EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles use a charger to keep their battery fully charged. The charging process uses electricity, which can be supplied by a home EV charger or from public stations. A fully charged EV can run a few hundred miles. Some drivers choose to charge their car at home at night while they sleep or at work during the day, and others take advantage of the many public EV chargers available.

When choosing an EV charger, you want to ensure that it is certified for safety by UL or another recognized body. You also want to make sure the charger is rated for the amount of power it will deliver. Generally speaking, a higher-rated charger will be safer and more efficient. You should also check for a warranty and whether the charger is ENERGY STAR rated.

Some EVs come with a cable that can be connected to a standard 120-volt outlet, which works just like any other household appliance or device. Other EVs have their own dedicated charger port. Some have ports that look very similar to the ones used for gasoline pumps. These chargers are often referred to as Level 1 and typically charge at a rate of about 4 miles of range for every hour of charging. Most EVs can be fully charged overnight with this type of charger.

Most EVs can also charge at Level 2 charging stations, which are much more common than Level 1. Level 2 stations are designed to supply about 20 or 30 kilowatts of power at 240 volts. This is about five times faster than the typical home charging rate. Some EVs can accept a high-speed CHAdeMO charger, which can reach 80 amps at 240 volts and can charge a vehicle in about half an hour. These chargers can put a significant load on an electrical system and are best left for public stations or a dedicated garage charger installed by a qualified electrician.

If you own your home or can negotiate with your landlord, you should be able to install a dedicated Level 2 EV charger in your garage or parking area. If you rent, you will probably be able to install one of the cheaper EV chargers, but it is best to get the permission of your landlord before doing anything. Depending on the size of your home and the number of EVs, you may need to upgrade your home’s electrical capacity before installing the charger. 

Having an EV charger at home can significantly improve your life with an EV and make it more convenient to skip the gas pump. It can also save you money on your utility bills and spare the community from toxic tailpipe emissions. While there are a few upfront costs, most EV owners find that the investment is worth it when they factor in the savings and convenience. The average EV driver saves thousands of dollars across the lifetime of the car, and the choice to drive an EV helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions that are contributing to global warming.