How to Choose an EV Charger for Home
So, you want to install an EV charger at home? How to choose an EV Charger for Home? When you buy an electric vehicle, the need for reliable and efficient electric vehicle chargers becomes a second priority after the car Let’s be honest, the car comes first! With so many options on the market, choosing the right he EV charger for your home can be a daunting task.
We’ll explain everything you need to know about choosing the right EV charger for your home, so let’s dive into it!
Features Around The Vehicle
When choosing an EV charger for your home, it’s important to consider your vehicle’s capabilities. Here are two important features to know:
- J1772 and CCS connector
There are two main types of connectors used for charging electric vehicles: J1772 and CCS connectors. It’s important to check which connector your vehicle uses and make sure the EV charger you choose is compatible with your vehicle.
- Networked or Not
Some EV chargers are considered networked and accessible via an app or website. These chargers offer features such as remote monitoring, payment processing and scheduling. If you prefer these features, consider a smart EV charger.
House Specific Features
Before choosing an electric car charger, you should consider some features related to your home situation and lifestyle.
- Cable length
Cord length is an important factor when choosing a home charger. Choose a charger with a cable long enough to reach the electric vehicle from where you plan to install the actual charger. Cord lengths typically range from 16 to 25 feet. It’s also important to consider the layout of your home, driveway, and garage when determining the best cord length.
- Indoor or outdoor use
Another important consideration is whether the charger is installed indoors or outdoors. The outdoor charger is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and has a weatherproof housing. Choosing between indoor and outdoor chargers depends on personal preferences such as where you park and space.
- Portable or Permanent
Another consideration is whether you should choose a portable charger or a permanent (fixed) charger. Portable chargers are easy to carry and are recommended for those who want to take a charger with them when traveling (ex. cottage, second home, chalet). Permanent chargers, on the other hand, are installed and hardwired. Hardwire is the right option for those who plan to use the charger only at home.
Features Related To The Charger
Finally, do consider these two features related to the EV charger itself:
- Level 2 Charger vs Level 1 Charger (Amperage)
Level 2 chargers charge faster than Level 1 chargers. Level 2 chargers range in amperage from 16A to 80A. The higher the current, the faster the charging speed. However, you need to make sure your home electrical panel can handle the new load, a calculation only a qualified electrician should do.
- Load balancing features
Load sharing allows multiple EV chargers to share the same circuit without overloading it. If you plan to install multiple EV chargers, you should consider EV chargers with the load sharing feature.
Popular Brands Of EV Chargers
There are several popular EV charger brands to choose from. They each come with their own unique capabilities. Some of the more know brands are Tesla, ChargePoint, Flo, Juicebox, Wallbox, EV Duty and FLO.
The company’s chargers are designed specifically for Tesla vehicles and come in two main types: Tesla Wall Connector and Tesla Supercharger. The Wall Connector is a Level 2 charger capable of delivering up to 48 amps of power and designed for home use. Superchargers, on the other hand, are level 3 chargers that can deliver up to 250kW of power and are designed for long-distance travel.
ChargePoint is another popular brand of EV chargers that has been on the market since 2007. They offer a variety of chargers from level 2 to level 3 DC fast chargers. They can connect to the Internet and provide good data on billing usage and costs. ChargePoint also offers a mobile app that allows users to find and use their chargers away from home.
Flo’s G5 and X5 chargers are designed for ease of use and are very durable chargers. The X5 offers a mobile app that allows users to track charging usage and two can be installed at home at the same circuit.
Juicebox is his popular EV charger brand that offers a variety of level 2 chargers. The company’s chargers are designed for easy installation and use, with features such as load balancing. Juicebox chargers are also compatible with a variety of vehicles such as GM, Nissan, and BMW.
Wallbox is a Spanish company that offers a range of sleek looking electric car chargers for both home and commercial use. Wallbox also offers a mobile app that allows users to monitor charging usage and costs.
EV Duty is a Canadian company, well known in the province of Quebec that offers a range of Level 2 EV chargers for home use. The company’s chargers are designed and known for their durability.
Choose MaCharge For Your EV Charger Installation Needs
There are several factors to consider when choosing an EV charger for your home, including connectors, whether it needs to be networked, cord length, indoor or outdoor use, and portability. Additionally, you should consider the features and capabilities of the charger. At MaCharge, we understand how important it is to have a reliable and efficient EV charging experience at home. We offer a variety of EV chargers from top brands such as Tesla, ChargePoint, Flo, Juicebox, Wallbox, EV Duty, etc.. We help you choose the one that best suits your needs. Our team of certified installers will ensure that your charger is installed safely and efficiently, so you can charge your EV with peace of mind.
Whether you need an EV charger installation at home, a business quote, or looking for a partnership for EV charger installation, MaCharge has you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you go electrified.