Congratulations on deciding to buy an electric car! Now comes the exciting part specific to EV ownership: choosing the right home charging station. While it may seem complex, this guide will break it down for you step by step.
Charging your EV at home is simpler than it sounds. Here's how it works: you arrive home, press the car’s charging port release button, step out, grab the cable from your home charging station, and plug it into the charging port. That's it! Your car will quietly recharge while you enjoy your evening.
If you've already read our guide, A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Cars: How to Charge at Home, you're aware of the benefits of installing a level 2 charging station. But with so many models and features available, how do you choose the right one? Let’s explore the key considerations to help you make the best decision.
The good news: in North America, all EVs use the same plug for level 2 charging, except Tesla vehicles, which include an adapter. Whether you drive an Audi, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, or Volvo, the SAE J1772 plug is the standard. This ensures that any level 2 charging station you purchase will be compatible with your vehicle.
Consider where you usually park. If you park outdoors, you'll need a weather-resistant charging station. Some models are built to withstand extreme temperatures, from icy winters to scorching heat. Look for weatherproof ratings in the product specifications.
The cable length matters. Charging stations vary in cable length from 12 to 25 feet. Measure the distance from your parking spot to the charging station location to ensure the cable can comfortably reach your vehicle’s charging port. We recommend a cable length of at least 18 feet for flexibility.
If you have more than one EV, you have two options:
While all level 2 charging stations can fully charge an EV overnight, charging speed depends on:
A general formula for charging time is: Battery size (kWh) ÷ Charging power (kW) = Charging time in hours.
Smart chargers offer additional features, such as:
However, many EVs already have smart features built into their own apps, so verify what your vehicle offers before paying extra for a smart charging station.
Ready to Find the Perfect Charging Station?