Charging Your Electric Vehicle at Home

Charging your electric vehicle is easy, you plug it into your vehicle supply equipment, adapter, or charging station.  You need to charge your vehicle regularly and the length of time it takes for your vehicle to charge will depend on various things.  The type of equipment you are using, the batter type, the amount of range left on your battery between charges, and the battery's energy capacity will all affect the time.  Charge times can vary from 20 minutes to longer than 20 hours depending on those variances. 

There are different classifications of power provided to your electric vehicle battery.  Some convert AC power to DC electricity and some are DC fast charging, which provides DC electricity to your vehicle. 

AC 120 Volt

This requires you to use a cord with a standard household plug and the other end has a connector standard to your vehicle requirements.  This is a common household option because there is no installation required of other equipment.  AC 120 Volt charging works anywhere there is a 120 Volt outlet available, which is pretty much anywhere.  This type of charging can add up to 5 miles of range per hour, depending on your battery and vehicle type. 

AC 220/240 Volt

220 Volt charging can require you to install the correct outlet for this service or you can use your appliance outlet.  Many homes have 220 Volt appliance outlets, most commonly used for your dryer.  If you get an adapter you can turn your 220 Volt dryer outlets into an electric vehicle charging station at your own home.  This is convenient for overnight charging.  This type of charge can add up to 60 miles of range per hour of charge time, depending on your battery and vehicle. 

DC Rapid Charging

DC rapid charging is 480 Volts of AC, allowing for rapid charging.  This type of charge can add up to 100 miles of range in as little as 20 minutes of charging.  This type of charge is used at charging stations and is great for areas of heavy traffic. 

You can find charging stations nearby or along your scheduled route by using this link: afdc.energy.gov/locator/stations

If you want to install any type of equipment for 220 Volt charging into your home or office, you may need to obtain a permit, be required to hire a licensed electrician, and have an inspection done, depending on your local, state, or government codes and safety regulations. 

If you are an electric vehicle owner, share with us what your setup is for charging your vehicle at home.  Leave your thoughts in the comments below.