5 things to know before buying an EV charger
“To help you with installing a charger for your EV, we have identified these five things you need to know when buying a charger for your EV”
Electric cars are gaining increasing popularity; maybe because they have zero emissions and are good for the environment, their relatively low maintenance cost, or it may also be because of their increasingly improving drive range on a single charge. Whatever the reason(s) is/are, EVs are here to stay and will be the only type of vehicle you can buy by 2035.
To help you with installing a charger for your EV, we have identified these five things you need to know when buying a charger for your EV:
Your EV’s operating range
An electric vehicle’s range is the maximum driving distance using only power from its onboard battery pack from a full recharge (you can check out this Wikipedia article here for more details). It’s worthy of note that EVs generally have separate city and motorway drive ranges, just like MPG (Miles Per Gallon) ratings in fuel-powered vehicles. Although, unlike fuel cars, EVs generally have a higher city range than on motorways. Where you’ll be doing most of your driving (motorway or city) should factor into your decision of choosing an EV charger.
Where and how you’ll recharge your EV
What you’ll primarily use your EV for personal/leisure, work commute or business/commercial should be considered before making your decision on which charger type to buy and where you install your charging station.
The maximum charge rate of your EV’s built-in charger
You can only charge your electric vehicle’s built-in battery at the maximum charge rate at which the vehicle can recharge. Likewise, it can not charge beyond the maximum rate of the charging point you are using. Therefore the charge rate of your EV while charging is the charge rate of either your charger or your EV’s onboard battery, whichever is less.
Know your charger options
There are various charger types, like the Type 1 and Type 2 chargers which can charge at varying speeds. You can read our article on different charger types for a full comparison of the various charger types and which is best for your EV.
Installation permission & charging location
Ensure you read up on the requirements for installation of a wall-mounted or free-standing charging point for your local area and get the necessary permission from the landlord or landlady if at a rented property or similar.
To guide you through the process of buying and installing your EV charger at your home or office, WBEV can advise you on the best EV charger, charging point power supply requirement and other processes for installing your EV Charger.
