Electric vehicles are slowly becoming people’s choice of vehicle, thanks to the alternate energy they utilise. If you are planning to purchase an EV or have a brand new one already, you might be wondering about the best way to maintain it. You have a lot to think about, starting from choosing the smart EV charger to the soundest ways of efficiently charging the vehicle.
If you are looking to buy a new EV charger and need help choosing the most suitable one for you, read on to find out more.
All EVs come with a charger, but each manufacturer has a different standard for their portable charger with varying levels of charging capacity. Even within the same EV manufacturer, some provide different chargers depending on the model and build of the vehicle.
How can you pick the right charger when there is so much room for variation? Here is a rule of thumb you can use: Does the charger fill up your EV’s battery overnight? Then you probably don’t need to look for another one. In case it does not, here is what you need to consider before buying a new charger:
Overnight Charging
People have different habits of pumping gas in their cars, and it is no different for EVs. Some EV owners use their vehicles for longer drives and use public charging stations to power their cars, but the rest drive only short distances with the EV and prefer overnight charging at home.
While charging at home has its perks, it comes with a few hassles. Overlooking heavy power consumption and space restrictions, installing a charger at home requires a 240-volt outlet. Used while working with heavy electric appliances, these Level 2 chargers can power your EV overnight.
Plug-in or Hardwired
Depending on your living situation and driving habits, you might want to invest in a plug-in or hardwired charger. If you share parking spaces with others and want to restrict the use of your charger, a plug-in can be more suitable, and you can take it with you as you go. However, Level 2 chargers often come hardwired and need an electrician to install them for you. They are permanently fixed and cannot be removed without professionals.
Cable Length
EV chargers are anywhere between 12 feet in length to 25 feet. You need to look for how well you can accommodate the charger in your space and if the car can be plugged in comfortably despite the parked position. A good 20 feet can be a safe choice of length for most people.
Warranty
When looking to buy a smart EV charger, ensure that it is safety certified with a warranty of at least three years. Since there are numerous options available today, it is easy to get carried away by low-quality products that are not safety-certified. Buying these chargers can cause more damage to you and your EV than the savings it is worth.
One of the main reasons EVs have not completely taken over the global automobile industry is the constraints posed by charging the vehicle. The range of the EV causes anxiety in people, leading them to use regular cars for long distances.
Smart EV chargers have built-in wi-fi and other features that allow you to set up a time for a recharge, saving you from instances of forgetting to plug in your vehicle. With sufficient public charging stations and smart chargers, EVs will surely become an even more popular ride among many.
