EV Home Charging Tops for EV Owners

If you have not heard, the Canadian and US governments have placed mandates on auto manufacturers to increase the production of electric vehicles (EVs). The regulations are real, which will be evident when you make your next vehicle purchase. Before making that purchase, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Vehicle Range

The most important question on car-buyer’s minds is “Will it get me where I want to go without losing charge?”

We are comfortable with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. We understand the gas gauge and fueling options are abundant (and sometimes entertaining). EV buyers need to understand the range of their vehicles.

• The estimate of current EV options–that is from 100% charge to 0% charge—range between 200 and 400 miles per charge. That is roughly equivalent to the range of ICE vehicles.
• Manufacturers recommend keeping the charge between 20% and 80% for best results, very similar to recommendations for ICEs.
• The average driver in the US travels 15,000 miles per year or about 300 miles per week. Perhaps that helps put things into perspective.
• Battery life for EVs should cover about 800,000 miles, another important comparison with engine life for ICEs.

Types of EVs

Not all EVs work function the same way.

• BEVs–Battery-powered electric vehicles have massive batteries that store potential energy and power the vehicle without carbon emissions from the vehicle.
• HEVs–Hybrid electric vehicles are dual-fuel vehicles, with both an internal combustion engine and a charging system that capture potential energy during the braking process and store it in batteries. The vehicle switches between the fuel sources as necessary.
• PHEVs–Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are also dual-fuel vehicles, with an ICE, braking regeneration, and plug-in charging availability. The vehicle switches between the fuel sources as necessary.

Available EV Home Charging Options

Charging technology must advance ahead of EV battery technology, so keep researching this issue. Currently, there are three charging options available for EV owners. Here are some pros and cons for each option.

• Type 1 EV Home Charging is available for every new EV sold. The vehicle comes with a 110-volt charging cable, essentially an extension cord designed to charge the EV. Since it must use a low-energy charge, it takes a while to charge—about 24 hours for 0 to 100% charge. However, it is extremely useful when traveling to remote locations since every residential outlet becomes a charging station.
• Type 2 EV Home Charging stations are installed in secure residential spaces, such as garages. The charging cable is 240 volts, like a dryer or oven/range cable. It will require a dedicated circuit to the electrical service panel to avoid overloads. A full charge, from 0 to 100%, takes about 6 to 8 hours, allowing a full charge overnight.

The cost for Type 1 and 2 charging depends upon the cost of energy from your public utility; a full charge costs approximately $10 to $15.

• Type 3 EV Home Charging stations are usually commercial charging stations, similar to gas stations. Batteries are charged very quickly: Type 3 charging takes only 20 to 30 minutes. As you might imagine, Type 3 charging is more expensive; a charge may cost between $25 and $50.

Most EV owners will use all three types of charging regularly, depending on travel patterns. It is important to learn the location of every Type 3 charging station in your vicinity and along common routes. Equally important is seriously considering installing a Type 2 charging station wherever the EV parks each night.

The Houston EV Home Charging Professionals

With our four decades of experience as a Residential Electrician Contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your EV Home Charger questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair, electrical safety, Home Generator installation, and electrical installation needs.