Can an Electric Car be Charged at Home?
The world has swiftly adopted electric cars due to the depletion of natural resources and environmental concerns. Electric cars have evolved in the last decade with new technology implementation and extensive range. In the early days of electric cars, problems such as charging and range existed.
However, large battery packs solved the range anxiety problem, and different types of charging ports, stations, and sources solved the EV charging problems. But can an electric car be charged at home? Will it affect the battery life and performance? Let’s go through complete details on the advantages, disadvantages, and tips when charging an electric car at home.
CHARGING YOUR ELECTRIC CAR AT HOME
Automotive manufacturers introduced different types of charging cables and solutions for electric car charging at home. Besides, home EV charging won’t affect the battery even if you keep the charger plugged in for a longer time.
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of electric car charging at home.
PROS OF ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING AT HOME
While you can always take advantage of charging stations such as DEWA EV green chargers in Dubai, you can also install a home charging station. The following are benefits of electric car charging at home:
CONVENIENCE
EV owners tend to charge their vehicles overnight. That said, when EV owners install the charging station at home, they can plug in the charger at night. EV owners can plug it out in the morning when the battery is fully charged. Moreover, installing an electric car charger at home can save you from travelling to charging stations every time your EV battery runs out of charge.
COST-EFFECTIVE
Driving an electric or hybrid car is already much cheaper than a conventional one. However, you can further reduce the charging cost by installing an EV charging station at home. For instance, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) allows electric car charging at home for only AED 92 per month until a separate meter is installed. However, it may cost much more if you charge at the EV charging stations.
TIME-SAVING
Electric car charging at home is one of the time-saving options. EV owners who have installed the charging station at home will not have to stand in long queues or wait while their EV is charged 80 to 100 percent.
INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE
Although the property value depends upon multiple factors, an electric car charging point at home can add to that value. Since electric cars are here to stay and the future of cars, installing an EV charging point may increase the rental value when you list your house for rent in the UAE.
CONS OF ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING AT HOME
If you are an EV owner and own a house in the UAE with a garage, installing an EV charging point can reap multiple benefits. But with the benefits, there are certain drawbacks of electric car charging at home that one needs to consider before installation.
HIGHER UPFRONT COST
Installation of an electric car charging point can be costly. However, the benefits it reaps in the longer run can cover your upfront cost.
RELATIVELY SLOW CHARGING
Electric car chargers come in several types. An electric car charging point at home can charge your car slowly due to the alternating current supply. However, the latest EVs in the market use features such as onboard chargers to reduce the electric vehicle charging time.
TIPS FOR CHARGING YOUR EV AT HOME
Although electric car charging at home adds to the convenience, the following tips will help you safely charge your EV.
USING A DEDICATED EV CHARGING STATION
While you can charge your electricity using a regular mains socket, it is recommended that you install a dedicated charging point. That said, a wall-box charger can help avoid long charging hours. Besides, a dedicated charging point will be a safe option.
MOUNTING AN ELECTRIC CAR CHARGER
A wall-box charger has higher upfront costs due to the main installation in the underground. But it will provide you with an option to place it anywhere and connect it to the underground mains.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF CHARGER
With different types of home charging options available in the market, it is important to consider the right type of charger. The 11-kilowatt AC single-type wall charger is a suitable option for electric car owners. That said, it will charge your electric car in up to 8 hours.
CHARGING STATION FOR HOME FROM AN AUTHENTIC SUPPLIER
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in Dubai and ADDC in Abu Dhabi offer electric car charging installation at home. Besides, you can find the right type of charger from any other authentic supplier too. That said, an authentic supplier can provide you the best electric car chargers and help with its proper installation.
This was all about electric car charging at home. Besides, certain incentives launched by the UAE government attract car owners toward EVs. Therefore, you can look out for 2023 electric car models or browse through a plethora of used cars in the UAE and find yourself some of the following popular electric vehicles:
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog to learn more tips, pros, and cons about different technologies.