Electric vehicles (EVs) aren’t aren’t just the future — they’re they’re present. Gas prices are going up, more people care about the environment, and EV technology is getting better; as a result, the switch to EVs is on for many. But once you’ve decided to drive an electric car, the next question is: How will you charge it?

While the number of charging ports available increased by 18% over 2022, charging sessions on networks such as ChargePoint grew 39% in 2023​, suggesting that infrastructure is not keeping up with the demand for EV adoption​. (kbb.com)

You are losing money, time, and energy if you still depend on public charging stations or a standard outlet. Home EV chargers are game changers for how you charge up your wheels, and at Advisor Solar, we understand the difference it makes. Here’s why you might want to install one today.

Why Home Charging is Better Than Public Charging

Let’s start with the basics. In the long run, charging your EV at your residence is much more convenient and efficient.

Here’s why:

• No Searching for Charging Stations: Finding public charging stations can be difficult, particularly in rural areas. This is hardly a viable solution for everyone, and the frustration of constantly circling the block for a free spot can take the joy out of driving an EV.
• Reliability: Rising Public Charger Usage: J.D. Power found that 21% of EV drivers come across non-working chargers, an increase from 14.5% two years earlier. ​(newsroom.mastercard.com) However, you have access to home chargers at all times. You don’t have to worry about availability or malfunctioning public chargers.
• Costs Add Up: Public charging stations might cost you more per kilowatt-hour (kWh) than you would pay at home. Even with some EV networks providing “subscription models,” the price is often higher than what you’d pay by charging at home.

How a Home EV Charger Saves You Time

We understand that time is limited. Using a home EV charger is one of the best and easiest ways to simplify your routine and avoid wasting time.

Here’s how:

• Charge Overnight: Just plug in your EV at night , and you’ll have a full charge when you wake up, like when charging your phone. No waiting all day long.
• No Wasted Time Searching for Charging Stations: Public charging stations are inconvenient and not easily found in many places, as mentioned above. Home charging completely solves this problem.
• Convenient Locations: The charger is installed in your garage or driveway and is available anytime or at night. The stress of driving to remote locations, as well as availability anxiety, is over.

For busy individuals, time saved on charging is critical; being able to plug in whenever you want makes your daily routine much more manageable.

How a Home EV Charger Saves You Money

Now, it’s not only about time; home EV chargers can save you a chunk of money, too.

Here’s why:

• Lower Electricity Rates: Home charging stations usually cost less per kWh than public charging stations. The cost per kWh is often lower, especially if you time your home charging during off-peak utility rates.
• Solar Integration for Even More Savings: If you already use solar for your home, you can combine this with your home EV charger to decrease energy costs even more. That means the power you’re charging your EV might be 100% renewable, reducing your carbon footprint and energy bill.
• Avoiding Public Charging Fees: One disadvantage of using public EV chargers is that there might be an additional fee, a session fee, or a higher cost per minute. Charging at home lets you avoid these extra expenses altogether.

Considering how much you could save on your monthly energy bills plus public charging costs, the savings can add up quickly.

How a Home EV Charger Reduces Hassle

There are many benefits to owning an electric vehicle (EV)—such as zero tailpipe emissions, lower operating costs, and an overall smoother driving experience. But charging your vehicle is one of the most pivotal elements shaping your experience. Although the availability of public charging stations is constantly improving, these places create their own challenges. However, a home-level EV charger eradicates many of those frustrations.

Here’s how:

1. Convenient Charging Right at Home
2. Predictable Charging Times
3. No Lines or Waiting for a Free Spot
4. Consistent and Reliable Power
5. Say Goodbye to Overcrowded Stations

1. Convenient Charging Right at Home

We are now in a world where you can come home after a long day, pull into the driveway or garage, and plugin. That’s it — no hunting down a charging station or waiting in line. Home EV chargers allow you to charge your vehicle the same way you charge your phone. You don’t need to fear running out of power during a busy day or scheduling an extra trip to a charging station between your responsibilities.

• No more driving around looking for chargers
• Charge overnight while you sleep.
• Always have a full battery by morning.
• Experience the comfort of round-the-clock availability at home.

2. Predictable Charging Times

Have you ever had a public charging station malfunctioning or taking longer than expected? According to recent studies, about 1 in 5 public chargers experience outages or technical issues. With a home EV charger, you can say goodbye to delays. EV chargers offer you complete control over when and how your car is charged. And, whether charging during off-peak hours or overnight, you’ll  always know how long it’ll-it’ll take.

• No more surprises or delays
• Charge during off-peak hours to save
• Faster charging with Level 2 chargers (10-20 miles per hour)
• Know exactly when your vehicle will be ready to go.
• Dissatisfaction with public chargers has generally risen, particularly Level 2 chargers, which saw a 28 percent drop in satisfaction in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared with the year before.

3. No Lines or Waiting for a Free Spot

Public charging stations can get crowded during peak hours. However, demand for charging spots will grow, too, as the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that EVs in the U.S. will reach 18 million by 2030. That means you might spend valuable time waiting for a free station.

• Skip the waiting game.
• Charge whenever you need it—no competition for spots
• No added delays during busy times
• Always have access to a charger at home.

4. Consistent and Reliable Power

Public charging stations aren’t aren’t always reliable. Sometimes, they’re out of order, broken, or occupied when you need them most. By installing a home EV charger, you are ensuring that you have reliable access to power. Therefore, there will be no more searching for a charger or worrying if that charger is even working to start with. Your home charger is always there, waiting to give you power without interruptions.

• Guaranteed availability when you need it
• No more unreliable public stations.
• Enjoy peace of mind with always-working chargers.
• Never worry about outages or technical issues.
• Station malfunctions or outages were responsible for 71% of the failed charging attempts. This issue has been a persistent challenge, as many stations suffer from broken plugs, connectivity issues, or weather-related wear​ (smartcitiesdive.com)

Say Goodbye to Overcrowded Stations

Public charging stations, especially in city centers, tend to get crowded. The demand for chargers will keep increasing as more people adopt EVs. This often leads to long waiting times and increases charging costs during peak hours.

• No overcrowded stations to worry about
• Charge at your convenience, not according to availability
• Take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
• If you have solar panels, charge your car with renewable energy, reducing reliance on the grid.

Choosing the Right Home EV Charger for Your Needs

You must know its types if you are considering getting a home EV charger. There are two main types of a home EV charger, Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Each type comes with its advantages. EV owners need to understand which type meets their needs the best.

The table below will help you through the process:

Feature	Level 1 Charger	Level 2 Charger
Charging Speed	Slow, adds about 2-5 miles of range per hour	Fast, adds about 10-60 miles of range per hour
Installation	Uses standard 120V outlet, no installation needed	Requires a 240V outlet and professional installation
Best for	Occasional EV drivers, or if you don’t drive much	Daily drivers or people with longer commutes

Top Features to Look For in an EV Charger

When selecting your charger, consider these key features:

• Energy Usage Tracking: A lot of home EV chargers come with integrated systems that can track your energy consumption so that you can monitor how much you’re spending, helping you optimize your usage.
• Innovative Features: Certain chargers offer smartphone applications that let you schedule charging sessions for off-peak times, optimize energy use, and provide real-time updates.
• Compatibility: Make sure your charger fits your EV model. Most modern chargers are universally compatible, but it’s always good to double-check.

How to Install a Home EV Charger

A home EV charger is easily installed but is usually best done professionally. Here’s a step-by-step process of EV charger installation:

1. Assess Your Home’s Electrical System: A licensed electrician will determine whether your home’s electrical system can accommodate a Level 2 charger. Any old home might require a few updates.
2. Choose the Right Charger: Depending on your needs (and budget), you can select between a Level 1 or Level 2 charger.
3. Hire a Professional for Installation: Hiring a certified electrician to install a Level 2 charger is critical. It makes sure of the safety and compliance with local rules.
4. Apply for Rebates and Incentives: Various rebates and tax incentives are available in different states. Make sure you check out these to save on installation.

If you’re already thinking about a home EV charger, why not take it further and make your pad even more energy-efficient? Read in our new blog, Why Should You Get Backup Batteries Along with a Solar System? Combining solar energy with backup batteries to maximize your savings, increase reliability, and make sure your EV is always charged no matter what.

Why Choose Advisor Solar for Your Home EV Charger?

A home EV charger is more than a wise investment. It can help you save precious time, money, and the hassle of charging your EV. It is also a more convenient way of keeping your electric vehicle powered up.

If you’re ready to make the change, Advisor Solar will guide you through the process. Our expertise, trusted services, and compatibility with solar energy will ensure you’re charging your EV in no time.

Here’s why:

• Expert Installation Services: Having installed EV chargers for over 2000 solar customers, our EV charger experts can install your charging station, making your transition as easy and smooth as possible.
• Integration with Solar Panels: Integrate your home’s solar energy setup with your EV charger to charge your car using solar power for a fully sustainable charging solution.
• Affordable Financing Options: We provide flexible financing options to invest in your home charger without a substantial financial impact.
• Proven Track Record: We’ve earned an average 4.9-star customer satisfaction rating and a solid reputation with over a decade of experience.

Ready to make the switch? Take the first step towards efficient, affordable, hassle-free home EV charging, and contact Advisor Solar today!

FAQs