be installed, it is advisable to seek the opinion of an electrician to tell you if your house’s electrical panel is wired in such a way that supports the additional electrical demand.
While at it, have your electrician install a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) style plug for an extra layer of safety. This brings your plug up to code with Planet Earth’s electrical safety norms.
Top-rated GFCI Outlets on Amazon
Level 2 (L2) Home Chargers
Level 2 chargers utilize a 240V AC circuit, similar to the power that supplies household appliances such as ovens, dryers and water heaters. They are the go-to for rapid EV home charging, offering a typical range of 12-60 miles per hour, depending on conditions and the performance of your charging system.
Level 2 Chargers are the next step in home EV and PHEV charging
Functionality
These chargers require a dedicated 240-volt circuit and professional installation to meet local electrical codes. Home charger setups can have their own municipal restrictions that you need to adhere to. Once everything is set up, you simply plug in your EV or PHEV using the base station’s plug.
Most EVs and PHEVs come with a notification system if you leave your vehicle plugged-in, and will not drive away without you first unplugging.
Speed Factor
One major benefit Level 2 chargers have over their Level 1 counterparts lies in charging speed. They can deliver 12 to 60 miles per hour, making them anywhere from 3x to 12x faster at charging your vehicle. Thse chargers are more suitable for those with higher mileage daily driving requirements.
Efficiency
Level 2 chargers can take advantage of smart charging features, and thus are generally more energy-efficient. Faster charging minimizes the time your EV is plugged in, yielding better energy utilization during off-peak hours.
Cost Implications
While the upfront cost and installation can be fairly significant, the long-term benefits often justify the investment, especially if you’re a frequent driver.
Check out Cost Breakdown of Installing a Level 2 Home Charger for more information.
Smart Features
Advanced Level 2 chargers offer functionalities like scheduling and remote monitoring. Some even integrate with renewable energy sources to optimize energy consumption and cost.
Top-Rated Level 2 Home Chargers on Amazon
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home Charger
The Biggest Factor: Charging Speed
Do you need a charger that is suitable for overnight energy replenishment from home? A level 1 charger may be for you.
Do you need a charger that can top off your EV in a matter of hours? Then you may want to consider a Level 2 home charger.
Compatibility
While most vehicles can be charged by any level 1 power source, some vehicles do not allow level 2 charging. Check out our homepage to find your vehicle for more specific information.
Also consider that only level 2 chargers are compatible with smart charging accessories.
Budget
The extra cost of a level 2 charger can be a big barrier for many. The charger itself, the cost of an electrician to install, the additional power demand on your utility bill. All are important factors when considering a home charging solution.
Any inspection required for the installation of your Level 2 charger may require a licensed professional to install and an inspection by your municipality, which always come with a fee.
Check out Cost Breakdown of Installing a Level 2 Home Charger for more information.
Permit Requirements
Level 2 charger installations can require permits or inspections to install, depending on your municipal code.
Insurance
If anything happens with your charging device that calls for an insurance claim, your insurance company will want to know that you have permit paperwork to back the product that has been installed. If you do not have the proper paperwork, you risk invalidating your insurance claim, which would leave you paying out of pocket for any repairs.
Electrical Requirements
In some cases where the home where you are attempting to install the charger has an older electrical system, you may be looking at a more comprehensive install, potentially of a new electrical panel, new wiring, and an enhanced grounding system.
Even Level 1 chargers can require a dedicated breaker for the outlet that you are planning to use to charge your vehicle. Level 2 chargers have even more demand, requiring a 220V breaker at the panel.
Level 2 chargers can require 32A – 48A, which may exceed the rating of your current home’s 100A electrical panel, causing fire hazards, tripping issues, and more. To find out if your 100A panel will meet the demands, simply add up the Amperage of the existing devices connected to the panel.
Sum up the load of the electrical devices in your home and total the demand:
- 20A – Heat/AC Unit
- 15A – Dryer
- 15A – Oven
- 30A – General circuitry (computer, television, coffee pot, etc)
With the above devices, you are already using 80 out of 100 amps, and do not have the capacity to add 32-48 more amps to the panel.
Local Utility Rates
How much will my bill increase with regular use of a home charger?
While the energy expenditure is relatively low due to the charger’s slow rate, it is worth noting that Level 1 chargers are less efficient than their smart charging counterparts. Consequently, you might observe a slight decrease in your energy bill by switching to a L2 smart charger.
The increase, of course, depends upon how much you use your EV/PHEV.
On average, people who drive 300 miles a month, and who realize an efficiency of 4 miles per kWh, typically see a 9% increase on a utility bill of $100. Or stated another way, installing a home charger will cost you an additional $9/month if paying $0.12 per kWh.
Incentives and Rebates
Check to see if your utility provider pays out credits and/or other financial incentives for charging during grid-optimal times. If you utilize a smart charger, the associated apps and other software may offer you a way to conveniently “prove” to your municipality that you have only charged during off-peak hours, greatly streamlining the rebate process.
Popular Brands and Models
You’ll want to check with your EV manufacturer for a list of brands and models of chargers that will work for your application. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the requirements of your vehicle prior to selecting a charger.
Conclusion
A game-changer – When it comes to powering your daily commute, charging an EV overnight is a liberating way to refuel. It means you never have to spend time at a public charger again.
Natural Accountability – Investing in a smart home charger can be a great way to spread the electrical load over time, helping local utilities meet the demand of new EVs and PHEVs.
More Resources
Take a look at the below resources to find out more about home PHEV and EV chargers:
