If you are shifting to electric vehicles soon, you must check the details like range, battery capacity in a single charge, electricity cost, or availability of public charging nearby.
But among all these things, one of the main questions that every EV owner wants to know is whether I need to install a home charging station or opt for a public one.
While having your home charging setup is a more convenient option, public charging is quicker. However, it’s not always possible to find a public station. So which one to choose?
To clear all these doubts, let’s dig deeper and look at the Pros and Cons of Home Charging vs Public Charging for EV Owners.
Pros and Cons of Home EV Charging Station
Pros
1. Convenient
Although charging your EV at home requires a dedicated charging station, it is one of the most convenient options after installation. You can easily plug in your EV to charge overnight and get a fully charged battery in the morning.
2. No waiting period
When you have a home EV charging station, you don’t have to worry about waiting hours in line at a public charging station during peak hours. Instead, you can recharge your EV whenever you want.
3. Saves Cost
Generally, home charging is one of the most cost-effective options for EV owners. You don’t have to pay for charging fees as you do at public charging stations and easily save extra on charging during off-peak hours. Moreover, if you have a solar panel setup, it will help you cost even less than an on-grid setup.
4. Customization
With home charging, you will get the feature of customizing your charging process according to your preferences. So you can set the charging speed and plan the timing using the given app.
5. Privacy and Security
One of the main benefits of EV charging stations at home is that you get a level of privacy and security.
6. Add value to your home
Electric vehicles are becoming a new normal. It means installing a home charging setup will add value to your property and attract future buyers with an EV.
Cons
1. Upfront Installation Cost
Home charging station requires you to invest in installation and charging equipment. But you can offset these expenses through incentives offered by government and utility companies.
2. Longer charging time
EV charging at home can take longer than charging it at public stations. That’s because the power available at home is limited, slowing the charging speed and adding to longer charging time.
3. Increase electricity cost
Charging your EV at home can put a strain on your electricity bills. Especially if you charge your EV during peak hours or live in a locality with high electricity prices.
4. Limited Accessibility
If you don’t own a property or live in an apartment without specific charging infrastructure, home charging may not be the right option.
Pros and Cons of Public EV Charging Station
Pros
1. Convenient for long trips
If you travel frequently, you can easily use public charging stations conveniently installed on highways, shopping malls, and workplaces. This way, you won’t run out of fuel throughout your journey.
2. Fast charging
Public EV charging stations often offer faster charging options that allow you to charge your electric vehicle faster than your home-installed setup. So you can quickly recharge your EV during your short trips.
3. Accessible
Public charging stations are slowly becoming readily available in urban areas, including public places, hotels and highways. It makes this an easier charging option if you are travelling or don’t have a dedicated charging setup.
4. Wide Compatibility
Public charging stations support various charging types and EV models. It makes them compatible with a wide range of electric vehicles.
Cons
1. Limited Availability
During peak hours or in high-demand areas, there may be lesser availability at public charging stations, causing delays.
2. Cost more
Usually, public charging costs can vary as per charging network and location. So there are chances that it costs more than your home charging station.
3. Dependence
If you depend solely on public charging stations, it can cause issues while travelling to places with limited charging infrastructure.
4. Inconvenience
Public charging can be less convenient than a home charging setup because you need to plan your trips according to the routes around charging locations.
Types of EV Chargers: Home Charging VS Public Charging
While comparing EV home charging vs public charging, it’s essential to understand the chargers supported in both these setups.
Home EV Chargers
Level 1 Chargers
These are the typical chargers that come with your EV. You can easily use it with a standard household electrical outlet. They are a little slower in speed but fit perfectly for overnight charging.
Level 2 chargers
Unlike Level 1 chargers, you must install dedicated charging ports with 240-volt circuits for these chargers. It enables you to top up your EV within a few hours. However, many companies offer portable Level 2 chargers that don’t require installation.
Public EV Chargers
Level 2 Chargers
These are the dedicated public chargers you can usually find in public spaces like shopping malls, hotels, parking lots or offices. They offer faster charging speed, enabling you to recharge your EV during your daily activities.
DC Fast Chargers
These are the fastest charges in public charging spaces that you can find for compatible EVs. It enables you to charge your EV up to 80% within 20-30%. So you can easily top up your EV battery quickly on longer trips.
Conclusion
While home and public charging stations have advantages and disadvantages, they contribute significantly to the EV revolution. So whether you want to recharge your EV overnight or top it up quickly during long trips, the choice relies on you. We hope all the pros and cons of home and public charging stations discussed above help you make the right choice.