The maintenance of electric cars is not just a good idea for their owners. It’s a necessity. In order to make it easier for drivers to top off their batteries throughout the day, more towns and businesses are investing in public car chargers in response to increasing demand for environmentally friendly cars over conventional gas cars.
Although an increasing number of commercial charging stations are becoming available, there are still many that are hard to access, making finding an open charging spot difficult.
Public charging stations aren’t always free, though. It’s a good idea to invest in an in-home electric car charger if you want to keep your vehicle charged up. You’ll pay much more than you would if you used them to keep it charged up. Here’s why it’s so important to have one at home before you choose one.
How Far Can an EV Go On a Full Charge?
Electric cars can travel between 100 and 400 miles on a full charge, depending on the battery they are equipped with. Most electric cars can go between 100 and 400 miles on a full charge. With that range, most drivers can go several days without completely draining their batteries.
It is, however, imperative that you find a charging station when you are away from home to top up your batteries. Depending on where you are, finding a charging station can be extremely challenging. Moreover, it takes time for your car’s batteries to charge long enough for you to reach your destination safely.
How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car at a Charging Station?
You can expect EVs to charge for 2 to 5 miles per hour at a charging station depending on the charger you’re using. Level 1 chargers charge at an average speed of 2 to 5 miles per hour. Level 2 chargers charge at an average speed of 10 to 20 miles per hour. Drivers can expect to charge 180 to 240 miles per hour using a level 3 charger.
Are Portable EV Chargers Worth It?
You may not be able to find or locate charging stations when you are most in need, even though they can provide faster charging times. You can charge your electric car no matter where you are, even if you’re hundreds of miles away from a charging station.
How a Portable EV Charger Works
It features a large battery bank that can be charged at home with a standard 120-volt outlet, unlike an in-home car charger. Portable electric car chargers can be used anywhere. With this small charging unit, your car can be charged for up to 50 miles before the battery runs out. You plug in your car just as you would at home, just as with any car charger.
Power Comparison vs. Regular Car Charging Stations
Chargers with larger batteries offer greater power as well as faster charging speeds and longer charging ranges. Chargers with smaller batteries provide less power and give drivers less range per charge.
Although portable chargers are useful, they are far less powerful than regular car chargers. Since they’re not limited to a fixed capacity, they can charge your car until your batteries are full since they can access a greater voltage. Permanent units are linked to the electrical grid and can charge your car much faster.
Therefore, it is a good idea to have access to both portable and permanent charging stations. In the event that your batteries run out on the road, the portable charging station will provide you with just enough range to get back to a charging station. The permanent charging station will keep your car charged for everyday use.
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the top pros and cons drivers should consider when deciding whether or not portable chargers are right for them:
Benefits of portable EV chargers
1. They travel with you
Your batteries won’t run out of power if you have a portable charger with you.
2. They’re compact
Unlike a trunk full of gear, groceries, and other items, a portable charger occupies less space than a trunk full of portable chargers.
3. They’re cheaper to install
With portable chargers, no hardwiring is necessary in your home, so no technician is required to install the electric car charger. You can charge the charger from any standard wall outlet.
Disadvantages of portable EV chargers
1. They have small capacities
The range provided by portable chargers is limited on a charge by charge basis. They won’t be able to charge your car from empty to full.
2. They’re heavy
You may encounter difficulties maneuvering portable chargers when using them.
3. Slow charge speed
As a result, most portable EV chargers charge at a much slower speed than regular chargers as they are designed to charge electric vehicles in an emergency.
Can You Have an EV Without a Home Charger?
Even though it’s possible to drive an electric car without a home charger, that’s not a good idea. If you don’t have a home charger, you’ll be entirely dependent on public charging stations that may not be conveniently located close to your home or workplace. It’s not enough to use a portable charger as your only charger, though they can extend your range.
Home Electric Car Chargers
The home charger is powerful enough to charge your vehicle overnight, keeping your batteries fully charged when they’re empty, and charging them to maximum capacity when they’re empty. Drivers can drive an electric vehicle with ease and convenience just as easily and conveniently as a gas-powered car with an in-home charger.
Benefits of In-Home Car Chargers
Electrified vehicle owners can benefit from in-home charging in several ways, including:
1. Infinite charging capacity
When your car remains plugged in for a long period of time, home chargers always provide a steady supply of electricity. Portable chargers run out of electricity very quickly.
2. Better long-term affordability
Your domestic electric rate is all that is required to keep your car topped off, as opposed to paying for public charging stations.
3. Wide range of options
The chargers are available in levels 1, 2, and 3, so you can choose the charger that fits your driving habits and your budget. In order to ensure that your system is installed safely and properly in your home’s circuit, you will need to schedule an electrical inspection and rewiring consultation.
Electric Car Charger Installation
To reduce upfront costs, begin by looking for state grants for installation of an electric car charger in your home. If you’re ready to install a charger, here are a few things to do first.
In addition to getting the rebate on Florida electric car charger installation, you should also check for a licensed and insured electrician who is a certified electrician. Whether your system is in the home or in the office, they can install it quickly and make sure that everything works correctly.
With Performance Air Conditioning Electrical & Plumbing, you can purchase an electric vehicle charger that meets all your needs and can be installed in your home. We offer affordable financing options for all types of electric vehicle charger installations.
Your electric vehicle charger will work properly the moment it’s installed because our technicians are fully licensed and certified. Find out which charging station will work best for your home and driving habits by scheduling an appointment with our team today.
Frequently Asked Question
Do portable EV chargers work?
Portable EV chargers do indeed work and can be a convenient solution for charging electric vehicles (EVs) in various situations. These chargers typically come with different power levels and connectors to suit different EV models, allowing users to charge their vehicles wherever there’s a compatible power source available.
Is mobile EV charging worth it?
Mobile EV charging can be worth it in certain scenarios, particularly when you need to charge your EV away from traditional charging stations. This can be beneficial during emergencies, road trips, or when you don’t have access to a fixed charging infrastructure. However, it’s important to consider factors such as charging speed, compatibility with your vehicle, and the availability of charging options in your area to determine if mobile charging is the right choice for you.
Is an EV charging station better than a portable charger?
The choice between an EV charging station and a portable charger depends on your specific needs and circumstances. EV charging stations, especially those with high-power outputs, can provide faster charging speeds and may be more convenient for daily charging at home or work.
On the other hand, portable chargers offer flexibility and mobility, allowing you to charge your EV wherever there’s a suitable power source available. Ultimately, the better option depends on factors such as charging frequency, travel patterns, and personal preferences.
Can you charge an EV with a portable charger?
Yes, you can charge an EV with a portable charger, provided that the charger is compatible with your vehicle’s charging port and electrical requirements. Portable chargers typically come with different connector types, such as Type 1, Type 2, or CCS, to accommodate various EV models. It’s essential to ensure that the portable charger you use is compatible with your EV to avoid any compatibility issues or damage to the vehicle’s charging system.
