Electric Car Home Charging Station And Public Charging Station Costs and Basic Facts
If you plan on driving your electric car for an extended period, it’s best to plug in when possible and charge. Charging battery costs vary depending on where electricity is cheaper than normal rates – this could be during off-peak hours or at night-time if there are less people using their services (like home energy providers).
Most cars come with Level 2 chargers that can fully recharge batteries within 4–6 hours; however, some stations may only offer fast charging options which means they’ll need more frequent visits.
The average price to charge a battery from completely depleted to full is around $2.50 for most vehicles, but in areas with higher electricity prices this could cost more. The monthly charger bill might be high if you charge 30 miles or less per night and have no opportunity of recharging at home. Make sure your use habits fit these requirements before getting too excited about saving money on power bills.
Will Your Electric Car Plug into A Regular Outlet?
Level 1 chargers plug into a 120-volt regular outlet and are great for hybrids and if you plan on driving your electric car only occasionally or short trips.
They can take up 24 hours to fully charge the battery, which is why it’s often impractical for most drivers. To get faster charging speeds, most people upgrade to a Level 2 charger.
Public Charging Station Costs
Public charging stations are a great way to keep your car battery charged on the go. You may have the choice between paying per hour or having free access with certain restrictions, depending on where you live and work in that area – but it’s not all bad!
For one thing, these public electric vehicle (EV) posts offer an opportunity for some green thinking about how we use energy resources, while also reducing traffic congestion from folks who drive gas-powered cars.
What About the Safety of Home Charging Stations?
When you purchase a quality charging system that is designed for your vehicle and have it professionally installed, home car charging systems are completely safe.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that any station needs to be certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory before being installed anywhere in the US – look out for the UL Mark or ETL Label on chargers so they pass safety requirements.
As with other electrical appliances, attempting to install or purchasing a unit that has not been safety-tested could result in hazards, including the very real risk of fire.
EV Charging Stations: The Benefits
The convenience of having your own charging station at home is a major selling point for electric cars. The ability to charge when it’s most convenient means you’ll never have an excuse not use up all the juice in one go. This can be especially helpful if life gets busy and unexpected events happen.
Electric vehicles also offer more freedom than traditional gasoline-powered models because there aren’t any oil changes or other regular maintenance needed; this makes them cheaper over time without sacrificing performance. Plus, these things are just plain fun!
What You Should Know About ChargePoint Chargers and Tesla Chargers
There are many types of electric car chargers on the market. Some popular models include ChargePoint and Tesla. ChargePoint is known as a universal charger, while Tesla is designed to only work with one brand.
It’s important firstly to know that these two companies have different standards when it comes in terms of how they charge vehicles. While all will be able recharge your battery at an acceptable rate (and quickly!), some may require certain adaptors depending upon what type you own. This can get confusing if not understood beforehand.
Level 1 Or Level 2 EV Charger?
Your new electric car purchase will more than likely include a Level 1 charger. Designed to plug into any standard 120-volt outlet, this means that where you can plug in is virtually limitless. Unfortunately, this charger can take up to 24 hours to fully charge an empty battery, so it is significantly slower than its counterpart: the Level 2 charger.
The major difference with the Level 2 charger is that it either uses a 240-volt outlet, or it is hardwired into your home’s electrical supply. Charging time is a mere 2 to 5 hours, so if you are a frequent driver, this makes a lot more sense.
The Level 2 charger requires professional installation by a qualified installer, which of course raises the overall costs. In contrast, Level 1 charges require no installation at all – apart from ensuring there is an outlet accessible.