Struggling to Choose the Ideal EV Charger for Your Home Charging Needs? Let's Find Your Perfect Match!
So, you've taken the electrifying leap into the world of Electric Vehicles (EVs), and now you're faced with a crucial question: What's the best way to charge your EV at home?
You'll be glad to know that there are three common options, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. Let's dive in to help you make the right decision…
Simple and Cost-Effective: Standard 10Amp 3-Pin Plug
Got a spare power outlet at home? As long the power outlet is somewhere near where your EV will be parked overnight, the most straightforward and budget-friendly option is plugging your EV into a standard power outlet using a 3-pin plug. Yep, the same plug that’s on all your other appliances.
It’s as simple as that. This is the cheapest way to charge your EV at home. No need for any wiring, equipment or electricians!
But… (and there’s always a but), there are some trade-offs that come with this option. Foremost in charging speed. A standard 3-pin plug will take between 24-36hours to completely charge an average EV. That’s 2-3 days!
If you drive more frequently or need the option to top-up your electric car more quickly, then one of the following options might be more suitable for you.
The Sweet Spot: Dedicated Single-Phase Car Charger
If you're looking for a balance between price and performance, a dedicated single-phase car charger might be your sweet spot. These chargers can charge considerably faster than a standard 3-pin plug, making them a popular choice for many EV owners.
There is some additional equipment and wiring required, so you’ll need to get in touch with your local trusted electrician.
But it’s usually a straightforward installation and we’ll have you on the road in no time! Dedicated single-phase car chargers can halve your charging time, which is a must-have if you’re looking for more flexibility in your charging schedule.
The Need for Speed: 3-Phase Car Charger
For starters, most Melbourne homeowners don’t really need 3-phase charging for their electric vehicles. But if you’re all about charging speed and performance, then 3-phase EV chargers are the way to go. It all depends on how you use your electric vehicle, and whether you are willing to invest in getting the fastest charge times for your EV.
Installation of a 3-phase EV charger may require your electrician to undertake a supply upgrade and wiring a 3-phase circuit. This can be a substantial expense so its crucial you weigh up the setup costs against the benefits of faster charging to you.
Now, we’ve already asked the question ‘Do I need 3-phase charging for my electric vehicle?’ in our previous blog. So if you’re on the fence about whether 3-phase charging is right for you, check it out for some more in-depth information.
Side By Side Comparison of Charging Speeds
To make this decision easier, let's put the charging speeds of each option into perspective by comparing them side by side. We'll use a Tesla Model 3 with a 55-82 kWh battery as our benchmark, assuming a charge from completely flat to fully charged.
3-Pin Plug: Charge Rate: 2.3 kW, Charging Time: 24-36 hours
Single-Phase Dedicated Charger: Charge Rate: 7 kW, Charging Time: 8-12 hours
3-Phase Charger: Charge Rate: 22 kW, Charging Time: 5-8 hours
Keep in mind that charging from completely flat to completely full is a scenario that rarely occurs in practice. For most EV owners, daily trips are shorter, and all you need is a bit of a top-up overnight. In such cases, the 3-pin plug might suffice.
However, if you want more flexibility with your charging schedule or have a slightly higher daily driving demand, a dedicated single-phase charger strikes a good balance between cost and performance.
If you own an EV with a larger battery or simply crave the fastest charging times available, the 3-phase option might be your choice, but remember that it requires a 3-phase power supply.
Interested in a bit more detail?
Now, if you're curious about the difference between single and 3-Phase power, check out our detailed blog post here.
Additionally, if you're considering supply upgrades, both single and 3-Phase, we have another informative blog post to guide you through the process.
Find the Right Match for YOU
When you're thinking about getting an EV charger for your home in Melbourne, it might sound a bit confusing, but don't worry, we're here to help. We're your local electricians serving the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, and we're excited about the shift towards electric cars. At Kenner Electrics, we're ready to make the process of getting an EV charger for your home as easy as possible.
Our goal is to make it simple and safe for you to charge your electric vehicle right at home. We specialize in residential electrical installation and service work, so you can trust us to professionally set up your new EV car charger wherever it's most convenient for you. At Kenner Electrics, we're here to support you in the journey towards a greener and more convenient way of driving.
Enjoy the journey!
