Do I really need to install an EV charge point at home?

[Octopussy91]

About 6 weeks ago we took delivery of a Renault Zoe.

We're using it as a second car: a day-to-day runabout for shopping, taking the kids to school, etc. We almost never cover no more than 30 miles a day in it.

It rarely gets below 85% and I don't recall it ever going below 80%.

We've been charging it using a standard three-pin plug, which is working fine: we plug it in overnight every couple of days and it's back to 100% by the next morning.

It would cost us £800 (including the government subsidy) to have a charging point installed and I'm starting to wonder if it's really worth it.

Our main family car is petrol-engined. There's a good chance we will change to an EV at some point in the future, but it's likely to be at least 3 years away.

Any views?

 

[Fastnf]

About 6 weeks ago we took delivery of a Renault Zoe.

We're using it as a second car: a day-to-day runabout for shopping, taking the kids to school, etc. We almost never cover no more than 30 miles a day in it.

It rarely gets below 85% and I don't recall it ever going below 80%.

We've been charging it using a standard three-pin plug, which is working fine: we plug it in overnight every couple of days and it's back to 100% by the next morning.

It would cost us £800 (including the government subsidy) to have a charging point installed and I'm starting to wonder if it's really worth it.

Our main family car is petrol-engined. There's a good chance we will change to an EV at some point in the future, but it's likely to be at least 3 years away.

Any views?

For your use there is absolutely no reason to install a higher wattage EVSE at home. There are a number of forum users here that do not need and have not installed a Level 2 EVSEs. I enjoy driving but also am content to stay home as well. So for me I can easily add as much range as I need with Level 1 EVSE. If I am going on a long trip I will plan my charging accordingly so that I start the trip with a full charge. Using level 1 EVSE charge rates hasn't limited my traveling at all.

 

[marshall]

I don't think you need to spend the money right now either. If your current EVSE breaks, then that would be the time to upgrade.

 

[gooki]

I'm similar and haven't bothered to install an dedicated charger.

 

[bwilson4web]

We've been charging it using a standard three-pin plug,

It would help if "standard" was defined:

• voltage
• current
• optional, power output

The last time I checked, the UK 3-phase wall outlet had substantially more power than our North American, single phase, 120 VAC 15/20 A outlets.

Limiting power draw to 80% of the design maximum, a USA outlet will have 1.44 kW = (120 * 15) * 80% or 1.92 kW for a 20 A circuit.

Bob Wilson

 

[TonyInGA]

Since I've driven about 600 miles in my 2020 Bolt Premier, and I've gotten down to 28% SoC. But, tbh, I'm still charging at home on a Level 1 charger, with an Extension Cord (only once (actually 2x, but the 2nd time was only 8 minutes of charging to get some of my money back), did I use ChargePoint).

Technically, my main reason for this, is that I'm renting, and really not sure how much longer I'll be here. But, from investigation, Level 2 can cost US $1,200.00 - $4,000.00. So for me, that's a big NO on getting it.

And, from what I read, I agree with the others; no sense in spending the $ if you don't have to.

 

[Crash]

I wish I would have done some research first. I started down the path of getting a Level 2 charger installed (w/ all the electrical work) before getting my EV. Very expensive in my case due to my electrical setup. I actually might have my Level 2 charger finally installed in about a month (4ish month process).

For me, there are some free Level 2 chargers at my work (whenever I actually go back to the office), and I do have a Level 3 ElectrifyAmerica station 5 miles away that I could use if really needed. I have also used the PlugShare app (which is the best one that I have seen in the US) to find a few free Level 2s w/in 15 miles of my house.

So in the end, I could have easily kept my car charged w/o a home charger. I just keep telling myself that the home charger will help the resale value and potential buyers whenever I sell the house...

And my current 120V outlets in my garage do not work w/ my Level 1 charger, so I have to string an extension cord to my garage to use my Level 1. So another reason for me personally to somewhat (though not very well) to justify the expense of installing the Level 2.

 

[porky]

I got my Niro EV right before the pandemic started. Back then, my 80 mile round-trip to work, four days a week was just about enough to be supported by my L1 charger which added about 50 miles in 12 hours of charging overnight. Now, with over a year and a half of still working from home, I am in no hurry to get a L2 charger. Running the cable and installing an EVSE will probably run me $1500 after government rebates.
Also helps that our other vehicle is gasoline run.

 

[Spoonman.]

I know a few people with short-range EVs who don't both installing anything extra.

 

[NorthernLights]

Don't feel that U have to install a level 2 charger just because it's faster. See if using only a level 1 works for U. If the car isn't charged up enough for your usage pattern frequently, than get one installed. My wife and I have two EVs (no gas cars) and we have been working it out fine on only one level 1 charger. We don't need the cars for work everyday, and we have a garage to charge, so it works for us. I will probably install a level 2 EVSE at some point, but for now, the single level 1 is working just fine.

 

[TNGJ]

No, I charging tesla long range at home with standard plug with no problem.

 

[JohnDD]

I wish I would have done some research first. I started down the path of getting a Level 2 charger installed (w/ all the electrical work) before getting my EV. Very expensive in my case due to my electrical setup. I actually might have my Level 2 charger finally installed in about a month (4ish month process).

For me, there are some free Level 2 chargers at my work (whenever I actually go back to the office), and I do have a Level 3 ElectrifyAmerica station 5 miles away that I could use if really needed. I have also used the PlugShare app (which is the best one that I have seen in the US) to find a few free Level 2s w/in 15 miles of my house.

So in the end, I could have easily kept my car charged w/o a home charger. I just keep telling myself that the home charger will help the resale value and potential buyers whenever I sell the house...

And my current 120V outlets in my garage do not work w/ my Level 1 charger, so I have to string an extension cord to my garage to use my Level 1. So another reason for me personally to somewhat (though not very well) to justify the expense of installing the Level 2.

Have your garage plugs checked for correct wiring. If line and neutral are reversed, most appliances will work, but charger won't. If ground is missing, charger won't work.

 

[brentr]

It sounds like you are charging from about 85% to 100% regularly. My understanding is that batteries tend to last longer if they are not charged up to 100% regularly. I think there may be other posts on this idea and may some other folks could add comments but from what I know and with your use I think I would plan on charging from 60% to 80% to help the battery life.

 

[HarryP]

I wish I would have done some research first. I started down the path of getting a Level 2 charger installed (w/ all the electrical work) before getting my EV. Very expensive in my case due to my electrical setup. I actually might have my Level 2 charger finally installed in about a month (4ish month process).

For me, there are some free Level 2 chargers at my work (whenever I actually go back to the office), and I do have a Level 3 ElectrifyAmerica station 5 miles away that I could use if really needed. I have also used the PlugShare app (which is the best one that I have seen in the US) to find a few free Level 2s w/in 15 miles of my house.

So in the end, I could have easily kept my car charged w/o a home charger. I just keep telling myself that the home charger will help the resale value and potential buyers whenever I sell the house...

And my current 120V outlets in my garage do not work w/ my Level 1 charger, so I have to string an extension cord to my garage to use my Level 1. So another reason for me personally to somewhat (though not very well) to justify the expense of installing the Level 2.

I found I had the same problem with my Dad's garage outlets when I tried to charge from them. Turns out the fix was extremely simple for me: Tighten the grounding wire screw on the outlets (and snug up the others as well while you're at it..

Fixing your garage outlets may be a really simple DIY project. I had the same problem wiith my dad's 1960's garage outlets. Turns out the ground was bad.

If you don't already have one I'd suggest getting one of those pocket sized outlet circuit testers like shown below to test your wiring. Just $11 or so.

The fix was simply turning off the power then disconnecting the outlet (3 screws), tightening the screw on the ground wire (and snugging up the other wires while I had it out) and putting it back. Of course, make sure the power is off first from the breaker box, using that ciircuit tester on the outlet. ... Or hire a home handyman to do it iif you're uncomfortable working with home wiring.

.

 

[Barter1]

I did use a L1 for 2 months to charge my 2021 Bolt. But my utility offers discounted rates for night and weekend charging and a $500 rebate for Charge Point charger. So it was a no-brainer to get it set up. The rate is .11 compared to .16. I had to have a separate meter installed and I have some electrical wiring experience so I pull the wire from one side of the house to the other side into the garage. The electrician charged me $200 to install the meter box, breaker box and connect to the Charge Point. (I purchased all the parts) The benefit was the new meter and wiring did not have to go thru my electrical panel. Power goes thru the meter to a 40 amp breaker and then to the Charge Point charger. My charging pattern has changed as I usually only charge a couple of times a week and try to charge on the weekends to monitor the possibility of a fire. My utility company is Detroit Edison and they were very easy to work with and did not require a permit.
Hence it all depends on all the factors and your usage. Much easier just charging a couple of times a week and not having it plugged in every night.

 

[Crash]

I found I had the same problem with my Dad's garage outlets when I tried to charge from them. Turns out the fix was extremely simple for me: Tighten the grounding wire screw on the outlets (and snug up the others as well while you're at it..

Fixing your garage outlets may be a really simple DIY project. I had the same problem wiith my dad's 1960's garage outlets. Turns out the ground was bad.

If you don't already have one I'd suggest getting one of those pocket sized outlet circuit testers like shown below to test your wiring. Just $11 or so.

The fix was simply turning off the power then disconnecting the outlet (3 screws), tightening the screw on the ground wire (and snugging up the other wires while I had it out) and putting it back. Of course, make sure the power is off first from the breaker box, using that ciircuit tester on the outlet. ... Or hire a home handyman to do it iif you're uncomfortable working with home wiring.

. View attachment 13725

Yep, I have one of those and everything looks good. I am not sure if it is due to my circuit being a 10amp circuit (I should double check that). Thanks

 

[Crash]

I did use a L1 for 2 months to charge my 2021 Bolt. But my utility offers discounted rates for night and weekend charging and a $500 rebate for Charge Point charger. So it was a no-brainer to get it set up. The rate is .11 compared to .16. I had to have a separate meter installed and I have some electrical wiring experience so I pull the wire from one side of the house to the other side into the garage. The electrician charged me $200 to install the meter box, breaker box and connect to the Charge Point. (I purchased all the parts) The benefit was the new meter and wiring did not have to go thru my electrical panel. Power goes thru the meter to a 40 amp breaker and then to the Charge Point charger. My charging pattern has changed as I usually only charge a couple of times a week and try to charge on the weekends to monitor the possibility of a fire. My utility company is Detroit Edison and they were very easy to work with and did not require a permit.
Hence it all depends on all the factors and your usage. Much easier just charging a couple of times a week and not having it plugged in every night.

I am doing something similar (whole new EV-dedicated service being delivered to garage). You got a better deal on the electrician . Just a listing of the work needed for me: 1) install new service point/breaker box, 2) bring in power to that service point, 3) buy the charger, and 4) connect the charger. #1 is done, #2 in the next month, #3 on back ordered for 5 weeks, #4 easy but still more $$$.

 

[Jebcidic]

It sounds like you are charging from about 85% to 100% regularly. My understanding is that batteries tend to last longer if they are not charged up to 100% regularly. I think there may be other posts on this idea and may some other folks could add comments but from what I know and with your use I think I would plan on charging from 60% to 80% to help the battery life.

What brentr said, many ev's, my kona included, have a SOC limit you can specify (80%, 90%, 100%) to shut off the charger. My smart 453 does not, but it's easy enough to see the SOC display and just unplug it at 80%. It also recommends in the manual to run it down below 40% monthly to give you a better estimate on available range.

 

[Puppethead]

So in the end, I could have easily kept my car charged w/o a home charger. I just keep telling myself that the home charger will help the resale value and potential buyers whenever I sell the house...

I also viewed adding L2 capabilities to my house as a home improvement, so the cost compared to the house value was easier to justify than the cost compared to the EV value. And in a few years L2 will likely become a selling point.

 

[TotalClarity]

I bought the ChargePoint unit from Amazon for about $600, had to add an extension to reach the car for an additional $120. Found a good electrician to install the 240V plus next to the fusebox for $200. I drive a Clarity and usually make it well over 2,000 miles a tank -