Why Do I Need a Home Charge Point for Electric Cars?

Welcome to the future of transportation! Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s no wonder why. With their eco-friendly nature, cost savings on fuel, and impressive performance capabilities, electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionising the way we get around.

But as an EV owner, you may be wondering: how do I keep my car charged at home? That’s where a home charge point for electric cars comes into play. In this blog post, we’ll explore why having a dedicated charging solution in your own garage or driveway is essential for maximising convenience and efficiency with your electric vehicle.

So buckle up and let’s dive into the world of home charge point for electric cars!

How to Charge an EV at Home?

Charging an electric vehicle (EV) at home is a convenient and cost-effective way to maintain your vehicle’s battery. Here are the steps to charge an EV at home:

1. Determine the type of charging equipment you need: There are three types of charging equipment for home charging: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (also known as DC fast charging). Level 1 chargers use a standard household 120-volt outlet and are the slowest option. Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt outlet and provide faster charging times. Level 3 chargers are typically not used for home charging and are more commonly found at public charging stations.
2. Install the charging equipment: If you decide to go with a Level 1 charger, installation is as simple as plugging it into a standard outlet. For Level 2 chargers, it is recommended to hire a qualified electrician to install a dedicated 240-volt circuit and outlet near where you plan to park your EV. Ensure that the electrical capacity of your home’s electrical service can handle the additional load.
3. Connect the charger to your EV: Once the charging equipment is installed, connect the charger’s plug to your EV’s charging port. The charging port is usually located on the front fender, grille area, or rear quarter panel. Consult your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions on how to open the charging port cover and connect the charger.
4. Start the charging process: Most EVs allow you to start the charging process either through the car’s infotainment system or by pressing a button on the charger itself. Follow the instructions provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer to initiate the charging process.
5. Monitor the charging progress: While your EV is charging, keep an eye on the charging progress. Many EVs have a display or mobile app that shows the charging status, estimated time to full charge, and other relevant information. This allows you to plan your charging sessions accordingly.
6. Unplug and store the charger: Once your EV is fully charged or reaches your desired charge level, simply unplug the charger from your vehicle’s charging port and store it in a safe place until the next charging session.

Why Do I Need a Home Charge Point for Electric Cars?

Having a home charge point for your electric car offers several advantages:

1. Convenience: Having a dedicated home charge point allows you to charge your electric car at your convenience. You can plug in your vehicle overnight or whenever it’s convenient for you, ensuring that your car starts each day with a full or desired level of charge. This eliminates the need to visit public charging stations, saving you time and effort.
2. Cost savings: Home charging is typically more cost-effective compared to using public charging stations. Electricity rates for home charging are often lower, especially if you charge during off-peak hours. Additionally, some utility companies offer special tariffs or incentives for EV owners, further reducing charging costs.
3. Faster charging: Home charge points, particularly Level 2 chargers, provide faster charging compared to Level 1 chargers or public charging stations. Level 2 chargers use higher voltage and amperage, allowing for quicker charging times. This is especially beneficial if you need to top up your electric car’s battery quickly or if you have a longer daily commute.
4. Vehicle-specific features: Some electric cars offer additional features or customisation options when using a home charge point. For example, you may be able to schedule charging based on off-peak electricity rates or pre-condition your car’s interior temperature before driving.
5. Reliability and peace of mind: With a home charge point, you have the assurance that your electric car will always have a reliable charging solution available. Public charging stations may be occupied or out of service, causing inconvenience or delays. By having a home charge point, you reduce the dependency on external charging infrastructure and have a reliable charging option at all times.
6. Potential future-proofing: As electric vehicle technology continues to evolve, home charge points can be upgraded or adapted to support new charging standards or higher power outputs. This ensures that your charging infrastructure remains compatible and efficient as newer electric car models are introduced.

Overall, a home charge point provides convenience, cost savings, faster charging, reliability, and potential future-proofing. It enhances your overall ownership experience by making electric vehicle charging more accessible and tailored to your specific needs.

Smart Home Charge Points

Smart home charge points, also known as smart charging stations or smart chargers, are advanced charging solutions that offer additional features and capabilities beyond regular home charge points. Here’s an overview of smart home charge points and why they are beneficial:

1. Connectivity: Smart home charge points are equipped with built-in connectivity features, usually through Wi-Fi or cellular networks. This connectivity allows you to remotely monitor and control your charging sessions using a smartphone app or web portal. You can check the charging status, start or stop charging, and receive notifications about charging events.
2. Energy management: Smart charge points often come with energy management functionality, allowing you to optimise your charging based on electricity rates, time of day, or other factors. For example, you can schedule charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates or set a charging limit to prevent exceeding your home’s electrical capacity.
3. Load balancing: Some smart charge points can perform load balancing, which intelligently distributes the available power across multiple charging sessions. This is particularly useful if you have multiple electric vehicles or other high-power appliances at home. Load balancing ensures that your charging needs are met without overloading the electrical system.
4. Integration with renewable energy sources: Smart charge points can be integrated with solar panels or other renewable energy sources. This enables you to prioritise charging with clean, self-generated energy, reducing your carbon footprint and maximising the use of renewable resources.
5. Data insights and reporting: Smart charge points provide detailed data insights about your charging patterns, energy usage, and cost analysis. You can track your overall energy consumption, monitor charging efficiency, and generate reports for analysis or reimbursement purposes, if needed.
6. Compatibility with smart home ecosystems: Many smart home charge points integrate with popular smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to control your charging sessions using voice commands or automate charging based on predefined rules or routines.

Plug in Whenever You’re Home

We highly recommend plugging in your car upon returning from work or if you anticipate leaving it parked for an extended period. By connecting it overnight while idle on your driveway, you ensure a fully charged vehicle to kickstart your day hassle-free.

Home chargers excel in this scenario, efficiently replenishing your car’s battery while it’s stationary. Essentially, they handle the charging process seamlessly, relieving you of any effort.

Making the most of this downtime ensures your car is always ready for your next journey. With home chargers taking care of the charging task effortlessly, you can focus on other priorities without worrying about your vehicle’s power levels.

Charging speeds at home

Concerned about car charging times for electric vehicles (EVs) when contemplating the switch? In the UK, 65% of EV drivers now opt for a dedicated home charge point, a significant increase from 57% in 2021.

The top three reasons for installing such points are enhanced convenience, safety, and faster charging rates. Remarkably, a dedicated home charge point can charge your EV up to three times faster with 7.4kW or six times faster with 22kW compared to a standard 3-pin plug.

Various factors affect charging speeds, including battery size, charge point power, and electrical supply. Most households feature single-phase grid connections, allowing speeds of 7.4kW. Consequently, depending on the battery size, an average car will typically take 5-6 hours to reach a full charge at home.

For instance, an EV equipped with a 60 kWh battery would require approximately 8 hours to charge from 0 to 100% using a 7.4kW charger.

Charge Scheduling for Home Charging

By scheduling charge sessions, you gain the flexibility to initiate sessions at your preferred time, aligning with your driving patterns and lifestyle. This feature enables you to establish recurring schedules tailored to your convenience.

Furthermore, setting up charge sessions during off-peak demand periods allows you to capitalise on lower electricity tariffs. Not only does this alleviate strain on the grid, but it also offers potential savings on your energy expenses. The convenience extends to remote management, empowering you to control charging operations from any location, at any time.

Charging for Longer Journeys Away From Home

When utilising a home charger for your electric vehicle (EV), shorter journeys are easily managed with confidence. However, embarking on longer journeys necessitates a bit more planning. At some stage, recharging becomes imperative. Optimal for this purpose are pit stops at motorway service stations or Shell forecourts, where you can swiftly charge your vehicle while taking a break, enjoying a cup of coffee, and grabbing a bite to eat.

Thanks to ultra-rapid chargers boasting 150kW or higher capacities, most EVs can be charged in roughly 30 minutes. This remarkable charging speed significantly reduces downtime during longer journeys, providing a convenient solution for drivers seeking efficient recharging options on the go.

Conclusion

A home charge point for electric cars is an essential investment for anyone considering purchasing an electric vehicle. Not only does it provide convenience and ease of use, but it also saves time and money in the long run. With advancements in technology and increasing concerns about environmental impact, switching to electric vehicles is becoming more popular than ever.

By installing a home charge point, you are taking a step towards reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future. So why wait? Invest in a home charge point today and join the growing movement towards sustainable transportation.