The electric wave has taken the world by storm. A step towards a sustainable future has seen electric vehicles become the auto industry’s favourite child. Along with a myriad of benefits, electric vehicles have also changed some norms. For instance, with electric cars, people also have the option to charge their vehicles at home – a luxury to have at any time. However, charging a vehicle at home is different from taking it to a charging station, and there are some considerations to take into account.
We will do a detailed guide about electric car charging at home to help individuals carry out this task efficiently.
EV Charging Station at Home
Environmental awareness has picked up pace in recent years. The auto industry is witnessing the change with the introduction of solar cars and electric cars, among others. Besides the other benefits, the remote charging option also makes EVs highly intriguing.
A charging station at home can also be the answer to EV range anxiety – an issue long associated with EVs. Additionally, for people who want to charge an electric car at home, there are different types of EV chargers to choose from as per their budget and requirements.
Electric Car Charging at Home
While a home charging station can be a blessing in many ways, it is important to have sound knowledge about operating it. Let’s go through a detailed guide on electric car charging at home, types of EV chargers, and some important tips in this regard.
LEVELS OF EV CHARGING
There are different charging levels of EV charging, each with different capabilities. Let’s go through the types in detail:
LEVEL 1 CHARGING UNIT
These charging units usually come standard with all new electric cars. The level 1 charging unit can plug into a conventional 120-volt household outlet – making them the most convenient type of charging unit. However, the level 1 charging units are the slowest type as well.
When charging an electric car at home using a level 1 charging unit, it is important to know the setup’s limitations. Level 1 charging can often take hours to charge a depleted battery. Therefore, these are usually preferred for short-distance travel.
It is important to get the outlets checked by a technician before plugging in the device. Additionally, avoid using extension cords as they can overheat the home wiring.
LEVEL 2 CHARGING UNIT
From home charging options to fast public chargers, there are multiple facilities for electric car charging in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates. However, people looking for faster charging options than a level 1 unit, can opt for a level 2 setup.
A level 2 setup requires a 240-volt AC circuit and a direct connection from the breaker box. It is better to let a professional handle the installation as things can get tricky. A level 2 charging unit provides faster charging and about a 126-kilometre range on a single charge.
Level 2 charging units can easily be found in many homes, shopping malls and other public places. For faster charging in a short time, a level 2 unit can be a viable option.
LEVEL 3 CHARGING UNIT
Nowadays, there are many long-range EVs available perfectly compatible with any petrol car. However, the EV range only comes into play when the vehicle is charged. For faster charging, a level 3 charging unit can just be the right thing.
Also known as DC chargers, these make electric car charging at home a breeze. Level 3 units can provide a range of more than 400 kilometres in an hour of charging or less. Additionally, setting up a level 3 charging unit may require professional assistance.
Level 3 chargers require 400 to 480 volts and are rarely installed in homes. Moreover, it is important to note that the rates of the charging units may go up with each level and keep the installation cost in mind too.
STEPS FOR CHARGING ELECTRIC CAR AT HOME
EV charging may take time, particularly with a slow charger. There are some ways to eliminate boredom while EV recharges in a public space. Luckily, a home EV charger saves you this hassle.
However, it is important to know how to safely charge the vehicle to avoid any damage to the charger or the vehicle. Listed below is a step-by-step guide on how to charge electric car at home.
STEP 1 – GET A HOLD OF THE CHARGING CABLE
Park the vehicle in the area near the charging unit and get a hold of the cable. Most charging units come standard with a built-in cable, however, some may require you to plug it in. In the latter case, you can use the manufacturer cable that comes with the purchase of new EVs.
STEP 2 – PLUG THE CABLE INTO THE VEHICLE
Locate the vehicle’s power socket and plug in the charging cable. Most vehicles have the socket at the rear end where the fuel cap is on petrol cars. Some vehicles can have the socket at a different spot. Be sure to park the vehicle close to the unit with easy accessibility by the charging cable.
STEP 3 – START THE CHARGING SESSION
When the cables are attached to the unit and the vehicle, start the charging session. There are two types of charging stations – open and closed. With an open station, charging automatically starts as soon as the vehicle is plugged in.
On the other hand, a closed unit usually requires user authentication. This is done through a fob, card or specific mobile app. Coloured LEDS on the charging station can indicate the start of the session.
STEP 4 – FINISH THE CHARGING SESSION
When the vehicle reaches the desired charge level, end the charging session. It is a safe option to first end the session through the app if you have a closed station. Once the charging station’s LED lights stop blinking, unplug the cables and return them to their respective places.
TIPS AND SAFETY MEASURES FOR ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING AT HOME
EV charging units are the answer to the question that can electric car be charged at home and is it safe. In this regard, it is important to take some measures to ensure a safe EV charging experience. Listed below are some tips and measures for safe EV charging at home.
- Hire a professional technician for the charging unit installation
- Purchase charging units from an official and authorised source
- Keep charging unit and accessories away from children’s reach
- Ask the technician to install a residual device as it indicates any faults in the unit
- Ensure charging unit maintenance and have it checked if you observe slow charging or any other issue
- Don’t overcharge the vehicle as it may cause damage to the vehicle and the unit
You can easily find some of the best electric car chargers for an effective charging job.
This brings us to the end of our guide on electric car charging at home. There are several ways to charge your electric car at home and depending on your budget and needs, you may choose the right option for yourself. Additionally, there are some things to consider before you switch to an electric car from a petrol car.
When an electric vehicle runs out of charge, it can be troublesome. Fortunately, a home charger allows you to keep the vehicle charged at all times and avoid this hassle. Consider the setup costs and other expenses, such as increased electricity bills before you make a final call on an electric charger.
People living in Dubai who prefer to charge at public stations can check out the different types of DEWA EV green chargers available within the city.
If the idea of a home charging station looks intriguing, you need to have an electric car. Pre-owned versions of electric cars can be a viable and budget-friendly option. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and have your pick from a wide variety of EVs listed.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for EV charging guides and more.
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