The demand for home charging infrastructure is increasing rapidly as more Indians are buying electric vehicles. If you have an EV, charging at home should be your go-to option. But selecting the best EV charging option for your home can be a head-scratcher. With various kinds of chargers, power demands and safety requirements, what is the best reasonably priced area to choose from?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to choose the right EV charger for your home.
Know Your EV Charger Types
The first thing is to get acquainted with the various types of EV chargers:
1. Level 1 Charger – These utilise standard plug points, and draw up to 15A. They are the least fast, requiring 8 to 12 hours to fully charge an EV. Good for light daily use.
2. Level 2 Charger – These require a wall-mounted unit to be installed, and a little more power. They are quicker, and can charge most EVs in 4 to 6 hours. Ideal for regular use.
3. DC Fast Charger – These are costly and typically located at public stations. They are capable of charging most EVs to 80% in less than one hour. Not suitable for home use.
For most Indian households, a Level 2 charger would be the most realistic option.
Check Your Home’s Electrical Capacity
Before you put in a charger, examine how much power your house can supply. Single-phase connection is generally used in almost all the houses in India. It does just fine with a Level 1 charger. But, if you will eventually have a Level 2 charger in mind, you might need three-phase.
Check with your electricity company or a qualified electrician to see if your home can support the load.
Consider Charging Speed
Consider how frequently you drive, and how fast you want your EV charged.
- if you drive fewer than 30 km a day, you may be fine with Level 1.
- If you drive long distances daily, a Level 2 charger is better.
And with faster charging, not only can you wake up with a full charge but, in theory at least, you also should be able to charge your EV overnight.
Look for Smart Features
The current EV charger has plenty of smart features like:
- Wi-Fi or Application Schedule control the charge.
- Energy monitoring to monitor electricity consumption
- Automatically takes a stop when the battery is full
These are features that can help you save money and operate your electricity more efficiently.
Safety First
Consider the safety of an EV charger. Make sure:
- The charger is BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certified.
- It features over-current and surge protection.
- It is installed by a professional.
Do not use temporary plug points for daily charging, it can be dangerous.
Budget and Warranty
Contrary to EV industry’s doom and gloom, an EV charger costs between ₹30,000 – 1,50,000 from India to you according to the brand and features. Pick one within your budget but don’t cut corners when it comes to safety. Also – ensure the warranty if any contaminant is mentioned to the batteries; most good chargers come with at least a 2–3 year warranty.
Plan for the Future
Long term is the way to think when you buy a charger. If you plan to move up to a larger EV with a bigger battery, consider purchasing a higher capacity charger now. The way we’re doing it is saving you money down the track.
Conclusion
When it comes to the power of an electric current, which EV charging station will be appropriate for home use depends on you driving habits, electrical system at your house and budget, since there is a bunch of them. A Level 2 smart charger is generally the best choice for Indian homes. Make sure that you always choose certified products and that they are installed by professionals, even if just to be certain your safety is guaranteed and nothing will cause you any difficulty in the future.
Make the correct decision now and avoid years of hassle-free EV ownership in the future.
FAQs:
Q1. Can I install an EV home charger?
No, it is not safe. Installation should always be done with a licensed electrician.
Q2. What does it cost to install a home EV charger in India?
Installation Installation, takes an average cost between ₹5k to ₹15k depending on wiring and setup.
Q3. Can I charge an electric vehicle (EV) at home safely every day?
Yes, if you use a certified charger and wiring.
Q4. Solar charging for my EV, is that an option?
Yes, that would theoretically allow you to charge your EV with clean energy using a solar inverter system.
Q5. Which are good home EV chargers in India?
Some of the popular choices for OEM include Tata Power, Exicom, Delta Electronics and ABB.
