Do You Need an EV Charger at Home? | EV Basics

Guess how long it takes to charge a Tesla Model Y on a 120 volt outlet. We'll tell you in this video where we ask: do you need a charger for your electric vehicle at home? The simple answer is no, you don't have to have one, but if you live somewhere that a charger can be installed, you’re almost certainly going to want one. That said, let’s consider all your options, as well as their pros and cons.
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0:00 Introduction
1:09 Included Level 1 Chargers
2:04 Public Charging
3:00 Installing a Home Charger
3:51 Level 2 Options
4:34 Wireless Charging
5:28 EV Pulse Home Charging Questionnaire
7:02 The Best EV Ownership Experience
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#EV #evbasics #EVs101 charger rebates 110 ev charger level 2 charging craig cole

[@ScottAtwood]

Level 1 charging can be a reasonable option for many people. Yes, it only restores 3-5 miles of range per hour. But that is 30-50 miles of range over night. Since Americans drive about 38 miles per day on average, Level 1 charging may be enough if you are at or below the average. I have owned a long range EV for about 4 years and haven’t yet bothered to install Level 2 charging at home simply because Level 1 charging has been adequate to my needs. I’m not advising against Level 2 charging at home, but if it is cost prohibitive for you to install, take a close look at your typical driving patterns. You might find that Level 1 charging is more practical than it seems.

[@Fear.of.the.Dark.]

It is not at all efficient though. You are wasting electricity at 110V that doesnt go into battery charging. Almost 25% of it is wasted. 240V is way more efficient especially at 24A to 32A range. Around 90% to 95% efficient so less money wasted. You should think about that wasted electricity bill cost over long term.

[@johnschultz3664]

Don't sell level 1 charging short. For most EV owners, charging overnight will provide more than enough range for the day's driving. With this remaining charge the nightly charging will leave the car with increasing charge levels and then maintain a full charge.

[@Messiman14]

Exactly! One major use case for EVs is for people who live in a city and commute a few miles across the city 3-5 days a week to work and then around the city on the weekends. Most won't even use more charge than the amount that will get replenished each night or each day at work doing level 1 charging, so they'll never need level 2 charging most of the time.

[@Fear.of.the.Dark.]

It is not at all efficient though. You are wasting electricity at 110V that doesnt go into battery charging. Almost 25% of it is wasted. 240V is way more efficient especially at 24A to 32A range. Around 90% to 95% efficient so less money wasted.

[@EVnStevenApp]

Once upon a time, there was a trustworthy and proud new EV owner named Jake and a friendly property manager named Susan. Jake wanted to trickle-charge his EV using the common area electrical outlet next to his parking stall. However, Susan didn't have the budget to pay for the cost of installing a metered charging station. Wanting to help Jake, Susan suggested they install EVnSteven. Thanks to this one simple app, they both lived happily ever after 💚💚

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

The public charging makes sense if your office/building offers it or if you are shopping/ watching a movie.

[@EVPulse]

Work charging is a great way to get around the “no level 2” at home problem. We’ve seen some employers use it as a perk to attract better talent.

[@sabakag]

Thanks God I live in Europe. Our slow charger has 2.3kW power. Not much. But for a small EV it's enough to charge overnight in most cases.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox2817]

cold weather should be a big consideration, I would say you must be able to plug where you park, work or home

[@LouisDuran]

I've had a Nissan leaf Plus. In 16 months of ownership I've always charged at home on a 120v. It really isn't a problem since I only drive about 200 miles a week and work from home. However now that there are tax rebates for installing a level 2 charger and I'm going to have a second EV soon maybe now is the time to upgrade to level 2.

[@EVPulse]

What EV chargers do we recommend for home? Click here --> www.evpulse.com/recommendations/the-best-home-ev-chargers

[@ronkemperful]

Great information. Unfortunately, I have a townhouse built in 2004 with only a 125 main breaker. I already have an electric range, clothes dryer, and a central AC unit; and my circuit breaker board is completely full. it would be way too costly to have heavier lines run underground from the street, a new circuit board, and the wiring for an outlet or charging device. So, I guess that I will live with my Subaru Forester for a few more years.

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

I’m getting a Cadillac Lyriq AWD and I will definitely install an exterior charger

[@EVPulse]

Cadillac might even offer an incentive for you to do so. Thanks for watching!

[@craigcole5497]

@@EVPulse Congrats on your Lyriq purchase! I haven't driven one yet, but it looks like a great vehicle. Thanks for watching and commenting! - Craig

[@MaplEV_Leaf]

If the car itself comes with an EVSE you can plug into Level 2 and that gives you the functionality you're happy with then you may only need the Level 2 outlet and wiring installed and no further $$ to get a charger box.

[@myronvanduyne287]

Been charging at home From a normall outlet at home. Level 1 is just fine and never let me down. Just plug it in when you get home and it's full when you need it again.

[@jefflappin]

We have an e niro and ioniq5. We just use the level 1 chargers (120 volt)at home and only use the DC chargers for road trips (or if we forget to plug in overnight). That said, we are planning on getting a charger with VTL so we can power the house with the car.

[@Junaid-gl2ik]

Yes when you go home you can plug it on and not wait for ques at the station.

[@valeriehake]

My ex husband had a separate breaker box set up for compressor or generator. Would that plug setup be enough?

[@jwc3104]

In order for EV's to make sense for majority of people... you need to be able to charge at home or work. Period. I bought my Tesla Y late 2023, which came with 6 months free supercharging. I live 15 mins from supercharger, and it's located in a parking lot of Meijer, a huge grocery store that I go all the time. I thought I could do without home charging.... Nope. I ended up buying the mobile charger, and plug in at home (120V). Even with 120V it makes everything so much nicer.

[@dathyr1]

Yes When I get an EV vehicle this spring 2023, I will be mainly charging at home and my trips with the vehicle will be just around town or short range single charge events. We should let the EV cycle between at least 20 and 80 percent of charge to get better life out of the vehicle battery. Just charging a little bit at a time will short charge cycle the battery and may do harm to the battery over long periods of time. You don't mention this in this particular video. This is the same thing you should do with a Cell phone, computer, or any rechargeable unit. That said, I would get a type 2 EV charging station for my home. That way I can drive maybe several days, let the battery go down to 20 percent, and then quickly charge it back up to 80-90 percent over night at home. Thanks for the video. Take care.

[@Fear.of.the.Dark.]

that is patently wrong info. Short cycles are way better than long discharge cycles.

[@josephmayfield2556]

Is it even needed? If you can just use your regular plug in the garage your regular 110 it may take seven hours etc. but it’s a home station EV charger really necessary I mean do people get it because it is faster than your regular plug at home or in the garage?

[@Lrsherwood]

If you are going to be away from home for a few months, is it better for the battery to leave it plugged in on level one, or level two charging? It seems that level one would be less stressful for the battery. Am I right?

[@Lrsherwood]

Also, would it be better on the battery to set the maximum charge at 50%, if it will be charging for three or four months?

[@EVPulse]

We'd leave the car plugged into your level 2 charger, but we'd probably set the maximum to 50%. The control system will help regulate battery temp and stuff while plugged in, and even Tesla's owners manual says to keep it plugged in so the charging system can do its thing. We like the idea going to max 50% because then the BMS can shift things around if it needs to more easily. It's what we did with our company Tesla when we knew it'd be parked for extended periods (like during the pandemic).

[@Lrsherwood]

@@EVPulseMaybe I should have mentioned that I have a KIA EV6, not a Tesla, but I imagine that your battery charging advice is applicable to, essentially, any EV.

[@Lrsherwood]

Why do you suggest level 2 VS level 1 charging for a vehicle that will be plugged in for months?

[@ALMX5DP]

Yeah 220 is just the way to go if you have a dedicated EV and reasonable access to install it. Probably even good for the resale value of your home being that EVs are only becoming more prevalent.

[@Tron-Jockey]

I think you mean 240V (here in the states)

[@ALMX5DP]

@@Tron-Jockey sorry old habits die hard, just grew up with my dad calling it that just like 110.

[@anthonyflexas]

Yes I had a Tesla it got out of it you need one at leases in your building, I had to drive to a mall and some time wait for charging

[@GusScottExley]

Will WiTricity be able to retro-fit cars eventually?

[@EVPulse]

We can't speak specifically to their future product, but it's something we've asked them to consider.

[@GusScottExley]

@@EVPulse such a cool tech, this is a real game changer

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

EV are luxury cars because you truly need a house/garage to get the most out of them.

[@EVPulse]

We won’t disagree at this point.

[@user-ct8ee8od6o]

This isn't true at all. You just have to live in a city with good public charging infrastructure. Most people who have EVs only need to charge once or twice a week. I have 5 charger near me where I can charge for FREE!

[@hawkwind769]

I felt attacked when they mention slow charging EV and show the Toyota bz4x 😢😅 I just got solterra. It's really awesome, and it's not that slow😂 Just did short road trip and it wasn't too bad... 10 to 80 in about 30 min. Good time to rest If I had gas engine I could drive 14 hours straight and just be delirious when I get there. EV forces you to take break and enjoy the ride🤙🏽

[@EVPulse]

We drove the Solterra last year and liked it. Some software updates should help with charging speed too.

[@StarFleet_Tech1701]

I had a L2 charger installed in my garage to save time and money.

[@josephmayfield2556]

How much time does it save you and can you or do you have the option to just plug it into your 110 220 all inside your garage?

[@javierazito]

O:19 El Mamón !!!

[@HeyMikeyLikesIt2]

I’d say Yes, superchargers cost around $25 to fill my batteries, at home it cost me $8 tops.

[@Aerostealth]

120 volt charging uses 10% more energy over 240 charging to reach the same SOC. It should not be used except when level 2 charging is unavailable.

[@ketolifestyle68]

trying to find an electrician that does do a permit,,, between 12 electricians, no one wants to do a permit..

[@reiserjake]

I liked cause I’m a fan of sleep

[@EVPulse]

Who isn’t?

[@ChargingtheRoad]

Short answer everyone, it's yes, if possible.

[@Klast321]

Didn't you use to review cars?

[@EVPulse]

Still does

[@user-hg1ir1rg4o]

no just go try and find a charger, and one that is fast and working. good luck with that, and then you can wait on hour of more

[@EVPulse]

Yeah, most people charge at home and don't rely on the fast charging network.

[@Victic005]

You should definitely get a level 2 charger. If you can't then you should reconsider getting an EV.

[@bobnelsonfr]

Most cars are parked at home a dozen hours per day. At 4.5 miles per hour, that's over fifty miles of range. Most Americans drive less than thirty miles a day. So this is BS.

[@dathyr1]

It is not BS. Option is let the EV run down to 20 percent after several days of driving and then charge it back up over night to 80-90 percent. With a level 2 charger I can do this. This will give better longer life to the battery, rather than short charging it all the time. Its up to you what you want to do, I don't really care.

[@bobnelsonfr]

@@dathyr1 What's BS is that a level 1 won't suffice. It will. Obviously, then, you're golden with a level 2.

[@dylanwhite6539]

Well, not all EVs are that efficient. Most EVs get closer to 3.5 rather than 4.5, and trucks are more like 2 miles. However, my opinion is that the NEMA 6-20 circuit can handle the overwhelming majority of ev owners at 100+ miles of range per night.

[@dylanwhite6539]

Also, many EVs are programmed to not balance the pack on 120v chargers because they’re so weak it would take a very long time

[@mr.speyside5240]

Just drive gasoline and don’t worry about all this crap 😂

[@robertreynolds8092]

If you buy an EV you need a charger at home.

[@markpownall6825]

The only way EV-IL cars are cost worthy is by home charging. Putting you are your family at risk of a house fire.

[@davva360]

I don't know what this guy is going to say, I am making this comment before watching, however I would say if you don't have a way to charge at home you should not even consider an EV. Your life will be miserable.

[@EVPulse]

You should watch. That’s basically what he says.

[@JodyFrancisWall]

I don't charge at home. The charger is 10min drive from my house. Easy as.

[@davva360]

@@JodyFrancisWall but how long do you waste at the charger? The biggest benefit of an EV is avoiding gas stations and charging stations and charging at home. Not only do you waste time but if you are paying to fast charge it’s no cheaper than gas. It is a lot cheaper at home and way more convenient.

[@JodyFrancisWall]

@davva360 lol. The fast charger takes 14 minutes to go from 10 - 80. That's a great opportunity to get out and stretch my legs and eat something. Fast chargers cost about 1/5th of fuel. So significantly cheaper. It's not free at home either.

[@davva360]

@@JodyFrancisWall watched enough charging and road trip videos to know that fast chargers are not much cheaper than gassing up a medium sized car. It costs me about $30 to fill my car and it does 38mpg on a highway or about 380 miles. At 45 cents per kilowatt hour you would get 66 kilowatts which in many EVs would be pretty close to 70% of the battery. At highway speeds you would get about 200 miles from that charge at best. Do you what you want but you are kidding yourself thinking you are saving money by using fast chargers. You save your money when you charge at home and your car is ready to go. At home electricity rates are much lower. It’s why my next car will be an EV.

[@edpercarpio]

There is nothing less funny than someone who is not, trying to be. Just do the report.

[@EVPulse]

Sorry you don’t think Craig is funny.

[@patricklondon6006]

Darn, now I need to buy a house instead of charging for free at the electric company just down the road. And I'll have to sign up for the gym instead of walking to the electric company for a free charge. This whole house thing sounds expensive, maybe I should just keep renting and charging my EV for free. And the fresh air smells better than the gym.

[@user-ct8ee8od6o]

Exactly. I have 5 free chargers near me! 😂

[@doddsalfa]

You don’t need a ev charger not even in a 110v third world country

[@david27ad]

Home charging EV ? Contact your home insurance provider first due to the high risk of fire.

[@EVPulse]

Yeah, that's not a thing.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

Here is the problem, where i live their are 3 gas stations less than 1/2 mile from my house, the closest ev charger is eight miles from my home, in the distance to the EV carger witch is a Tesla set up, l have more than 6 gas stations. I also live in a part of Ny state that gets really freaking cold in the winter, my cars are parked outside in my driveway, no matter how long my car sits or how cold it gets the amount of gas in my car never changes until I drive it. Cold weather will decrease the efficiency of the battery in an electric car. Where i drive i can always find a gas station and my Subaru Forester has enough range to get me over 8 hours of driving before I have to get gas. No electric car can do this, and in the winter it is even worse as the efficiency of an electric car diminishes. So sorry but no EV for me.

[@ericcaisse791]

In a accident the lithium battery could explode

[@EVPulse]

So can literally any gas-powered car in an accident.

[@dathyr1]

@@EVPulse Yes, gas cars can blow up also, great reply comment.