Ontario offers accessible EV chargers for drivers with over 1500 charging stations located in malls, restaurants, offices, and highways. However, having your EV charging at home offers more convenience, not to mention an increase in property value.
If you want to wake up with a fully charged car ready to hit the road, get to know the answers to the following common questions about home charging stations.
Why a level 2 home charger is best for residential units?
The most common method to charge your electric car, level 2 chargers offers 5-7 times faster than level 1 chargers. They are also more convenient to install since they have electrical requirements similar to a washer or cooking range. Tesla charger such as the Wall Connector is an example of level 2 charger.
How long does it take to charge an electric car from empty to full?
The charging time will depend on your vehicle’s battery size and the charging point. Using a 30A (7kw charging point), it would take less than 8 hours to fully charge a 40kwh battery. On the other hand, it will take around 12 hours to fully charge a 75kWh battery.
Can a home charging station charge all types and models of electric vehicles?
Electric cars and charging stations retailed in North America are compatible with each other. These cars use the same plug standard and can be plugged in to Level 2 chargers equipped with the J1772 connector.
The only exception is the Tesla charger that uses a proprietary level 2 charging port. This means electric cars from other brands cannot use them without the Tesla to J1772 connector.
Will my electricity bill go up?
If your jurisdiction offers "peak-pricing" on electricity, you may want to take advantage of the discount and charge your car during the night.
As an example, Ontario Hydro charges on a per-kWh at three time-of-use rates:
on-peak (7-11 am and 5-7 pm, Monday to Friday)
mid-peak (11 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday)
off-peak (7 pm to 7 am weekdays and all day on weekends)
Depending on your location, delivery and regulatory fees could be higher or lower than the following per kWh basis:
$0.2248/kWh on-peak
$0.1607/kWh for the mid-peak period
$0.1178/kWh off-peak
The above figures will give you an idea of the amount you need to pay for the energy to cover a 100km range with a car’s 18kwh/100km rating, for example. The amount will be anywhere from $2 to $4 depending on the time of use.
Are home chargers costly to maintain?
Like electric cars maintaining an EV charging station does not cost an arm and leg. Moreover, every component can be quickly replaced if needed. Also, charging stations with online connectivity allows drivers to diagnose and repair them when applicable.
Have your home charging station installed now
Most home chargers like the third generation Tesla chargers are designed to be easily installed. Still, it has to be done by a licensed electrician as the task requires technical knowledge and a handful of electrician tools. An installation manual is also available and should be followed by the electrician.
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