Whether it's worth getting a home charger for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) depends on several factors you should consider. A home charger, also known as an electric vehicle (EV) charger or charging station, is a device that allows you to charge your electric car at home. It is essentially a wall-mounted unit that connects to your home's electrical system and provides a safe and efficient way to charge your EV battery.
Getting a Home Charger
The concept of installing home charging points
The installation of home charging piles refers to the installation of dedicated charging facilities for charging electric vehicles in private residences. Home charging piles can provide convenient and safe charging services for electric vehicles and are one of the necessary facilities for electric vehicle owners.
Advantages of installing home charging piles
Convenience: Car owners can charge their cars anytime and anywhere without worrying about finding a charging pile.
Time saving: The charging speed is much faster than ordinary sockets, which can save time.
Save money: Electricity is cheaper than public charging stations, which can save you money in the long run.
Environmentally friendly: Reduces the use of gasoline and is more environmentally friendly.
Things to note when installing home charging piles
Cost: There is a certain cost to purchase and install charging piles.
Space: Charging piles need to occupy parking space, which may be inconvenient if parking spaces are tight.
Installation: Professionals are required to install, and there may be safety hazards when installing it yourself.
Types of home charging piles
According to the different charging power, household charging piles can be divided into the following types:
Slow charging pile: The charging power is generally 3-7kW, and it takes 6-8 hours to fully charge.
Fast charging pile: The charging power is generally 10-20kW, and it takes 2-4 hours to fully charge.
Ultra-fast charging pile: The charging power is generally above 60kW, and it only takes about 30 minutes to fully charge.
Installation process of home charging piles
Application: Apply to the local power company to install a home charging pile.
Site selection: Choose a suitable charging pile installation location.
Installation: Hire a professional to do the installation.
Acceptance: After passing the acceptance by the power company, it can be used.
The future development trend of home charging piles
As the number of electric vehicles continues to grow, the demand for home charging piles will also continue to increase. In the future, home charging piles will develop in the following directions:
Intelligent: Will be combined with Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and other technologies to achieve intelligent control.
Higher power: The charging power will be further increased and the charging time will be shortened.
Lower costs: Installation and usage costs will be further reduced.
Advice on installing home charging piles
Choose the right charging pile: There are many different types of charging piles on the market, and you need to choose the right charging pile according to your needs.
Choose the appropriate installation location: The installation location of the charging pile needs to consider convenience for parking and charging, as well as safety.
Choose a professional installer: Installing a charging pile requires certain professional knowledge. It is recommended to choose a professional installer for installation.
Benefits of a home charger
Faster charging: Compared to a standard 120V outlet, a home charger (typically 240V) can significantly reduce charging time, often by 5-10 times. This can be convenient if you need to charge your PHEV quickly overnight.
Convenience: Having a dedicated charging station at home eliminates the need to find public charging stations, which can be unreliable or inconvenient.
Potential cost savings: Charging at home is generally cheaper than using public charging stations. Depending on your electricity rates and usage patterns, you may see long-term cost savings.
Reduced wear and tear: Using a home charger puts less stress on your battery compared to repeatedly relying on a slower 120V outlet, which can potentially extend battery life.
Drawbacks of a home charger
Upfront cost: Installing a home charger can be expensive, ranging from $500 to $1500 depending on the model and installation complexity.
Not always necessary: If you have a short commute and primarily use your PHEV in electric mode, the added range of the gasoline engine might be sufficient, making a home charger unnecessary.
Limited use: If you primarily use your PHEV for long trips where you rely on the gasoline engine, the benefit of a home charger is minimal.
What should I consider with my home charger?
Frequency of use: If you use your PHEV daily and rely on electric power, a home charger becomes more attractive.
Availability of public charging: If public charging is readily available and convenient, you might not need a home charger.
Electricity rates: Compare the cost of charging at home with public charging options to assess potential savings.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to get a home charger for your PHEV depends on your individual needs, driving habits, budget, and charging options in your area. Carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks to determine if the convenience and potential savings justify the upfront cost.