Last year, when I first accused an EV at my house, I was surprised to find out how unpleasant it was to add the entire experience back only 8 miles away. I was not ready for him, especially when I was told that you can easily get back about 40 miles with overnight level 1 charging.
Since then, I have tested more than 40+ EVS and PHEVs and learned a lot of things about the entire process – even though how much range they add with each charge. To buy any best electric cars, or upgrade from your gas Gujler, they may be apprehensive about charging at home. But you should not do.
So I want to share what I have learned from charging EVS at home for the last one year. For the expectations around the charging time you will need to do this, I am sharing everything you need to know.
Slow speed 1 speed may be due to your amperage
As long as you have a new house already equipped with a level 2 charger, there is a possibility that you will stay with Level 1 charging at the time, as long as you pick up your new EV from the dealership and head home. During my test, I was surprised by the slow charging speed of many of them – such as EVS from Hyundai and Kia.
At one point during my test of Kia EV9, the charger equipped with a vehicle immediately stopped charging. I only realized that it kept tripping the GFI outlet, which I was using out, but neglected to check for a fix detection. Eventually I came to know that it was for the reason how the amperage was set too much, causing the GFI outlet to be closed. Additionally, this is why I was getting such a slow pace with Level 1 charging.
You can actually set amperage to draw electricity from a standard 120V outlet. In some cars it can be set in the charging menu, some allow you to adjust it with EVS – while others have predetermined options. For Kia and Hyundai, however, adjusting the amperage speed is done with a physical button through the charger that cycles through them.
After determining the sweet space – 12 to 15 Eps based on the vehicle – I soon found Level 1 charging at home very fast. The fastest rates I have seen were 4 miles per hour with lousd air.
Level 2 charger is ideal if you drive a lot
Each house level 1 is equipped to handle charging as the EV’s adapter plugs directly to any simple 120V outlet. In my particular position, level 1 charging is sufficient because my movement from home to train station is 8 miles. But for others who work far and wide every day, I cannot do enough stress how more practical.
This is because level 2 charging is very fast and it is honestly better for your EV’s battery health. it Day To charge on level 1, but usually you get close to a full fee overnight with level 2. This is because level 2 charging at home usually provides about 7 kW to 19 kW power power.
For PHEVs that have much smaller battery than your specific EVs, you can charge them completely for a few hours – vs. Vs. 8 to 10 hours with level 1. The difference is night and day compared to 1, so I would suggest installing one at home. Until you are equipped to install it in the first place.
You may need to upgrade your electrical box
I have learned one thing about Level 2 charging that you will need enough electrical components to install one, as well as you may need to get from your township. In addition to the cost of the actual level 2 charger you will need to buy, you may be surprised that you may need to change your existing circuit panel.
I only came to know that an electrician came out to install a smart home panel that would work closely with my existing circuit breaker, which is 100-MP. Until you have a well-informed car seller, you can only find out about it much later-so it is good to know the additional cost now.
All these additional costs can separate some people to be separated at home with Level 1 charging, but there are encouragement that can help offset the cost. Many new EV shopping can come up with bonus offers that can exempt the cost of installing a level 2 charger.
It is also worth checking with your power company whether there are existing programs that can help reduce costs. For example, my electric company is running a program that provides $ 1,500 incentive to install a level 2 charger At home – which you have to apply to get them. Obviously, this amount depends on where you live, but nothing is better than nothing.
Power stations are good in just one pinch
One thing that has conspired to me is the possibility of immense power with the help of a power station, especially with a large -scale battery and with a solar panel – such as anchor Solix F3800 with its 3.85 kwh battery. Basically, you’re going to get nothing more than Level 1 charging speeds with a power station.
Although the anchor Solix F3800 was partially charged when I began to charge the Chevrolet Blazer EV at home, it was adding back to the 6 mile range before tapping completely. This is not at all practical, but it comes in a pinch if the power is completely out due to any outage.
You still have a big long -term savings compared to filling gas
And finally, charging EV has a minimum impact on my monthly electricity bill-which goes to prove how EVS saves long-term compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles. Take Hyundai Kona Electric, which I have tested the most skilled EV in the previous year. It packs a small 64.8 kwh battery and is rated to a range of 230 miles.
Your actual cost of charging it at home will be different from the mine, as the electric range vary by the power company. But let’s take the national average of $ 0.17/KWH as baseline. This corner comes to the cost of $ 11.02 to charge EV. If we take another EV like 2025 Chevrolet Ecinox LT, it will essentially cost a cost of $ 14.45 to achieve a range of 315 miles. Next time you fill your gas tank at a rate of $ 3/gallon, think about that clan.
