Home sockets are typically meant for household appliances that draw low power. However, EVs require a large quantity of power over a lengthy period, which burdens electrical systems and may cause fires. Furthermore, it could damage your power grid.
If you live in an old house, the wiring will not be equipped to manage the heavy load EVs require for charging, leading to short circuits.
Comparison of Home Sockets vs. Dedicated EV Chargers
| Feature | Home Sockets | Dedicated EV Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | Low (Typically 120V) | High (Typically 7.4 kW or 11 kW) |
| Charging Speed | Slow (Over a day) | Fast (Few hours) |
| Safety | Risk of overload and fire | Built-in safety features |
| Smart Features | Not available | Scheduling, monitoring, control |
| Impact on Power Bill | High | Optimized with smart charging |
Home sockets are also slow chargers. Sometimes, charging an EV entirely with a regular 120V outlet can take more than a day. Because of the time it takes to charge automobiles, the amount of electricity consumed will be significant, causing your power bills to shoot up.
Home sockets do not guarantee a steady power supply, leading to fluctuations. It could adversely affect your EV’s battery power in the long run, reducing its longevity and efficiency.
They also lack smart charging features to schedule, monitor, or enhance charging during non-peak times, reducing your options to save money. In the bargain, they also fail to guarantee that your EV will be charged capably.
A home socket can cause electrical issues while charging your EV, which your insurance may not cover, causing you to spend additional money from your pocket.
Introduction to EV Charging
An electric vehicle (EV) charger’s primary objective is to transmit electric power from an electricity grid to recharge EV batteries. The EV charging equipment provides electric power at precise voltages and currents to enable an EV to be charged securely and ably within a specified period. The power output of a charger determines everything. There are different types of EV chargers and varying power levels to meet several charging requirements.
Types of EV Chargers
| Type | Power Output | Typical Charging Time |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V outlet) | 1.4 kW | Overnight or more than a day |
| Level 2 (240V outlet) | 7.4 kW to 22 kW | 4-8 hours |
| DC Fast Charging | 50 kW to 350 kW | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
Their primary role is to provide the electrical interface to enable energy transfer. After that, renowned home EV chargers, like those made by ThunderPlus, regulate and supervise the charging process and employ safety features.
Electrical Load and Home Sockets
Most home EV chargers have a power output of 7.4 kW or 11 kW and must be connected exclusively to the meter box.
Safety Concerns with Home Sockets
If the wiring is improper and in cases of electrical overload, home sockets can be hazardous.
A Level 2 charger needs to be plugged into a 240V channel along with an exclusive GFCI breaker.
It should be hardwired, facilitating the direct connection of the charger and the electrical panel.
Risk of Electrical Fires
The entire electrical wiring should adhere to the requirements of the EV charger to avoid electrical fires.
Ensure that the power supply for the home EV charger is sufficient.
Place home EV chargers externally instead of within the home.
For instance, ThunderPlus’s home EV chargers are secure and protect against electrical fires.
Impact on Home Wiring and Infrastructure
EV chargers can adversely affect home wiring and infrastructure by putting more pressure on the power grid.
Inefficient Charging and Increased Time
A lower battery level allows EVs to be charged faster because the batteries can take in more power.
If the EV batteries are larger, they take longer to charge than smaller ones.
Battery Size and Charging Time
| Battery Size | Estimated Charging Time (Level 2) |
|---|---|
| 40 kWh | 4-6 hours |
| 60 kWh | 6-8 hours |
| 100 kWh | 10-12 hours |
Lack of Monitoring and Control Features
Proper monitoring and control features for home EV chargers require a system that utilizes data collection and transmission to manage home EV batteries and their charging processes.
You can smart charge to remotely oversee, manage, and regulate power.
Ensure that the EV usage, charging process, and app are connected.
Benefits of Dedicated EV Chargers
As a home EV charger is exclusively connected to the meter box, your vehicle gets more power, enabling faster charging.
Exclusive home EV chargers are safe to avoid causing an electric overload if appropriately managed.
Features of Dedicated EV Chargers
| Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Smart Charging | Schedule charging during non-peak hours to save on electricity bills. |
| Monitoring | Track charging progress and energy consumption via an app. |
| Safety Features | Built-in safeguards to prevent electrical overload and potential fires. |
| Speed | Higher power output for faster charging times. |
A dedicated home EV charger with built-in connectivity offers more flexibility and control. With a user-friendly app, you can manage and organize your charging sessions remotely, putting you in the driver’s seat of your EV charging experience.
The home EV charger of ThunderPlus, a leading provider of EV chargers and charging solutions in India, offers you dedicated home chargers.