Electric cars have come a long way since they first arrived on the scene. It is estimated there are over 5.5 million of them in the world and the number is growing. This makes it increasingly important to be able to charge your car at home safely. Although it is possible to use a standard plug this should be seen as a last resort. It is a much better idea to fit a car charging station.
It should be noted that this is an even better idea if you currently rent out your parking space or garage. There are plenty of people looking for long-term parking Manhattan that you can offer your space to. If you have a charging point you will increase the appeal of your space and be able to charge extra funds for it.
Why A Charging Station
It is possible to charge a car with a standard socket and EVSE supply cable. However, this option doesn’t have as many safety features and it is considerably slower than a charging station. That is the main reason why you should be installing a charging station.
What Is The Car Charging Station?
It s effectively a special socket which is mounted to an outside wall in a waterproof box. You can plug your dedicated charging cable directly into the socket and your car will charge quickly and safely.
As mentioned, the charging station has more safety features, including overheat and surge protection. This protects your home electrics and your car.
Location
One of the most important factors when installing a car charging station is where to put it. The closer to the house the easier it is for you to have it wired in. But, you are better off paying a little extra and having the charging point in a practical position for your vehicle or vehicles. Consider where you park before you decide where to position the charging point.
Professional Install
It is advisable to have the car charging station professionally installed. They charge at a high voltage and you will be connecting to the mains supply. This makes it dangerous to fit the point yourself. It is certainly safer to get the professionals to do it for you.
It is also worth noting there are currently grants available to help with the cost of installing a home car charging station. The grant can bring the cost of installation down to a few hundred dollars. However, to get the grant you will need to have the station professional fitted.
Charging Speed
A home charging point will charge at either 3.6kW or 7kW. This means your vehicle will be able to drive between 15-30 miles from a one-hour charge. You can work out how long your car will take to charge from this or check the manual. You should note that you won’t damage your car if the charger is rated at 7kW but the car is only 3.6kW.
