Now that the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Tesla Model 3 are on U.S. roads, car shoppers have a choice of more affordable electric vehicles that can go more than 200 miles without a recharge. Contact online >>
Now that the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Tesla Model 3 are on U.S. roads, car shoppers have a choice of more affordable electric vehicles that can go more than 200 miles without a recharge.
These cars will need to be charged, however, and given their longer-than-typical range, that can take some serious time. So when does it make financial sense for an owner to get a high-speed at-home charger installed? It''s not a cheap decision, as they can run from hundreds of dollars to more than $1,000. Key is to choose based on your real needs, not just the potential use outlined in marketing materials. Many electric-vehicle owners will likely find that they on a daily basis, they don''t deplete more of the battery than can be replenished overnight using a basic 120V connection.
Intelligently customizing your EV charging routine can save you cash in the long run and can help you avoid hours wasted waiting to get back on the road once your car battery runs down.
There are several key considerations: Your car''s overall driving range, your personal driving habits, your daily routine, the availability of charging stations along your commute, and whether adding a high-speed charger at home would add real value to your home''s potential resale value.
A chart at the end of this report offers suggestions about which level charger consumers might consider, based on driving needs, including commute times.
Level 1: This is a normal 120-volt connection, which uses any standard household outlet; there are no extra costs here. The downside is that charging times can be painfully slow.
Level 2: This uses a higher-output 240-volt power source, much like one that you''d plug your oven or AC unit into. Charging times are much faster than Level 1. Excluding installation costs, fitting a Level 2 outlet in your home garage typically runs from as low as $300, to approximately $1,200, depending on the make and model of the charger.
Level 3: These fast-charging devices use very high voltage and can add 90 miles of range to an EV in just 30 minutes in some cases. These chargers, however, are extremely expensive, costing tens of thousands of dollars, and routinely using a Level 3 charger can ultimately hurt your car''s battery, so we wouldn''t consider one for home installation. Besides, they are cost prohibitive for most consumers.
Gil Tal, a researcher of transportation and travel behavior at the University of California at Davis, says EV and plug-in hybrid owners should experience their EV vehicles first before making the decision about installing a charger at home.
Check our buying guide and ratings for EV or hybrid vehicles.
Although that might sound obvious, Tal''s research involving 26,000 EV owners in California and his studies in 14 other states showed early adopter EV owners rushed in and installed Level 2 chargers, whether they truly needed them or not.
When it comes to owning an EV, Tal says simple charging solutions are found only at the extremes of daily driving routines. For example, Level 1 home charging simply won''t work for anyone who drives longer distances and has no time, or opportunity, to recharge their car during the day. Upgrading to a Level 2 charger for that owner becomes a necessity, especially if the car is fully electric and there aren''t any public charging stations at the workplace or nearby.
For that owner, adding a dedicated 240-volt power source in your garage could be a quick and easy installation, Tal said, and it could appeal to future EV-owning house hunters. Do your homework and be aware of all your charging options, especially around your daily commute. That''s the advice of Gabe Shenhar, program manager of vehicle dynamics at Consumer Reports. "If you live in a community that has public charging, say at the train station, and your car is going to be parked there most of the day, you might as well take advantage of that, and that might eliminate the need to invest in a Level 2 connector in your garage." Otherwise, he says, "For a true EV, Level 2 is just about essential" if it''s the only source for power.
Also, explore the energy options with your local utility. Lower, off-peak rates are common, though they may vary depending on whether you are using a Level 1 or Level 2 charger.
Shenhar stresses the importance of knowing exactly how fast your electric or plug-in hybrid can accept a charge, using either a Level 1 or a Level 2 charger. He points out that it took CR 10 hours to recharge the electric-powered Chevrolet Bolt using a 240-volt power source. If you use a standard 120-volt power source, he says, be ready to wait longer than 24 hours for your Bolt to fully recharge.
One advantage of these new higher-range cars is that they should seldom use all their charge in a single day''s commute. With ranges that top 200 miles and average daily commutes of less than 50 miles, it should only be a matter of topping off the battery at night and not starting from zero.
An important consideration may be your vehicle''s "acceptance rate," an often overlooked technical aspect that has a major effect on an EV''s charge time. Generally speaking, higher acceptance rates (6.6 kWh vs. 3.3 kWh) mean less time will be spent plugged into an outlet because the vehicle is able to more quickly convert incoming power to onboard battery storage.
On the other hand, a typical plug-in hybrid might have more limited electric range but also takes less time to recharge. "If you buy a plug-in hybrid, there is almost zero chance you won''t fill it up overnight with a Level 1 charger," says Tal at UC Davis. A plug-in hybrid also has the fallback option of operating using its gas-powered engine once its electric power has been depleted.
As for going all in on a DC fast-charging system (or Level 3), forget it. Their prohibitive cost and high power levels make them unsuitable for home installation, Tal said. It would be the equivalent of building your own gasoline station to keep your car or truck fueled up.
Electric cars are bringing some of the biggest changes the auto industry has seen in years. On the "Consumer 101" TV show, Consumer Reports expert Jake Fisher explains to host Jack Rico why these vehicles might not be as newfangled as you think.
One of the best parts of owning an electric vehicle is never having to go to the gas station to refuel. Instead of finding a pump, you can charge at home every night. Not only is having an EV charger at home convenient because you can charge any time you want, but you''ll also never have to worry about waiting in line if all public chargers are occupied. Wake up every morning to a fresh and fully charged battery. You can even pre-condition without reducing your range.
Home chargers come in a huge range of prices, but they''re worth the investment. You should also check for available rebates, tax credits, and other incentives in your area for installing a home EV charger. The NCSL has an interactive map that will help you get started. Note that many EV chargers aren''t UL-listed and may not qualify for an installation rebate.
There are a few factors to take into consideration when choosing the right electric car charger. For starters, is your vehicle a plug-in hybrid or a battery-electric vehicle? A plug-in with both a battery and an engine, like the Chevrolet Volt or Jeep Wrangler 4Xe, doesn''t necessarily need a faster and more expensive charger to fill its smaller battery overnight. Fully electric vehicles, like the Chevrolet Bolt or a Tesla, don''t have any other way to move and take a long time to fill their large reserves on a slow charger. You might also want to plan for the future and have the capacity to charge a full electric later on.
If you''re shopping for a car charger, you have probably realized a standard wall outlet might not be enough. "Level 1 chargers, which plug into a standard wall outlet, can be extremely affordable. Level 2 chargers charge several times quicker than Level 1 chargers, but they require an electrician to install them, along with a different power outlet and circuit that you may not already have available in your household. Some chargers are hardwired, while others can be simply plugged in. Determine whether you prefer a plug-and-play solution or a charger that requires professional installation by an electrician.
For more information about charging your car at home, see our Table of Contents.
The Autel MaxiCharger Home Electric Vehicle Charger offers a robust and adaptable Level 2 charging experience, perfect for at-home EV charging.
The popular charger is designed to deliver up to 50 amps on a 240V connection, the MaxiCharger is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation thanks to its hardwired setup and durable, weather-resistant build. Equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, the charger integrates with a mobile app, allowing users to monitor and control their EV charging process remotely. The 25-foot charging cable and separate holster ensure flexibility and ease of access, making it a solid choice for EV owners seeking efficiency and smart control for home charging.
WiFi and Bluetooth features allow remote monitoring and control via a mobile app, adding convenience to daily charging routines.
Higher cost compared to other Level 2 chargers.
The WaltZilla isn''t the only 80A unit around, but it is the only one that''s designed for flush mounting in your wall. It almost disappears when it''s installed, with just the panel showing and the plug protruding. The charger has minimal power consumption in standby, it''s Energy Star certified, and it has a 39-month standard warranty. The unit''s stainless steel enclosure and gold-plated circuit boards are designed for very long life.
Price, your home electrical will probably need an upgrade
Lectron makes so many EV chargers we can''t really count them all, and they''re not really big on snappy names. What they do have is a charger for every need and budget, from a 16 amp Level 1 charger you could plug into an outlet in your kitchen (if you didn''t have much to charge), to much faster and more feature-rich EV chargers like this 40 amp Level 2 charger.
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