More than 1,700,000 EVs were sold between July 2023 and June 2024, demonstrating the traction of electrical mobility.
EV owners must install a suitable electric vehicle charger at home. Since there are many options in India, selecting the correct charger can be daunting.
This blog considers the key factors when choosing an EV charger for your home.
Understanding Your Needs
Before you select a charger, understand your EV’s usage patterns. A slow charger will do if yours is a small vehicle with a low battery capacity. For heavier vehicles, you have to opt for a fast charger. ThundePlus, a leading provider of EV chargers and changing solutions, can help you zero in on the charger suited for your EV.
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Average Daily Commute (km) | If < 50 km, Level 1 charger is sufficient |
| Electricity Load | Ensure you have a dedicated 240V outlet for Level 2 charging |
| Budget | Level 1 chargers are budget-friendly, while Level 2 provides faster charging at a higher cost |
Government Guidelines and Standards
On January 14, 2022, the Ministry of Power updated guidelines and standards for EV charging infrastructure. This endeavor was to encourage many people in India to transition to EVs from traditional vehicles. The aim of this framework is to establish a secure, user-friendly, and cost-effective EV charging ecosystem to encourage eco-friendly transportation solutions.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Charger Standards | Bharat EV Charger AC001, DC001 |
| Connector Types | Type 2, CHAdeMO, CSS |
| Subsidies | Up to ₹6,000 – ₹20,000 depending on the state |
Types of EV Chargers
An EV charger is equipment that delivers electrical energy to recharge an EV’s battery. EVs can be charged at various places, including homes, public spaces, or exclusive charging stations.
AC Chargers
These offer relatively slow charging and can be installed at a home, an office, or a shopping center.
DC Chargers
They offer fast charging and can be accessed at public EV charging stations on highways or cities.
Home EV chargers can meet most daily travel requirements, including daily home activities, commuting to work, and other household errands.
Around 80% of all EV charging in India occurs at home, often at night.
Beyond the AC and DC categorization, the EV chargers also include the following
Type 1 Charger
This is the slowest charging option available. It takes around 20 hours to charge a battery for an EV for a range of 190 km. Using AC power with an output range of 1kW to 7.5kW, it is commonly referred to as a ‘single-phase’ plug. However, it’s suggested that individuals use Type 2 or 3 chargers for faster and more productive charging.
Type 2 Charger
Type 2 Charger provides quicker charging than Type 1 and is suited for home charging. It operates with a single-phase or three-phase input power system and can handle 3.3 kW to 43 kW for a 400-volt AC supply. ThunderPlus offers both Type 1 and Type 2 chargers.
Related Article: How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?
Combined Charging System (CSS)
CSSs are mainly used for cars and buses. These types of chargers are available in public charging stations. They have a capacity of 350 kW and offer voltage ranging from 200 to 1,000 VDC.
State EV Charging Policies
Certain states in India have favorable EV charging policies, such as subsidized electricity rates for charging stations.
| State | Subsidies for Chargers | Government Policies |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Up to ₹6,000 subsidy on charger installation | Offers incentives under the Delhi EV Policy |
| Maharashtra | Up to ₹10,000 subsidy on chargers | Targets 10% EV adoption by 2025 |
| Tamil Nadu | No specific subsidy for chargers | Policy promotes EV infrastructure |
Cost
The cost incurred by an individual depends on factors such as the type of vehicle, charger type, and charging habits.
You should select the right EV charger for your home based on your requirements. When you understand your needs, you adhere to the government guidelines by opting for a suitable charger type, which will help you achieve a seamless and efficient charging experience. The experts at ThunderPlus can help you choose one.