Do you need a special adapter for an electric car?

Cincinnati drivers have caught on to the electric vehicle movement thanks to the great benefits they provide. Electric vehicles drastically reduce or even eliminate gasoline dependence and expenses, which helps the country depend less on oil. EVs are more environmentally friendly as they reduce emissions that harm our environment.

Because public charging stations aren’t yet as common as gas stations, many potential EV owners need to know, “Can you plug an electric car into a regular outlet?” The short answer is yes, but your car will charge slower than with a high-speed charger.

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Why Is Charging an EV at Home Important?

Cincinnati is taking small steps to offer more EV charging stations to drivers, but they are still difficult to come by and often not on your direct route.

While you wait for local politicians to make EV charging stations available across the area, can you plug an electric car into a regular outlet at home?

The answer is yes! Your home. A friend’s home. Any home! But, if you bring an extension cord to plug in your EV when you visit your mom or hang out at a friend’s, they are paying for your charge, which could lead to some friction.

Plug in your EV overnight while you sleep to recharge so your vehicle is ready for the following day.

EV Charging Options

There are a couple of different options for charging your electric car at home. Let’s take a look at each.

Standard 110-Volt Outlets

Today’s mass-produced electric vehicles include a charging unit that you can plug into any standard 110-volt outlet. This unit makes it possible to charge your EV from regular household outlets.

The downside of EV charging with a 110-volt outlet is that it takes a while. This is known as a Level 1 charger, which provides approximately four to five miles of range per hour charged. For an eight-hour overnight charge, you get around 36 to 40 miles.

For drivers who do not travel far in a day, the charge provided by a household 110-volt outlet is sufficient. Others with long commutes or who drive for work need higher efficiency from their charger. Home charging with a higher-voltage outlet significantly reduces charging time and adds more miles of range to your EV in the same period.

240-Volt Outlet

Can you plug an electric car into a regular outlet that is 240 volts? Yes! This is known as Level 2 charging. The 240-volt outlets are the type you typically see for electric clothes dryers at home and are most commonly installed for public charging stations.

Compared with Level 1 charging, a Level 2 will charge somewhere between twice and eight times as fast, depending on your car’s amperage. A Level 2 charging station will gain approximately 15 to 25 miles per hour of charging. You get about 180 miles of range over the eight-hour overnight charging period when you plug your EV into a 240-volt outlet. 

Level 2 charging is the best option for drivers in a hurry and those who drive more miles in a day.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Vehicle?

Electric vehicles have become more affordable, especially with federal and state incentives. Adding to their appeal is improved vehicle range and cheaper charging costs.

UCS.org analyzed 50 of the largest cities in the United States. The annual savings from charging electric vehicles versus fueling gas vehicles ranged from $440 to over $1,070 per year, depending on the electricity provider and local price of gasoline.

The savings are improved if EV owners are on a time-of-use electric plan, allowing them cheaper rates for charging overnight instead of during the day. 

Electricity prices are more stable than oil prices because they can be generated from diverse sources, and US electricity prices are regulated. 

Look at ChargEVC.org’s EV calculator to see how much you can save with an electric vehicle.

Let Apollo Home Install Your EV Charging Station

Is a Level 1 charger not cutting it? Do you have longer commutes or drive for work? It’s probably best to play it safe and install a Level 2 charger.Speed up EV charging at home when you install a home EV charging station by Apollo Home! Our licensed electricians perform the electrical system upgrades your home needs to support fast EV charging and install home EV charging units in Greater Cincinnati and surrounding counties. Contact Apollo Home today to learn more!

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When considering buying an EV, consumers rightfully think about destination charging - meaning where and how to charge the car while traveling.  However, a consideration often overlooked and misunderstood is how the car will be charged at home. 

All mass-produced electric vehicles today include a 110-volt-compatible (Level 1) charging unit which is able to be plugged into any standard 110v household outlet. The downside of EV charging with a 110v outlet is that it takes a while.  Level 1 charging provides approximately four to five miles of range per hour charged. For an eight-hour overnight charge, this will enable traveling around 36 to 40 miles which is great for people who drive less than 50 miles (80 km) a day. Most electric vehicle owners find that this meets their needs perfectly and allows them to conveniently charge their EV at home without any changes or upgrades. 

Using a 240-Volt Outlet Charges Electric Cars Faster

However, others with long commutes or who drive for work need more range may prefer to invest in a 240v, Level 2 wall-mounted charger. 240 outlets are the type you typically see for electric clothes dryers at home and are the type most commonly installed for public charging stations. Compared with Level 1 charging, a Level 2 charge takes about half the time - providing about 180 miles of range over an eight-hour overnight charging period. Level 2 charging is the best option for drivers in a hurry as well as those who drive more miles in a day. Level 2 fast charging is especially attractive for those who don’t have reliable access to public or workplace chargers. A Level 2 Charger  will need to be installed with the help of an electrician and it can be placed in a location that makes at-home charging even easier.

Choosing the Right Home Charger

With so many EV chargers on the market, it is important to know what to look for. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Hardwire/Plug-in: While many charging stations need to be hardwired and cannot be moved, some modern models plug into the wall for additional portability. However, these models may still need a 240-volt outlet for operation.
• Length of cable: If the chosen model is not portable, it is important to make sure the car charger is mounted in a place that enables it to reach the electric vehicle port. Be mindful that other EVs maybe need to be charged with this station in the future , so make certain there’s some flexibility.
• Size: Because garages are often tight on space, seek an EV charger that is narrow and offers a snug fit to minimize the intrusion of space from the system. 
• Weatherproof: If the home charging station is being used outside of the garage, search for a model that is rated for use in the weather.
• Storage: It is important not to leave the cable hanging loosely while it’s not in use. Try to find a home charger with a holster that holds everything in place.
• Ease of use: Be mindful to choose a model that is easy to use.  There is no reason not to have a charging station with a smooth operation to get the car plugged in and disconnected.
• Features: There are charging stations that allow the scheduling charging operation for times when electricity is cheaper.  Some models can also be set up to resume charging automatically when the power comes back on should an outage occur. In some cases, charging station operations can be synced through a smartphone app.
• UL Listed: This important safety designation should never be overlooked. Make sure the charger you buy contains the important seal.