Why should you buy an EV charging station?

Owning an electric vehicle is a different experience than owning an internal combustion car (ICE). Due to the limited range and the fact that a fast-charging station is not easy and inexpensive to use, one should consider setting up a personal charging station in their garage. In fact, public EV charging stations are quite expensive to use in most EU countries. The price of electricity @public charger can be up to 300-400% mark-up compared to the price of electricity you pay at home. So, your personal EV charging station will pay off very soon. But more importantly, you will reduce your range anxiety as you will ensure that your car has an almost fully charged battery every morning (please note that long-term battery degradation can be minimized. For you should charge only 80% of your battery capacity).

A house has a lot of plug sockets. So why should you add a charging station?

Okay, the faster your electric car charges, the faster you can get back on the road. Having a charging station gives you a big advantage on this issue - apart from many other benefits. Having your own charging station at home can help you avoid traveling to the filling station. By reaching home, you can start charging your electric car at a speed of just one hand.

Safety First

A conventional plug socket is not designed to run hot for several hours at a charging power of 2.3 kW. Using it in this way can also cause the cable to burn.  So, it is better to play it safely and invest in a suitable charging station. Then all you must do is insert your charging plug - and your car will charge safely and easily every day.

Charged 10 times faster

The speed of charging an e-car depends mainly on its battery and the charging power being used. This means not only the charging power of the car, but also the power on which the charging facility operates. A traditional plug socket can only deal with 2.3 kW - a modern electric car with a 24-kWh battery capacity can make you wait up to 11 hours when you charge at that power. But a charging station using technology that allows it to charge using higher charging power can do much better. Our charging time summary shows you how much time you can save by charging using a charging station.

Equipment to charge at home

Home charging can use a relatively simple Level 1 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) or a slightly more complex Level 2 EVSE. Charging with Level 2 EVSE is faster and can be more convenient but requires specialized equipment that is more expensive to install than Level 1. For both types of EVSE, you should store the charging cord securely, so that it is not damaged, check for accessible EVSE. Periodically wear parts and keep the system clean. 

You should consult EV manufacturer guidance for information about the required charging equipment and understand the specifications before purchasing equipment and electric services. In general, before installing EVSE or modifying your electrical system check with your utility and a reliable electrical contractor and get a cost estimate.

Level 1 EVSE

Level 1 EVSE provides charging via a 120-volt (V) AC plug. Level 1 adds about 2 to 5 miles per hour of charging time to a vehicle, making it suitable for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and depending on your situation, even some all-electric vehicles too. Charging with Level 1 EVSE will not require any special equipment other than an outlet but requires a dedicated branch circuit. Before plugging the EV into any outlet, make sure the circuit does not supply other devices such as refrigerators or lights. For the connector, almost all EVs come with a portable Level 1 EVSE cord set, with a standard three-prong household plug at one end for the outlet and a standard J1772 connector for the vehicle. 

Level 2 EVSE

Level 2 EVSE provides charging via a 240 V AC plug. The Level 2 adds about 10 to 60 miles per hour of charging time to the vehicle, making it suitable for all EVs.

 Using Level 2 EVSE requires drivers to install special charging equipment as well as a dedicated electrical circuit of 20 to 100 amps. Fortunately, most homes already have 240V service for appliances such as clothes dryers and electric ranges. Level 2 residential EVSE prices vary, but typically range from $ 500 to $ 2,000 before installation and state or utility incentives. Know if your state or utility offers incentives for EVSE. 

For homes with adequate electrical service, installation is usually relatively inexpensive. However, this may be sufficient if an electrical service upgrade is required. Since EVSE installations must comply with local, state, and national codes and regulations, be sure to work with a licensed electrical contractor. In addition to the National Fire Code, your local building, fire, environment, and electrical inspection and permitting authorities may also require a permit. In many areas, installers must submit a site installation plan to the permitting authority for approval prior to installation. Your contractor should know the relevant codes and standards and check with the local planning department before installing EVSE. In general, before installing EVSE or modifying your electrical system check with your utility and a reliable electrical contractor and get a cost estimate. 

The security risks of installing and using a home EVSE are very low, such as those associated with other large clothes dryers. Residential EVSEs are typically installed in garages, but homeowners can also purchase outdoor-rated EVSEs built to withstand weather and other types of stresses. EVSE cords are built to withstand some misuse - even being run by a car - and the electric current is cut through the cord when the vehicle is not charging. 

The EVSE wall unit should be protected from contact with the vehicle, such as with a wheel-stop. EVSE wall units should also be deployed on the power cord to reduce the danger of tripping. In general, this means keeping the cord out of the moving areas and placing the wall unit as close to the vehicle's electrical inlet as possible. Another option is to install an overhead support that keeps the cord away from the floor. 

How much does it cost to charge at home?

Charging is generally less expensive than refuelling. You can easily work for yourself how much electricity you will use to charge your electric car, you must pay for it. All you need to know is the price per kilowatt-hour of electricity and the energy consumption of your electric car per 100 kilometres. Just multiply the two values together and you have the answer. On top of that figure is the cost of running your charging station as well as the cost of setting it up. Our use cases describing actual installations are to help you estimate your costs.

Electric Vehicle Charging: Why you need a Charger?

Charging your EV with a charger is safe, fast, and cheap. Safe, because the charger is smart and will control the flow of energy through the cable. Fast, because charging with a charger is about eight times faster than just one cable.

Need to know more?

We at Kazam care for our pro EV shoppers and provide them with complete EV solutions. From range, financial aspect, space concerns to the battery and charging solutions. Book your appointment now! For more information, visit Kazam EV at https://www.kazam.in/ or send us a message at our social handles Kazam EV, and we will get back to your kazamly!