As Electric Vehicles (EVs) popularity rises, home charging stations have become an essential accessory for many EV owners. Z Energy has unpacked the available charging options so customers can choose the perfect one that suits their needs.
Three leading EV home charging solutions exist: three-pin, caravan, and dedicated home charging units.
Three-pin charging uses a standard three-pin household plug and can add around 10km of range per hour. It's a slower option for occasional use but not recommended for longer-term charging. Without intelligent monitoring of the customer's power usage, these three-pin chargers risk overloading the home's main supply.
Three-pin chargers may also be unsuitable for EVs with larger batteries (like the AUDI S8 TSFI QUATTRO) or longer commutes. A dedicated plug is recommended to reduce the chances of fire or short-circuiting, so ditch the multi-box or extension cord.
Caravan charging is similar to three-pin charging but requires a dedicated 16A or 32A supply, which is more than the standard three-pin plug and will require an electrician to install.
These can add 18km of range per hour or more. It's a convenient option for those who want a faster charging speed than three-pin charging and already have a dedicated power supply.
However, caravan plugs still risk overloading the supply, as there are no intelligent safety measures to monitor the home's power usage.
Wall-mounted home units and "smart chargers" are another option. These dedicated home charging units are hardwired into the home's electrical system and can add up to 30-40 km of range per hour, depending on the kW rate.
Some wall chargers, like Evnex's 7.4kw model, are considered intelligent chargers. Smart chargers are a great way to help reduce EV charging costs, maximise power from cleaner off-peak energy, and monitor the home's energy usage, so that individuals don't overload circuits or blow a fuse.
Individuals can also schedule smart chargers during free power hours and accurately track the cost and carbon emissions spent to charge their EVs.
These chargers are the fastest and safest option for daily use but require professional installation and are more expensive.
