If you’re new to the electric vehicle (EV) world, you’ve probably heard the term “range anxiety” before. Range anxiety refers to the fear of running out of battery juice while on a trip, and knowing that there’s no convenient place for you to charge your EV. Even though there’s no reason to worry about range anxiety, given how steadily charging infrastructure has increased, the reality is that anxiety can always hit you in the middle of a trip.

One of the best ways to ease range anxiety is to have a strong home charging infrastructure in place. In this piece, I’ll be diving deep into how in-home charging stations can help eliminate range anxiety and streamline EV charging for you.

What Are Home Charging Stations, Exactly?

Home charging stations, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), are electrical devices that can be installed into your home garage or driveway. These devices operate at a voltage of 220 volts (much like appliances such as ovens or dryers) and charge your EV at a much faster rate than a 110-volt wall outlet can.

Home charging stations come in a few different shapes and sizes, so it’s good to do some research before choosing one that’s right for you. The following are some popular options:

  • Level 1 Home Charger – This option uses a standard 110-volt wall plug, like the one you’d use to charge a cellphone or tablet, and is often included with your electric vehicle purchase, although it’s the slowest option and could take up to 24 hours to charge your vehicle fully.
  • Level 2 Home Charger – This is the most popular option among EV owners, as it can charge an EV from empty to full overnight, and is much faster than a Level 1 charger. It’s not included with your electric vehicle purchase and will require professional installation by an electrician.
  • Level 3 Home Charger – This is the fastest option for EV charging, capable of charging your car in as little as 20 minutes. But these chargers can be expensive and usually require special electrical systems to be installed. It’s also important to note that most electric vehicles on the market currently are not compatible with Level 3 chargers, but technology is continuously improving and evolving.

The Benefits of In-Home Charging Stations for EV Owners

OK, so you know what home charging stations are and what they do. But what are the benefits of having one? Here are a few:

  • Convenience: Owning a home charging station means you no longer have to make detours to an EV station to charge your car if you need to travel a longer distance than anticipated. Instead, you can simply plug in and charge your EV at home or when you arrive at your destination.
  • Cost Savings: Charging at home is significantly cheaper than charging at public charging stations. You can enjoy cost savings over time, especially if you drive your vehicle frequently or have a long commute.
  • Peace of Mind: Having a home charging station means that you don’t have to rely on public charging spots or worry about running out of juice on long trips. Upon completion of every trip, your vehicle will be fully charged and ready to go.

Reducing Range Anxiety With In-Home EV Chargers

While it might seem daunting to purchase an in-home EV charger, ultimately, it’s the best decision you could make for long-term EV ownership. Eliminating range anxiety is crucial for EV drivers living better and more comfortable EV lifestyle.

In fact, range anxiety is one of the most crucial barriers to wider EV adoption. Research shows that roughly 66% of American consumers are behaviorally sympathetic to EVs, but only 1% actually drive them. And one of the broadly cited reasons for this is that potential customers have so-called “range anxiety.”

At the same time, with more and more EVs hitting the market at an affordable price, potential buyers may be more encouraged to make the switch. By adding an in-home charging station to your home, you could perfect your EV experience and no longer have to worry about range anxiety.

The Key Takeaway

While the automotive industry is constantly expanding and innovating, so too is the capacity of the EV charging industry. Invest in an in-home charging station to ease your range anxiety and improve your EV experience.

 

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