With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), more and more people are considering purchasing an electrical vehicle. Some have started doing some research about their next vehicle, while many have already bought that EV. A major consideration among EV owners and adopters is the availability of charging stations and how to charge their electrical vehicle.
According to a recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, about 80% of all charging for electric vehicles occurs at home. This shows that having a home charging station is not just convenient, but also practical for most EV owners. The benefits of installing an EV charger at home should be considered. The good news is that you can easily install an EV charger at home by a certified electrician. Installing an EV charger comes with numerous benefits.
Getting an ev charger is a fun experience so let’s go over some of some of the benefits of installing an EV charger at home will provide.
Convenience
One of the primary benefits of installing an EV charger at home is convenience. Having a charging station at your residence means that you can charge your EV overnight while you sleep. It’s quite satisfying to have a fully charged battery when you leave for work or run errands the next day. You won’t have to worry about finding a public charging station or waiting in line to charge your vehicle.
According to Statistics Canada, “12.6 million Canadians reported that they commuted to work by car. For these commuters, the average duration of the commute was 24 minutes, and the median distance to work among those who had a usual workplace was 8.7 kilometers.” These are not great distances but we are starting to see up uptick on median travelled distances as more working families are buying homes outside the core of the city. What it means is that with a home charger, you could easily charge your EV overnight and have enough range for your daily commute. By doing so, it eliminates the need to use public charging stations for a lot of EV drivers.
Cost Savings
Another major benefit of installing an EV charger at home is cost savings. Public charging stations can be expensive. Circuit Electric charges $7.53 an hour for at a 24-kW fast-charge station. This can add up quickly if you’re using them regularly. However, with a home charging station, you can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates (if offered) to reduce your charging costs. It costs approximately $1 for a full charge at home. If the vehicle only needs a partial charge, it will cost less. According to Roulez Vert, If the vehicle is mostly charged at home every night, the annual energy cost is estimated at $300 (for 20,000 km per year).
According to a report by the US Department of Energy, the average cost of charging an electric vehicle at home is about 50% less than the cost of fueling a gasoline-powered car. This means that over time, the savings from charging your EV at home can add up significantly.
Environmentally Friendly
EVs are already more environmentally friendly than traditional gas-powered vehicles, but charging them at home can make them even more eco-friendly. By using renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar or wind power to charge your EV, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. We are fortunate to have hydro in Quebec. Charging your EV with renewable energy not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also helps to support the development of our renewable energy infrastructure.
Increased Home Value
Installing an EV charger at home can also increase the value of your property. According to many realtors we have spoken to, “having a charging station installed at your residence is a great selling point for potential buyers who own or are planning to own an electric vehicle.” New research from CGS finds that increased availability of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure increases home values by nearly 3.3% in places like California. The upsell is worth $17,000. This is quite the return on investment for 1 $1,000 to $2,000 project. The study based on nearly 30 years of data from the country’s highest deployer of electric vehicles.
Charging station accessibility also impacts the neighborhood. A study by realtor.com showed that home listings in metro areas with the most EV charging stations were 1.5 times higher than surrounding area codes.
As the popularity of EVs continues to grow, having a home charging station can give your property a competitive edge in the real estate market.
Peace of Mind
Finally, having an EV charger at home provides peace of mind. With a home charging station, you won’t have to worry about finding a public charging station or whether it will be available when you need it. You’ll also be able to charge your EV on your own schedule, rather than relying on public charging stations’ availability.
You can simply park your car in your garage or driveway and plug it in to start charging. This saves you time and hassle, especially if you have a busy schedule and need to be on the road frequently.
Owning an EV charger at home will give you more control over your charging situation. It will make the experience more seamless and less stressful.
Choosing the Right EV Charger
Now that you understand the benefits of installing an EV charger at home, you may be wondering which charger is the best for your needs. There are many EV charger brands to choose from, including Tesla, ChargePoint, Flo, Juicebox, and Wallbox, among others. When selecting an EV charger for your home, consider factors such as charging speed, compatibility with your vehicle, and smart charging features
Installing an EV charger at home can offer many benefits, including convenience, cost savings, increased property value, environmental benefits, customizable charging, and peace of mind. As more people switch to electric vehicles, having a home charging solution will become increasingly important. By choosing the right EV charger for your needs, you can enjoy all the benefits of home EV charging. At MaCharge, we offer EV installation services to help you make the most of your EV ownership experience. Contact us today to learn more!