EV 101: Take EV Charging Home: Convenient, Money Saving, and Better for your Battery
Welcome To EV 101
Welcome to our EV 101 Series, where we answer the question: "I've heard a lot about Electric Vehicles, but where do I start?". Dive in with us as we help you understand your EV charging choices and other things to consider..
Benefits of at Home Electic Vehicle Charging
Electric vehicles (EVs) have quickly gained popularity as an eco-friendly and cost-effective mode of transportation. Owning an EV provides a host of benefits, including the ability to charge it at home, saving you money in the long run and unlocking a range of additional advantages. This article delves into the ways in which you can save money and reap those benefits by charging your electric vehicle at home.
Off-Peak Charging
Charging your EV at home allows you to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours, offered by many utility companies. This leads to significant savings, especially if you charge your vehicle overnight when the rates are typically lower. Check with your utility company for EV charging incentives.
Avoid Public Charging Fees
Public charging stations are becoming more common, but they often come with fees that can add up over time. The average cost of charging an EV at a commercial charger, from almost empty to almost full, is between $10 and $30 (source). This is significantly more than charging an EV at home. By charging your EV at home, you can avoid these fees altogether and save money in the long run. This is especially true if you do a lot of driving and need to charge your vehicle frequently.
Increased Convenience
Charging your EV at home is also more convenient than searching for a public charging station. When you have a charging station in your garage or driveway, you can easily charge your vehicle while you’re sleeping or doing other activities at home. This means you don’t have to worry about finding a charging station while you’re out running errands or traveling.
Improved Battery Life
Charging your EV at home can also help improve the lifespan of your vehicle’s battery. When you use a fast-charging station or public charging station, it can put more stress on your battery and cause it to degrade faster. Charging at home with a Level 2 charging station is a gentler process that can help extend the life of your battery and save you money in the long run.
Increased Energy Independence
By charging your EV at home, you’re also increasing your energy independence. Instead of relying on gasoline and the fluctuating prices that come with it, you’re relying on electricity, which can be generated from renewable sources like solar and wind. This means you can have more control over your energy costs and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
Environmental Benefits
Finally, charging your EV at home has significant environmental benefits. When you charge your EV with electricity from renewable sources, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and helping to fight climate change. Even if you’re not using renewable energy to charge your vehicle, EVs are still more environmentally friendly than gasoline-powered vehicles due to their lower emissions and higher efficiency.
In summary, charging your electric vehicle at home presents a multitude of advantages, such as reduced electricity costs, the avoidance of public charging fees, heightened convenience, enhanced battery longevity, greater energy self-sufficiency, and environmental merits. By making an investment in a Level 2 charging station and leveraging off-peak electricity rates, you can realize long-term cost savings while fully experiencing the benefits of EV ownership. When contemplating the purchase of an electric vehicle, it's crucial to consider both the financial aspects and the convenience of home charging.