Top 7 Things to Consider
When Buying an EV Charger
Electric vehicles are good for the environment and your pocket. They do not produce undesirable tailpipe emissions, and they are less expensive to maintain than ICE cars. To get the best out of electric vehicles, however, you need to have your charger. This will make charging more convenient and reduce your dependence on rapid public chargers.
Selecting a good EV charger might prove challenging as you have to go through many models to find one of high quality and suits your needs. This article will show you what you need to consider before settling for one, based on our buying experience.
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1. Plug-in or Hardwired?
How will your Electric Car Charger be connected to the power supply is the first consideration you need to make.
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​According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 80% of EV owners charge at home, in that case, a permanent charging installation might just be enough. However, if you are considering a unit that can keep the flexibility to use at home as well as on a road trip, a portable charger might be the right fit for you.
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A portable charger with a plug will be simpler to install. It will provide you appropriate power outlet ready for your charger to be plugged no matter you are aiming for home use or trip use.
Since EV chargers must work all year round and in different weather conditions, waterproofing is another feature you need to consider.
2. Is the charger waterproof, and to what degree?
Suppose you park your electric car near your home but not under any canopy or covering. If it starts to rain while you plug in the car to charge, it would not be convenient to stop charging for fear of the charger getting damaged.
The scenario above is why you need a charger that has a high IP rating. This rating (Ingress Protection) shows the sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures to foreign intrusions like dust and water.
IP comes in different levels. For instance, if your EV charger has an IP66 rating, the first digit means the charger is entirely dust-tight. The second digit means it is protected against powerful jets of water.
Pick a charger that is at least IP66 rated so that you can use it with peace of mind in any condition.
Your electric car comes with maximum amperage, and you need to factor in this too.
3. What ampere is suitable for your car?
Your charging ampere determines how fast the car will charge, i.e., the more ampere your EV charger can supply, the faster your battery will fill up.
However, electric cars have a maximum ampere they can receive. Most models available today can take a maximum of 16 to 32 amps, but some take more. Confirm with your manufacturer before buying an EV charger.
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After confirming the amperage, you need to pay attention to connecting the charger to your EV.
4. What plug and adapter do you need?
There are two types of plugs for AC EV chargers, type 1 and 2. Type 1, which is more common with American vehicles and is also known as SAE J1772, has a single-phase plug and supplies 7.4 kW. Type 2, standard on European and Asian cars, connects with a triple-phase plug and can supply up to 43 kW.
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Depending on your car brand, you might need an adapter to be able to plug into it.
5. What length of cord is enough for me?
The length of your charger matters, especially if you plan to use it outside your home. If it is too short, it might not extend from the wall socket to your car or pull taut, where it could trip unaware passers-by.
We advise you get a charger with a cord length between 20ft and 26ft as they are in the sweet spot between being long enough and portable.
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This brings us to the next consideration; portability.
6. How big and sturdy is the carrier bag? Does it fit into my car trunk?
What is an EV charger when you don't have it handy? You should be able to bring your charger with you so you can charge anywhere. EV chargers could be bulky, so you need one with a carrier bag that is strong enough to bear the weight. The carrying case must also fit in your car. Some EV owners prefer to store their chargers in the 'trunk' or space under the hood where the ICE would have been.
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If you own a Tesla, there is one more thing to consider.
7. If I am a Tesla owner, is it easy to buy an adapter?
Tesla owners may need to add an SAE J1772 adapter to use an EV charger. However, it is easy to order one directly from Tesla's online shop or Amazon. They are inexpensive and allow you to charge anywhere.
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A good charger is a must-have for an electric vehicle owner. This is why we recommend the Shell Portable EV Charger. It is a fast Level 2 that is available in both 32 and 40 Amp. With its IP67 rating, the charger can withstand even the rain while also being flame resistant. This charger works with all-electric vehicles and comes in a case for easy transport so you can use it anywhere. There is also an LCD where you can monitor the charging status. Kindly click here to order or for more information.