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There are a lot of variables but you probably don’t “need” a home charger. Most people are fine just plugging in. It takes about 10 hours to charge overnight going from 0 to 47 miles electric. And if you are not concerned with using gas once in a while then there is no reason to spend extra money. The level 2 charger can charge in 2.5 hours. If you think you will have electric in the future then its a good investment. Summary, it’s a luxury and you can probably find one cheaper than $674. With installation its around $1000


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Will you frequently make more than one 40+ mile excursion from home in the same day? That's when being able to recharge in just over 2 hours (or less if your drive isn't as far) makes it worth installing a Level 2 EVSE (Electric Vehicle Service Equipment). As @MisterS said, the cost of installing a Level 2 EVSE isn't just the cost of the EVSE itself. You also have to hire an electrician to get 240 volts with at least 40 amps wired to wherever you'll be charging your Clarity.

 

Will you be charging indoors (garage) or outdoors? If outdoors, the level 1 isn't a great long term option. After a few months, I installed a hardwired, UL listed EVSE and have found it an incredible convenience.

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Ditto to the previous replies. You should also investigate whether your local utility has any "incentives" for buying an EV. Our home utility (PG&E) give a flat out $500 payment for having purchased a EV or PHEV vehicle. That basically covers the cost of a level-2 charging unit (but you will probably still need to pay an electrician to wire a 240V outlet to your garage/driveway.

We also have a vacation home in Sonoma County, CA, and the utility there will pay 100% of the cost of a charging unit (again, the cost of the installation is up to the consumer).

Being able to fully charge the vehicle in ~2.5 hours is a big advantage, and getting a level-2 station installed gets you ready for owning pure EV vehicle in the future.

 

I recommend to use the level 1 cable that comes with the car until you are more familiar with how the car works with your normal driving routes. Then you will see for yourself that the level 1 cable is probably sufficient.