What are the factors to consider when choosing an electric vehicle home charger?
Getting an electric vehicle (EV) is a relatively new trend. Once you consider getting an electric car, you get caught up in the confusion that comes with it. If you are among the many people who have considered getting an electric vehicle, you’d know EV chargers are confusing. In fact, many of the questions that come with it have no specific answer and depend on circumstance.
EV home chargers are practical if you already have an electric vehicle. However, using a dedicated EV home charging port is the quicker and more practical method of recharging your EV.
Given the variety of alternatives available today, picking an EV home charger as a first-time buyer is challenging. Maybe even harder than selecting an electric vehicle. This is a guide to help you choose the best EV home charger to suit your needs.
What exactly is EV Charging?
As technology advances and electric vehicles gain popularity, more individuals switch from gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. One of the worries first-time owners have is that of battery life. Many EV drivers worry about losing charge in the middle of a long road trip. Fortunately, there are now charging stations present in many areas. Electric vehicles can also be charged at home now with EV home chargers. But what exactly is EV charging, and how does it work?
Electric vehicles are charged so that they would have sufficient power to function. EVs are charged much like any gadget, like a phone or a laptop, just on a larger scale.
EV charging works as any charging would. Basically, an electric vehicle’s battery is given electricity through EV charging equipment. The charging station gets the current from the electrical grids it is connected to. This charging station could be tethered or untethered. These stations are officially called electric vehicle supply equipment or EVSE.
Tethered versus Untethered EV Chargers
Essentially, a fixed, unremovable charging cable is connected to a tethered EV charger. A good example of this would be the Pulsar Plus. This kind of equipment is simple and hassle-free to use. You only need to unwind and connect the cord to your vehicle, and it’s set. It’s stable since removing the cord from the charging device is impossible.
The biggest drawback of having an untethered EV charger is the fact that taking off the charging cord is simple. It could easily get detached, which could halt charging. The other disadvantage is the trouble of winding and unwinding the cord with each use. This is why many who own electric vehicles choose EV home chargers that are tethered.
In choosing between a tethered and untethered home charger, choose what you believe will be ideal given your needs and lifestyle. Thus, a tethered EV home charger should be your choice if practicality is your primary objective.
How to Choose the Best EV Home Chargers
Considering the many choices available on the market today, selecting a charging device might be overwhelming. Thus, we have compiled a list of tips for choosing the best charger for your lifestyle.
1. Take note of your EV home charger budget.
Majority of users prioritise cost when choosing an EV home charger. It is absolutely possible to discover an EV home charger that meets your budget, given the variety of choices today. However, even if the budget and price are crucial, do not just pick the most affordable EV home charger. More emphasis needs to be placed on the product’s quality and performance.
2. Prioritise EV home chargers that are proven to be safe and durable.
Select an EV home charger that has undergone rigorous testing. Also, make sure that the product has received safety certification. Your EV will be dealing with quite a lot of electricity from the charger every time you charge it. You need to ensure that nothing will go wrong whenever you are away from your car. Safety needs to be guaranteed before charging your car. The EV home charger must also be durable.
3. Choose an EV home charger with a suitable amperage level.
Choose an EV home charger with an amperage capacity corresponding to the capability of your vehicle. Even if your car has a low-power inverter, purchasing a charger with a larger output is still a good idea. This way, it will be less of a hassle if you eventually get an electric vehicle. If your new EV has a higher need for energy, you will not need to buy a new charger.
4. Consider an EV home charger’s smart feature functions.
There are EV home chargers that have smart features added to them. Nowadays, it’s common to find devices with such features. EV chargers are such equipment. Some chargers can connect to Wi-Fi and be monitored through a mobile device. Others can monitor charging speed and even costs. Chargers like the Pulsar Plus are connected to apps and can be controlled and observed remotely.
5. Check the available warranty of the EV home charger.
Explore the warranty and support options available to your chosen EV home charger before making a purchase. Verify that the manufacturer or supplier offers services and support of this kind. This can be helpful if you ever have problems with your equipment. This is a good thing to consider if you’re a new electrical vehicle user.
Need the best EV home charger? Check us out at Aztech Solar.
Aztech Solar can provide you with the best EV home chargers in Newcastle. We also have a range of solar products available for purchase. We will be ready and eager to give you a free estimate to allow you to start with our services. Push your home or workplace into a greener, sustainable future by calling 1300 992 922 or sending an email to info@aztechsolar.com.au. You can also visit us at 1/41 Enterprise Drive, Beresfield NSW 2322.
