If you’re considering purchasing an electric car, you might be wondering about the cost of charging it. It’s true that charging your car at home is generally cheaper than using public charging stations. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to determining your exact savings.
1. Time of Use Electricity Plans
Time-of-use electricity Plans are electrical packages offered by some utility providers. With these plans, the amount you pay for electricity depends on the time of day. As an EV owner, having access to this plan can be very beneficial, especially if you can charge your vehicle during off-peak hours. During off-peak hours, the rates are lower, which can make home charging more convenient and efficient. It also allows you to align your charging needs with more affordable rates.
2. Cost Per Mile and Local Electricity Rates
Installing an electric vehicle home charging station in Canton can help maximize your residential electricity rates. The cost of electricity varies depending on your local utility provider and location. However, charging your EV at home is generally less expensive than using a charging station.
One main reason for this is that home charging provides a reliable and predictable cost per mile. As a homeowner, you can estimate how much it will cost to charge your EV over a specific period, giving you more control over your expenses.
3. Public Charging Costs
Public charging stations can be very convenient for motorists who are always on the go and can help prevent stranding on the road. However, it’s important to note that these stations can be expensive, with exorbitant per-kilowatt-hour rates. Additionally, the costs of using public charging stations can vary from station to station. Some stations may require a subscription fee, increasing your overall usage costs.
If you rely solely on public charging stations, your annual cumulative costs could be higher than those of EV owners who use home charging.
4. Charging Infrastructure Costs
Many electric vehicle owners hesitate to explore home charging options due to the infrastructure required to set it up. However, despite the initial investment, the long-term savings and convenience it provides are unmatched. Moreover, some utility providers and local governments offer rebates and incentives that can help offset the costs. Investing in a home charging system for your electric vehicle is a wise financial decision.
5. Convenience and Accessibility
Investing in home charging infrastructure provides exceptional convenience and accessibility. With an EV charger installed in your home, you can charge your electric vehicle overnight or during off-peak hours at a time that best suits your schedule. This access to charging promotes frequent charging and allows you to take advantage of off-peak rates, increasing monthly savings. Over time, you can use available resources better and notice significant cost savings.
6. Environmental Considerations
Having a home charging system for your electric vehicle provides cost savings and convenience and perfectly aligns with the environmental benefits of owning an EV. Using renewable energy sources can minimize your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment. It’s important to consider the energy sources used by public charging stations, as not all use renewable energy. Some still rely on the conventional grid, which minimizes the benefits of owning an EV.
7. EV Charging Speeds
Due to power levels and infrastructure variations, electric vehicle charging speeds can differ between home charging and public charging stations. Typically, home charging involves Level 1 or Level 2 chargers that use 120-volt or 240-volt AC power sources, respectively. Level 1 chargers provide slower charging speeds, giving around 2-5 miles of range per hour, while Level 2 chargers are faster, providing approximately 10-60 miles per hour.
Public charging stations offer significantly faster charging speeds, at least those with DC fast chargers (Level 3). DC fast chargers can offer 60-80% of a vehicle’s battery capacity in as little as 20-30 minutes, making them perfect for quick top-ups during long trips or busy days.
While home charging is convenient for overnight or regular use, public charging stations, particularly those with DC fast chargers, offer much more rapid charging speeds, making them suitable for on-the-go charging needs or when time is of the essence.
Level 3 Charging Not an Option for Home Use
Level 3 charging is not a practical option for most homeowners due to its high voltage requirement of 200-600 volts. A house would need multiple electric panels to support just the level 3 charging station, which is expensive to install. Level 3 charging is most suitable for long-distance journeys and is best located on highways, at rest stops, or in commercial areas.
Considerations for Choosing an EV Home Charging System
Public EV stations located at shopping malls and supermarkets can be a convenient option at times, but as we have seen, home charging is much more convenient. However, one question arises: what steps should you take after purchasing a home EV charger?
We always advise customers to choose between a plug-in and a hard-wired charger. If you are looking for something easy to use, fast-charging, weatherproof, and hard-wired, that is your best bet. Our technicians will have to visit your home to install the charger.
In doing so, there are a few decisions you must make before we can set it up:
- Consider the location wisely, e.g., indoors or outdoors
- Tethered or untethered charger?
- Preferred capacity of the EV charger
- Design of the EV charger
- Inquire about incentives and rebates
All these are decisions you must make upfront to guide the installation process.
Reasons to Install an EV Home Charging System
Owning an electric vehicle becomes more affordable and convenient when a charging system is installed in your Canton home. If you already own an EV or plan to buy one, it’s worth looking into home charging systems for several reasons.
Some of these include:
- Better overall safety
- Increased convenience and accessibility
- Affordable installation costs
- Lower costs for a single charge
Many electric vehicle owners find at-home charging a more convenient, cost-effective, and safer option. The expenses associated with charging at home are minimal, and our team of skilled electricians will take care of the installation work, so you’re unlikely to notice any significant increase in your utility bills. Additionally, charging your EV in your garage will provide security for you and your family. The vehicle(s) will be parked within your property, ensuring no one will tamper with them. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for public charging stations, where you may have to leave your car unattended for extended periods.
Dependable HVAC Contractor in Canton
Founded in 2007, Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing is a family-owned business that takes great pride in meeting customer expectations. We guarantee our service with 100% customer satisfaction. We’re a BBB-accredited business. We are an award-winning company, having won the Angi Super Service Award the last three years in a row. We are also a HomeAdvisor Top-Rated company. Our company has grown over the past two decades from electrical services to generators, plumbing services, and water quality services.
To learn more about EV charging system installation and related services, please contact Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing today.
