Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular and with good reason! They’re efficient, environmentally friendly, and a whole lot of fun to drive compared to petrol and diesel cars. But if you’re new to electric cars, you may be wondering how to choose the right EV charger for your vehicle.Don’t worry – we’re here to help. Keep reading for our top tips on how to choose an EV charger for your electric car.
What Are Electric Car Chargers?
First things first – let’s talk about what electric car chargers are and how they work. Electric car chargers are devices that supply electricity to your plug-in hybrid vehicle, allowing you to charge the battery and power the car.
There are two main types of EV chargers: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 chargers use a standard household outlet, while Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt outlet. With the increase of electric cars, there are many brands of EV chargers that you can choose from.
There are 3 broad categories of EV chargers:
- Home chargers
- Commercial chargers
- Public charging stations
Home Electric Car Charger
The first and most common type of charger is the home charger. Home chargers are designed to be used for home charging, usually in your garage. They’re easy to install and they offer a convenient way to charge your car overnight.
Most home chargers are Level 2 chargers, which means they require a 240-volt outlet. However, there are also Level 1 chargers available. Level 1 chargers are less expensive and they’re easier to install, but they charge the battery more slowly. You can have a home EV charger for convenient charging.You have the option of choosing between tethered or untethered chargers.
Commercial Electric Car Chargers
The second type of charger is the commercial charger. Commercial chargers are designed for businesses, such as office buildings, retail stores, and restaurants. They’re typically installed in a central location and they offer a convenient way for employees or customers to charge their vehicles.
Commercial chargers come in both Level 1 and Level 2 varieties. Level 1 commercial chargers are less expensive and easier to install, but they charge the battery more slowly. Level 2 commercial chargers are more expensive and require a 240-volt outlet, but they charge the battery more quickly.
Public Electric Car Chargers
The third type of charger is the public ev charger. Public chargers are designed for use in public places, such as airports, shopping malls, and parks. They offer a convenient way for people to charge their vehicles while they’re out and about.
Public chargers come in both Level 1 and Level 2 varieties. Level 1 public chargers are less expensive and easier to install, but they charge the battery more slowly. Level 2 public chargers are more expensive and require a 240-volt outlet, but they charge the battery more quickly.
Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme
The Electric Vehicle Home Charge Scheme (EVHS) is a government-funded scheme that offers a subsidy towards the cost of installing a home charger. The EVHS is available to eligible electric car owners in the United Kingdom.
If you’re considering purchasing an electric car, we recommend that you check to see if you’re eligible for the EVHS. The subsidy can cover a significant portion of the cost of a home charger, making it a more affordable option.
Guide to Choosing Electric Cars Charger
Now that you know more about the different types of EV chargers, let’s talk about how to choose the right one for your electric car. Here are a few things to consider:
- Your budget
- Features
- The type of charger you need (Level 1 or Level 2)
- The location where you’ll be using the charger
- Charging Speed
- Safety
Your budget
When it comes to choosing an EV charger, your budget is probably the most important factor. Chargers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, so it’s important to choose one that fits your budget. When thinking about the budget, you should consider the cost of electric car charging point installation as well as the cost of the charger itself.
Features
When choosing an EV charger, it’s important to consider the features that are important to you. For example, some chargers have built-in timers that allow you to set a specific time for the charger to turn off. Others have displays that show you how much charge is currently being delivered to the battery. And some chargers come with built-in safety features, such as overvoltage protection and short circuit protection You should consider getting a smart charger..
The type of charger you need
The next thing to consider is the type of charger you need. As we mentioned earlier, there are two main types of EV chargers: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 chargers are designed for use in homes and businesses, while Level 2 chargers are designed for public places. So, you need to decide which type of charger is best for you.
The location where you’ll be using the charger
Another thing to consider is the location where you’ll be using the charger. If you’re using the charger at home, then you’ll need to make sure you have a 240-volt outlet. The location will help you choose the length of the charging cable for the tethered charger. If you’re using the charger in a public place, then you need to make sure the location has a compatible charging station.
Charging Speed
When it comes to charging speed, there’s a big difference between Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Level 1 chargers take longer to charge the battery, while Level 2 chargers can charge the battery in a fraction of the time. So, if you’re looking for a quick charge, then you’ll need to choose a Level 2 charger.
Tethered or Untethered
The other thing to consider is whether you want a tethered or untethered wallbox charger. Tethered chargers are connected to the electrical grid, with a cable permanently attached to the charger, while untethered chargers are not. A tethered cable typically charge the battery more quickly, but they require a dedicated 240-volt outlet. Untethered chargers are less expensive and easier to install, but they charge the battery more slowly.
Safety
Finally, you need to consider the safety of the charger. All EV chargers come with built-in safety features, but some chargers have more features than others. When choosing a charger, make sure to choose one that has the features you need, such as overvoltage protection and short circuit protection.
Now that you know more about choosing an EV charger, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Remember to consider your budget, the features you need, and the location where you’ll be using the charger. And don’t forget to choose a charger that has the safety features you need.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right EV charger can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering your budget, the features you need, and the location where you’ll be using the charger, you can easily find the perfect charger for your electric car.
With this simple guide, you’ll be able to choose the perfect EV charger for your needs in no time. Thanks for reading!
