How to Properly Use My Home Electric Car Charger

In this age of energy sustainability, electric cars have become an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel vehicles. After owning an eco-friendly EV, more and more people want to be able to charge their EVs at home, thus the demand for home EV chargers has surged. To provide a more convenient EV charging solution, EV charger producers design and manufacture a variety of EV chargers. Home EV chargers are more convenient than public EV chargers. However, after EV owners install an EV charger in their homes, they often ask: How to use a home EV charger properly?

What is a home electric vehicle charger?

A home EV charging post (also referred to as a home EV charger and home EV wall box) is designed for in-home use to facilitate charging an electric vehicle at your residence.

Home electric car chargers typically use AC charging technology, including level 1 and level 2 chargers. Level 1 charging typically uses between 2-5  kW, which provides for charging speeds of 3-5 miles per hour. Level 2 chargers operate with 240-volt power sources to deliver much faster rates than traditional home outlets (Level 1).

Level 2 charging posts typically range in power between 3.3 kW and 22 kW; with most homes opting for a 7.2-kW home charging post for their electric vehicles. A typical home Level 2 charger offers a charging range of approximately 25–40 miles per hour.

Some home EV charging stations feature smart features that enable remote management via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile apps, or online platforms. For example, the Joint EVC15 mini home EV charger enables users to check charging statuses, set schedules for charging sessions, and even start or stop them through an app—an innovative feature that not only improves user experiences but also helps lower charging costs, making this an ideal charging solution for EV users.

Overall, home EV charging stations form an essential part of the infrastructure that supports sustainable mobility by offering convenient and intelligent charging experiences for their users.

The importance of home EV chargers.

Data shows that many EV users rely primarily on home charging. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), 80% of global EV charging activity occurs at home or at work. As a result, home EV chargers play a crucial role in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, providing users with a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective domestic EV charging solution.

• First of all, home electric vehicle chargers offer great convenience for electric vehicle users. Whether it’s an apartment, community, or individual residence, users with home charging facilities can conveniently charge in their own garage or parking area, eliminating the need to rely on public EV charging stations. This convenience allows the charging process to be integrated into the user’s daily life without the need for special scheduling, greatly increasing the availability of EVs.
• Secondly, charging at home helps save users’ time. Compared to public EV charging stations, users do not have to wait and can charge at night or when the vehicle is not in use. This flexibility allows users to better plan their charging time, minimizing the time required for charging, in line with the fast-paced and efficient requirements of modern life. Affordability is another important aspect of home charging. By using home power for charging, users can benefit from discounted electricity tariffs during low-peak hours, effectively reducing the cost of charging. Statistically, the cost of home charging is typically lower and, in the long run, offers a more significant economic advantage over other charging options, such as public charging stations.
• Finally, home charging supports the use of renewable energy. By choosing to use renewable energy to generate electricity and for EV charging at home, users are directly participating in efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable energy. This not only provides users with a more environmentally friendly charging option but also helps promote the development and adoption of renewable energy.

How to use a home electric car charger correctly.

Selecting an electric car charger that complements your EV model’s needs for optimal charging is essential, given today’s rapidly evolving technologies and market. Manufacturers offer various charger options with different power, charging speeds, and smart features – ensure that, when shopping, your charger supports future charging standards to protect its long-term effectiveness as an investment.

Before installing an electric vehicle charger in your home, you must understand its electrical system. An EV charger’s power requirements depend on its charging speed; these requirements depend on both its model and that of its associated EV model. On average, they typically need 240 volts of power; according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), an average U.S. home has a 200-amp capacity, but this may not support high-powered chargers; in which case an upgrade might be necessary for its operation at maximum power.

Proper installation is key to the performance and safety of an electric vehicle charger at home, so follow any guidelines provided by your charger supplier or hire a professional electrician when installing. Doing this ensures correct electrical connections while complying with safety standards and reducing potential malfunctions.

Smart charging technology enhances your charging experience. One of the standout features of home electric car chargers is smart charging features enable users to monitor and control the charging process with mobile apps or other smart devices; at the same time, their multistep electricity prices provide for flexible EV charging plans; furthermore, according to research conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), smart charging features enable people to charge during times when electricity rates are lowest – cutting charging costs by as much as 50%.

Carefully check the condition of EV chargers and cables regularly. Check that none are frayed, broken, or otherwise compromised before using an electric car charger. Check the charging temperature as well. Maintaining the good condition of the electric car charger will extend its life as well as provide greater stability during charging processes.

Compliance with all safety regulations. To ensure the safe operation of an electric vehicle charger, make sure it is installed in an area free of flammable materials and regularly inspected to assess its performance and ensure its safety.