If you own an electric car or are thinking about getting one, charging is something you need to plan for. Unlike gas cars, which can refuel almost anywhere in a few minutes, EVs take longer to charge, and you need a reliable way to power up your car regularly.
There are two main ways to charge an electric vehicle: at home or at a public charging station. Some drivers rely entirely on public chargers, while others prefer the convenience of having their own setup at home. But which option is better? The answer depends on how often you drive, where you live, and whether you want to deal with the hassle of public charging.
Charging at Home: The Most Convenient Option
One of the biggest reasons people install a home EV charger is convenience. Instead of driving to a public station, waiting for an open charger, and then standing around while your car charges, you can simply plug it in at home. By morning, you’ll have a full battery and be ready to go. It’s as easy as charging your phone overnight.
Another advantage is that home charging is always available. Public chargers can be full, broken, or too far away to be useful. If you live in an area where charging stations are limited, home charging removes the stress of wondering whether you’ll find a spot.
If you’re considering installing an EV Home Charger Auckland, make sure you find a company that provides professional installation services to help make charging at home simple and efficient.
How Fast Is Home Charging?
Home charging speed depends on the type of charger you use:
- Level 1 Charging: This uses a standard household outlet. It’s the slowest option, taking 24 hours or more for a full charge. This can work if you drive very little, but it’s not ideal for daily use.
- Level 2 Charging: This requires a dedicated charging unit but is much faster. Most EVs can charge fully in 6 to 10 hours, making it perfect for overnight charging.
Most EV owners who charge at home install a Level 2 charger since it’s the most practical option. The cost of installation depends on your home’s electrical setup, but once it’s installed, charging is easy and reliable.
Public Charging: Useful, But Not Always Reliable
Public charging stations are essential for long trips and for people who can’t install a home charger. They are available in parking lots, shopping centers, and along highways.
The biggest benefit of public charging is access to fast charging stations, also known as DC fast chargers. These can charge an EV to 80% in just 20 to 40 minutes, making them ideal for road trips or quick top-ups.
However, public charging has some downsides:
- Availability Issues: Charging stations can be full, meaning you may have to wait your turn. In busy areas, this can be frustrating.
- Unreliable Chargers: Some public chargers may be broken or not working properly. If you’re relying on them, this can be a problem.
- Cost: Some public chargers are free, but many charge higher rates than home electricity. Fast chargers are often the most expensive.
- Time Consumption: Even fast charging takes longer than refueling a gas car, and slower public chargers can take hours.
Public charging is great as a backup, but for daily use, it can be inconvenient.
How Much Does Charging Cost?
Cost is another big difference between home and public charging.
- Home charging is usually the cheapest option. You’re paying for electricity at regular home rates, which are lower than most public charging stations. If your energy provider offers lower nighttime rates, you can save even more by charging overnight.
- Public charging varies in price. Some public stations are free, but many charge more per kilowatt-hour than home electricity. Fast chargers, in particular, tend to be more expensive because they provide quicker charging.
If you rely on public charging every day, the costs can add up over time. Many EV owners find that installing a home charger pays for itself by reducing the amount they spend at public stations.
Which One Is Better?
If you drive an electric car regularly, having a home charger is the best option. It’s cheaper, more convenient, and saves you the hassle of searching for an available charging station. Instead of worrying about how long public charging takes or whether a station will be free, you can simply wake up to a fully charged car every morning.
That doesn’t mean public charging isn’t useful. It’s great for long trips, emergencies, or if you don’t have the option to install a charger at home. However, depending on public charging for everyday use can be expensive and inconvenient.
For most EV owners, the best setup is a mix of both—charging at home for daily use and using public chargers only when necessary. If you’re tired of dealing with public charging delays or high costs, installing a home charger is an easy way to make owning an electric car even better.
