According to the International Energy Agency’s 2023 report on electric vehicles, the total sales of electric cars tripled in three short years. The agency anticipates continued progression as it pertains to the sales of electric vehicles. Since it’s clear that electric vehicle ownership is on the minds of many, the maintenance aspect deserves its own conversation. Part of an electric vehicle’s appeal is the fact that it doesn’t require gas. However, is a home EV charger a wise investment to make when you own an electric vehicle? Truthfully, the answer depends on the individual and their circumstances. Consider the numerous advantages and disadvantages of owning a home EV charger.
Considerations of a Home EV Charger
Time Efficiency
Time is a precious commodity that cannot be regained once it’s gone. Unlike money and other experiences, time is finite. With that understanding, it’s important to use it wisely. One of the challenges of owning an electric vehicle is the time it takes to charge the car for optimal performance. Going to a charging station and waiting for a spot can be a significant time commitment. This is especially true during peak hours. However, having a home electric vehicle charging station can make a significant difference. You can charge your car during other tasks, such as doing dishes, taking a nap, or completing other errands at home. This way, you can make the most out of your time and be more efficient.
Utility Companies and Rates
While electric vehicles save you money on gas, it’s important to note that charging them still incurs costs. The difference is that you’ll pay the cost through your electric bill when you charge it at home. However, there’s a way to save even more money. By charging your vehicle during off-peak hours, you can take advantage of the lower electricity rates offered by many utility companies. This means you’ll pay less for the electricity used to charge your car, resulting in a lower overall bill. This is an excellent opportunity to save money while also helping the environment by driving an electric vehicle and charging it from home.
Convenience
When heading home, most people prefer not to make many stops and just get there. With a home EV charger, you don’t have to worry about making an extra stop to charge your car before going home. The ability to charge at home is a great level of convenience since you can charge your car whenever you want, especially if you’re not in the mood to socialize or be in public. The less time you have to spend out and about, the more comfortable you might feel being at home.
Reliability
Many successful people attribute their productivity and success to their well-maintained routine. This is especially true when it comes to maintaining your home or car. If you own an electric vehicle, having a reliable routine for its maintenance can be crucial for its longevity.
Investing in a home electric vehicle charging station can give you the peace of mind of knowing when and how you’ll be able to charge your car. You can eliminate the guesswork of finding a charging spot, estimating the time it will take and dealing with traffic. Having your own charging station at home provides a sense of security and reliability.
EV Charging Needs and Frequency
If you’re driving short distances on a daily or weekly basis, you may not need to charge your electric vehicle very often. In this case, it may not be worth investing in a home EV charger. While having a charger at home is convenient and reliable, it may not make financial sense if you’re not using it frequently. Of course, these considerations depend on your individual situation and needs, but they’re worth considering before making a purchase.
Renting vs Owning
If you’re a homeowner, you have more autonomy when it comes to making decisions about your property. Though homeowners may still have to adhere to homeowners association rules, they generally have more flexibility and control over the changes they make to their homes. Installing a home EV charger is a decision that homeowners can make on their own.
However, if you’re renting, you’ll need to speak with your landlord to get permission. Depending on the terms of your lease, such as if your electricity is included in your rent, installing a home EV charger could significantly increase your electricity costs. It’s important to talk to your landlord to get clearance and avoid any potential issues or lease violations.
Property Value Increase
As a homeowner, you have likely invested a considerable amount of money into your property, and you want to ensure that you maintain it well and increase its resale value. Homeownership is indeed an investment, and getting a home EV charger is a smart investment in your future.
With electric cars becoming increasingly popular, having an electric vehicle charger in your home can be a major selling point if you should you choose to resell your home in the future. Therefore, it is worth considering the resale value of homes with electric car charging stations. Researching this can help you make an informed decision about whether to invest in a home EV charger or not.
Costs
If you’re thinking about installing a home EV charger, it’s important to consider the costs involved. Depending on your type of electric vehicle, the cost to charge it may vary, and the installation process will have its own price tag attached. In addition to paying for the equipment involved in charging the vehicle, there may be amenities and upgrades you need to consider along the way.
It’s wise to thoroughly review the total package involved in charging your vehicle to ensure it’s worth the investment. Take a close look at the details of the charger you desire, the installation process, and all other factors involved in maintaining your charger to make an informed decision.
Your Carbon Footprint
As we all become increasingly aware of the global climate crisis, it’s important to take steps to reduce your carbon footprint. By owning an electric vehicle, you’re already doing a great job of cutting down on the fossil fuel consumption that harms the planet.
However, it’s also important to consider the environmental impact of charging your vehicle at home. Whether this impact is positive or negative depends on your personal circumstances. For some, using public charging stations may be a better option to further decrease their carbon footprint. The key is to understand the numbers and evaluate how impactful investing in a charging station could be for the planet.
Enlisting Professional Assistance
If you decide to purchase a home EV charger, connect with a professional electrician from our Houston team. If you haven’t adopted a habit of maintaining your electrical unit, it’s best to start to make sure your EV charger is fully supported to do its job. If your electrical unit isn’t strong enough, a professional electrician provides the necessary adjustments to improve its strength and integrity. Because this isn’t a job you’ll want to do on your own, our team of electricians at Mackey Services is fully equipped to help you facilitate your home’s needs. Furthermore, if you need assistance in additional areas such as heating, cooling, and landscaping, we’d be happy to serve you. For more information, contact us today!
