How to choose the best EV charging station for home use

Updated Jul 11, 2019 | Same topic: Best Advice for Car Buyers

Anyone with an EV should consider a home EV charger installed for convenience. Let's learn how to choose the best EV charger!

EVs have changed the way we drive and refuel our cars. Whether it’s a PHEV, EV, BEV there will be a need for a personal changing station. Everything about them and what to get is all here

Before finalizing what EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) will be purchased. You’ll need to find out the features that are useful to choose something that is enough for your budget.

To exactly estimate your personal requirements for the exact EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) needed. Use all this info to get a right charging station installed.

Although, there will be a cost to installation added to the EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment). Let’s begin and how to choose the best EVSE charging station with Philkotse.com.

1. Common questions about EVSE

What is the output of the EVSE?

It’s best to get an output of 30 amperes that will give about 30 miles of range for an hour of charging. Take note that the number of amperes will determine how slow or fast EVSE charges. If you want a fast charger to consider getting something about 40 watts or amperes that give about 40 miles range with one hour-charge time.

EV charging station

Whether it’s a PHEV, EV, BEV there will be a need for a personal changing station

Another thing is when picking out a 240-volt EVSE will do it faster than a 120-volt EVSE. Though getting any 15-amp charging station that’s 120-volts gives only 4 to 5 miles of range.  Select a level 2 charging station over a level 1 option because it will charge faster.

Will it be installed in or out of the house?

They are best suited for both indoor and outdoor use which depends on the owner. It can be installed inside the garage by securing it to the wall or anything to put it. Setting it up in a covered area is better to protect it from the elements.

>>> Read more: EV Buyer's Guide: 7 common kinds of EV charger.

Should it be plugged-in vs. hardwired EVSEs?

When the EVSE uses any wall socket as a power source which is plugged in. Choosing a portable EVSE station is costly, but it is portable and can be brought anywhere. This is a far better option than the alternative.

Should an EVSE be connected to a fuse box or the like which is another option for installation? If the charging station will be installed outdoors, then have it hard-wired for security too. It may be a bit more complex than portable EVSEs.

Is WIFI an option for your charging station?

One of the advantages of WIFI enables EVSEs is app control that can control it remotely, with scheduling and remote starting when out of the house. Time of use (TOU) metered charging will charge automatically when power is cheap.

EVSEs and app control

One of the advantages of WIFI enables EVSEs is app control that can control it remotely

How long should the charging cable be for the charging station?

Several lengths are sold that are sixteen and a twenty-five-foot cable, get a longer cord then pay more for it. Look at where the charging station is and where the car will be parked for topping up!

Longer cords will be more mobile and save a bit when setting it up. Choose a smaller length to save, then you’ll be inconvenienced.

Will it mean a braking bank or not for a charging station?

Well, that really depends on whether a level 1 or level 2 EVSE charging station is preferred. Factor in the extra costs like portability or how long the cord is. Get the best though spend less there might be consequences. Just think about it.

>>> You might want to read: Pros & Cons of Buying Used Electric Vehicles.

2. What are the best home EVSE charging stations to get?

These EVSEs are available online at Amazon and maybe other sites. These are either plug-in or stationary units that have differing amperes and volts. Pick what is best if EVs, ever come to Manila.

ChargePoint Home Wi-Fi Connected Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger

This WIFI capable charging station will link with your mobile via Alexa. Provides a 16-ampere charge with a bigger model that delivers a fast 32-ampere charge as well.

WIFI capable charging station

This WIFI capable charging station will link with your mobile via Alexa

AeroVironment TurboCord Dual Plug-In EV Charger

EV owners will love this 16-ampere plug-in-charger for fast charging of EVs. The best feature is that it’s a dual level charger (1 or 2) and it is very portable too!

EV charging station

EV owners will love this 16-ampere plug-in-charger for fast charging of EVs

>>> Also check: Should you buy an Electric Vehicle (EV): Why or Why not?

ChargePoint Home Electric Vehicle Charger: 16 Amp, plug-in station

A plug-in EVSE that connects wirelessly with Alexa for more function. Does not charge that fast because it is 16-amperes compare to 30-amperes. One catch is that it uses a 12-foot cable when modified will end the warranty for it.

A plug-in EVSE

A plug-in EVSE that connects wirelessly with Alexa for more function

Siemens US2: VC30GRYU VersiCharge Universal

One of the best EVSEs that rates at 30-amperes, and is a 240-volt charging station for your home. This isn’t portable, so it needs plugging in or hardwired to connect it. Charging is fast at 3.5-hours to get going in a shorter time. Come with a 20-foot cable if it is needed.

best EVSEs

One of the best EVSEs that rates at 30-amperes, and is a 240-volt charging station for your home

Get this 40-ampere, level 2, and portable EVSE with more power provided by it. It will charge about faster than any 16-ampere EVSE that is already available now.

Zencar Level 2 EV Charger

One of the more affordable EVSEs that is available and is a level 2 charger too. This EVSE is 240-volts and 16 amperes as rated with a number of safety features too.

In the Philippines, the use of PHEV, EV, and BEVs is yet to become common. One of the problems facing its use is where to charge and what is needed.

Everything needed to know how to Choose the best EVSE charging station is gone over. This allows all the relevant information for you to decide what may be the best option.

zencar

One of the more affordable EVSEs that is available and is a level 2 charger too

Besides, knowing how to choose the hardware and installation will help everyone install them correctly! Owning a PHEV, EV, and BEVs is highly technical and need all the information to get a home charger up and going.

Obviously, this is an investment that comes bundled with a new PHEV, EV, and BEVs which is very important.

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Author

Norjan enjoys writing about various topics, and car is among them. Don't ever ask him which his most favorite car is since he has none. He believes each car is beautiful in its own way.

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