Home EV Charging vs. Public: Benefits & Drawbacks

Electric vehicles are the future, there’s no question about that. There is, however, a choice: should you charge at home or hit the public charging stations? Each has its merits and drawbacks, and understanding them can help you make the smartest decision at the end of the day. Let’s get into it.

Home EV Charging

We’ll start off with the comforts of home.

Benefits:

1. Convenience: Imagine plugging in your EV in your own driveway, and waking up to the smell of coffee and a fully charged EV every morning. No hunting for chargers, no waiting in line. It's simple, it's easy, and it's efficient.

2. Cost-Effective: Not only does an electric motor and battery save you money in comparison to gasoline-powered vehicles, so does charging your vehicle at home. Your electricity bill will likely be much lower than the cost of using public charging stations, meaning keeping more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket.

3. Time-Saving: With home charging, there’s no need to go out of your way. Plug in when you get home, and you’re set. Plus, with smart home chargers, you can take advantage of off-peak rates, optimizing your savings. The best batteries for electric car conversions and factory models are suitable for fast-charging too.

4. Control: At home, you’re in full control. You can monitor your energy use, make sure your EV charges efficiently, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your vehicle is safe and secure.

Drawbacks:

1. Upfront Costs: Setting up a home charger isn’t cheap. The hardware and installation fees can be a significant investment, and not a standardized one either. The average cost for getting a Level 2 home charger installed in the US is around $1,300.

2. Infrastructure Requirements: Not every home is EV charger-ready. If you’re renting or living in an apartment, installing a charger might be a logistical nightmare and may demand tons of upfront cash.

3. Power Supply Limits: Older homes may need electrical upgrades to support high-powered chargers, adding to the potential cost and hassle pile. On the flip side, there’s a chance your home is fully-equipped to support a brand spanking new EV charger—meaning the only obstacle would be cost.

Public EV Charging

Now, moving onto the public sphere.

Benefits:

1. Accessibility: Public chargers are popping up faster than cafés in a gentrified neighborhood. For apartment dwellers or those without a garage, they’re a godsend.

2. Fast Charging: Public fast chargers can get your battery topped up in a fraction of the time it takes at home. All the best electric cars—conversion projects included—are equipped to charge fast.

3. Travel Flexibility: On the road, public charging stations keep you moving. Long trips become less daunting with the reassurance of accessible charging points.

4. No Installation Required: Using public chargers means zero setup costs. No need to tinker with your home’s electrical system. Potentially great for those on a budget or living in a rental.

Drawbacks:

1. Cost: Public charging can hit your wallet harder than home charging. Fast chargers, in particular, often come with premium rates.

2. Availability: Ever shown up to a packed restaurant and had to wait for a seat? That’s public charging stations for you. Sometimes, finding an available charger is more hassle than it’s worth. However, there are great apps that show you available chargers near you—sometimes even offering you the chance to reserve one.

3. Convenience: Driving around to find an available public charger disrupts your day. It’s not the same seamless experience as home charging.

4. Security Concerns: Leaving your car at a public charging station can be a gamble. The risk of theft or vandalism is obviously higher compared to the safety of your home. Unless your home is surrounded by goons. Then it’s probably the same.

Choosing between home and public EV charging is as much about strategy as it is about convenience. If you’ve already got the setup for home charging, it’s a no-brainer for the cost savings and control. But if you’re always on the move or lack the infrastructure, public charging could be your best bet. There’s no cookie-cutter solution for everybody. At the end of the day, it’s about looking at all the cards you have in your hand and making your future work for you.