At-Home EV Charging Stations - A Complete Guide
Global warming is at an all-time high, and to combat this, people in the US are rapidly transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). Michigan, in particular, ranks 8th in the nation for EV sales per capita, with 10.4 EVs per 1,000 people—a number expected to rise in the coming years.
This growing trend requires more at-home EV charging stations. If you’re also seeking reliable at-home EV charging stations and home Generac Depot installation services, you’re in the right place.
This article explores the benefits of at-home EV charging stations, their rising popularity, and the best options available to meet your needs. Let's dig in!
Why Have an At-Home EV Charging Station?
Typically, an at-home EV charging station is a compact, weatherproof charging unit that you can mount on the wall and connect to your home's electrical system. All you need is a level 2 EV charger (240 V) and an electrician near me in Oakland County and Macomb County to install the charger and enjoy the following benefits:
Enhanced Flexibility and Convenience
First things first — at-home charging EV stations provide you with great flexibility and convenience.
For instance, when you have charge access right at your home, you don't have to look around for public charging stations. This saves plenty of time and spares you from the frustration of waiting in lines dealing with unavailable chargers.
Not only this, but you can also rely on at-home charging stations to power your EV anytime, whether it’s midnight or early morning, further enhancing flexibility.
Low Energy Cost
Do you know some at-home charging stations can help you lower your energy costs? Yes, it's true!
Products like the GM EV charging stations feature smart charging capabilities that schedule compatible EVs to charge at times when energy costs are lower (off-peak times).
For further assurance, it even allows you to keep an eye on charging progress right from your phone. This translates to lower energy usage, ultimately leading to reduced energy bills and providing you with financial stability.
Reduce Environmental Impact
As mentioned earlier, global warming is severely hitting the world, leading to poor living conditions and the extinction of beautiful animals and flower species.
Statistics reveal that since 1901, the average surface temperature in the contiguous 48 states has risen at an average rate of 0.17°F per decade. Unfortunately, generating electricity and heat by burning fossil fuels—coal, oil, or gas produces a large chunk of greenhouse gases, including CO2 and NO.
However, many EV charging stations take care of this issue. They easily connect with solar panels and charge the EV using renewable energy. You don't have to worry about greenhouse gases polluting the environment, either from the EV or the charging station, resulting in a greener environment.
What to Look for in an At-Home EV Charging Station?
There are plenty of at-home EV charging station options available in the market; however, picking the right one is like finding a needle in a haystack. But there's nothing to worry about. Just refer to the following points, and you are good to go:
Check If It's Unidirectional or Bidirectional
First, analyze your needs to determine whether you need a unidirectional or bidirectional EV charging station. A unidirectional charging station powers only your EV and does not allow energy to flow back to your home or grid.
However, a bidirectional EV charging station allows energy transfer in both directions, meaning your EV can send power back to your home. Given that power outages are quite common in Michigan, whether you live in Genesee County or Imlay City, a bidirectional charger can be a perfect pick for you.
The GM EV PowerShift charger options are great in this regard. They can power your home for around 21 days, ensuring your home stays illuminated even when the weather outside is challenging.
Pay Attention to Output Power and Current
Another thing you must look for in an at-home EV charging station is its output power and current. You should opt for chargers that provide enough power to charge your vehicle efficiently while also supplying energy back to your home.
For instance, the GM PowerShift EV Chargers deliver up to 19.2 kW of power with a current of 80 amps. This charger charges your vehicle quickly, minimising downtime.
Consider Warranty
It goes without saying that when purchasing an at-home charging station, you must consider its warranty. Opt for suppliers and manufacturers offering 3 or more years of warranty. The warranty will cover any potential repair and replacement during the specified time period, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
Look for Charging Credits
Many at-home EV charging station providers offer additional charging credits to incentivize your purchase. Even GM Energy offers $1,500 worth of credit on each charging station installation, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on installation and future charging costs.
FAQs
How Does a Home EV Charger Work?
The workings of a home EV charger are simple—it pulls power using 240 V from either the grid or solar panels and delivers it to the vehicle, charging it up quickly.
How Much EV Charging Is Done At Home?
Almost 80% to 90% of EV charging is done at home, which requires you to have your own charging station. This allows you to power the EV quickly during off-peak hours, so the vehicle is ready whenever you need it.
What is the Voltage for a Home EV Charger?
Typically, an EV can be charged using a 120-volt outlet; however, people prefer to opt for a 240-volt outlet due to its high reliability and fast charging.
Conclusion
At-home EV charging stations are indeed the need of modern times, considering their high popularity. If you have picked your preferred EV charger and are looking for expert installation services, there's no one better than Grizzly Electric. We are the most reliable, experienced, licensed electrical company that can end your quest for “electrical companies near me.”
Contact us today and let licensed professionals take care of the installation for a quick and safe EV charging station setup!
