by admin | Apr 16, 2025 | battery charging, battery electric vehicles, electric cars, electric power, technology
Charging behemoth Qmerit announces its most successful quarter yet for Level 2 residential charging station setups. Credit the car manufacturers for heeding the call.
There are actually
lots of ways
To own an electric vehicle even without having access to a home Level 2 charger. However, typically, if installing a home charging station is possible, it would be quite foolish not to do so. Among all the advantages of choosing an electric vehicle, this benefit stands out as perhaps the most compelling.
It seems that an increasing number of electric vehicle owners are becoming aware of this. The leading charging station installer company is recognizing this trend as well.
Qmerit
told
InsideEVs
The first quarter of 2025 marked the most successful period in the company’s nine-year history regarding home charger installations in North America. Notably, this represented a 57% increase from the last quarter of 2024.
Those results
reflect the increase in electric vehicle sales observed in the United States over recent months
Even though numerous experts anticipated a decline should tax credits expire, this has not occurred yet. Many consumers might be hastening to purchase new vehicles before potential tariffs come into play. Regardless of their motivations for buying cars, Qmerit COO Oliver Phillips mentioned in an email that these buyers are increasingly opting for home charging stations as part of their deals.
“As they become accustomed to the ease of at-home refueling, consistently starting each day with a fully powered car, this lays the groundwork for greater adoption,” Phillips stated.
Photo by: Hyundai
Qmerit chose not to disclose the precise count of installations completed during Q1; however, they noted these were spread throughout various regions across the United States rather than being concentrated in just a handful of pro-electric vehicle states. Phillips commented, “Our figures indicate that EV adoption isn’t limited geographically or ideologically. As charging infrastructure becomes more dependable, home-centric, and user-friendly, EVs could mark the beginning of this new narrative.”
Qmerit is among an expanding group of businesses that provide
full-service EV charger installation
From initial assessments through obtaining permits all the way to completing the project, this entire process can often prove intricate and challenging—particularly when dealing with electrical work unfamiliar to the contractor.
However, Qmerit might wish to express gratitude to the automobile manufacturers for
pulling themselves together here
above all.
For a long period, car manufacturers aimed exclusively at producing electric vehicles, leaving all other aspects to be managed by other businesses. They were not required to venture into the gasoline station sector, and many chose to avoid dealing with the possible legal issues related to home charging installations.
Now, however, more and more of them are realizing they need to make charging easy from the get-go, and that includes throwing in a home charger—and sometimes helping with or covering install costs—when the car is purchased.
Several automakers offer this
Now, involving companies like General Motors, Honda, Ford, Hyundai, and more. Several will collaborate directly with Qmerit for this service, whereas others merely direct new electric vehicle owners to the firm.
Most EV drivers charge their cars at home. But in recent years, as automakers sweetened purchases with deals around free public fast-charging, many of them treated those as replacement gas stations instead—leading to
long lines at chargers
When they can do it more conveniently and affordably at home. The focus has now shifted towards prioritizing home chargers instead, which is a wiser choice for those who have a garage and an electrical panel available.
As evidenced by these figures, the strength of our collaborations shines through,” Phillips stated. “We are innovatively teaming up with automobile manufacturers and dealerships to minimize obstacles in obtaining home chargers—aiming to make this process more cost-effective and seamlessly integrated into the vehicle purchasing journey.
Contact the author:
patrick.george@insideevs.com
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by admin | Mar 30, 2025 | battery charging, battery electric vehicles, electric cars, electric vehicle charging stations, transportation
BYD amazed everyone with its rapid charging capabilities. A chief executive from an electric vehicle charging network commented, “Speed isn’t everything when it comes to charging.”
This month, the Chinese car manufacturer BYD stunned the global market when it
boasted extremely fast charging speeds for its upcoming electric vehicles
BYD claims these vehicles can handle up to 1,000 kilowatts of charging power—which is roughly four times the capacity of an average Tesla—resulting in charge times as brief as five minutes for approximately 250 miles of range.
For years, it has been evident that electric vehicle chargers must become quicker to attract more customers. However, according to Andrew Cornelia, CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging, a charge time of merely five minutes might be excessive.
during an interview
on the
InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast
this week.
He remarked, ‘This represents an incredible advancement. The sector will undoubtedly follow.’ However, he added, ‘It’s important to remember that quicker isn’t necessarily preferable.’
Today,
Most popular electric vehicles require between 15 to 40 minutes for charging.
To accumulate a substantial level of charge at a sufficiently potent DC fast-charging station. This would provide enough power for several hundred miles of highway travel during a journey. Cornelia emphasizes that advancing quicker-charging vehicles is crucial; however, she believes the sector is nearer to achieving this ideal state than it might appear.
Should we aim to finish charging within five minutes? Likely not, as the typical duration spent refilling a gas tank usually ranges from 10 to 12 minutes,” he stated. “That’s essentially what we’re trying to determine.
Mercedes Fast-Charging Stations
It sounds reasonable. Filling a gas tank might only require three to five minutes, yet customers frequently end up purchasing coffee or lottery tickets as well. This often results in what I consider an unacceptable practice: leaving your vehicle at the fuel pump. However, that topic deserves its own discussion.
Moreover, he argues, people are thinking about charging times all wrong. It’s not about making charging as fast as possible all the time—but rather making the charging time fit the stop or activity you’re doing. After all, a big pro of EVs is that they can be plugged in and sucking up juice whenever they’re parked, whether that’s for five minutes or five hours.
He argues that 1,000 kilowatts of charging power wouldn’t be practical for a residential garage since you will invariably be stationary for multiple hours regardless.
He mentioned that when visiting a movie theater, you don’t require a 1,000-kilowatt charge; instead, you need a system suitable for a two-hour stay. If you’re at a café, perhaps you’d prefer quicker service, yet it typically involves just a brief 15-minute pause.
According to Cornelia, “five-minute charging is really practical for only a specific set of situations.”
The Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub at the Mercedes-Benz USA headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Certainly, Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging remains dedicated to ensuring that charging stops are as swift and effortless as possible. They utilize 400-kW stations, providing ample energy for nearly every electric vehicle available in the United States.
Furthermore, as inferred from Cornelia’s point of view, the firm prioritizes installing charging points in spots where motorists can engage in activities during the refueling process. They’ve formed partnerships with establishments such as Starbucks and Buc-ee’s, known for their extensive service areas.
Nevertheless, Cornelia pointed out that BYD’s declaration serves as a powerful statement showcasing the promising future of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
“It’s crucial to convey that charging can theoretically provide power at this output and speed under specific conditions,” he stated. “However, such scenarios aren’t the most common.”
Have information regarding the electric vehicle industry? Reach out to the author:
Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com
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by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | battery charging, battery electric vehicles, electric cars, electric power, technology
Is Mercedes-Benz equipped with the perfect formula for the rapid charging experience you desire? Additionally, consider Hyundai’s EV facility along with Rivian’s approach.
Despite a year filled with various uncertainties, the U.S. electric vehicle industry continues to grow.
continues to grow rapidly
But what’s hindering that expansion isn’t primarily the vehicles; it’s the process of charging them.
A substantial part of the electrical realm revolves around infrastructure, ensuring that consumers have
good home charging options
for managing road trips and exploring lesser-known routes with reliable DC fast charging. The former typically works smoothly and excellently; the latter
can really be hit or miss
.
Enter Mercedes-Benz, which is taking some of the boldest steps among traditional automakers to ensure that DC public fast charging doesn’t just magically get better on its own. On this week’s episode of the
Plugged-In Podcast
, my co-host Tim Levin and I are excited to have a conversation with Andrew Cornelia, who is the CEO of
Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging
.
We have discussed this aspect of Mercedes frequently before. They are striving to create an extensive system of reliable, top-notch public charging stations throughout the United States. These will include facilities such as restrooms, snack options, and powerful 400-kilowatt chargers that function flawlessly each time.
Cornelia has deep knowledge in this area since he spent nearly half a decade working with Tesla’s charging infrastructure. His aim is to make sure everyone can have access to a top-notch charging experience soon. Similarly, Mercedes’ quick-charging station network is accessible to all electric vehicles, regardless of the brand. However, Mercedes vehicle owners receive exclusive benefits and priority service.
Tune in to hear Cornelia’s ideas about how to make charging better, plus what he really thinks of BYD’s new five-minute fast-charging breakthrough.
Additionally, in today’s podcast episode, we discuss
Rivian’s newly launched Micro-Mobility Brand
I’ll share my thoughts on
Hyundai’s bold new facility in Savannah, Georgia
That’s where the American-built Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9 reside. And of course, we can’t ignore tariffs; after all, this is the Plugged-In Podcast.
Our podcast can be found on
InsideEVs YouTube
Channel later today, along with all prominent audio platforms:
Apple Podcasts
,
Spotify
, and
iHeart Radio
New episodes become available every Friday.
If you haven’t done so yet, kindly subscribe and drop us a review. Thank you for listening!
Contact the author:
patrick.george@insideevs.com
Previously On The Pod
-
We’re Addressing Your Electric Vehicle Queries on Our Podcast
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BYD’s Game-Changing 5-Minute Electric Vehicle Fast Charge, Decoded
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Is Toyota Now Genuine About Electric Vehicles?
-
Tesla Sales Continue to Plunge in Europe. What’s Next?
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How to Rescue Electric Vehicles from Political Influence
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by admin | Mar 5, 2025 | battery charging, electric cars, electric power, electric vehicle charging stations, expenses
Over fifty percent of the expense for a new DC Fast Charger goes towards a singular safety circuit. Specialists indicate this might undergo changes in the future.
-
Building DC fast chargers can be extremely expensive.
-
Approximately 60% of the total expense goes towards a circuit specifically intended to protect individuals from electric shock during the charging process.
-
It might be possible to find a less expensive yet equally safe method to achieve this, which could also enhance the reliability of electric vehicle chargers.
Have you ever wondered why DC fast chargers are so costly to construct? A solitary 300-kilowatt Level 3 charger—that’s merely
one
Staying for an extended period at a public DC fast charger can exceed costs of over $100,000. This expense is among the factors contributing to the sluggish development of charging infrastructure and its heavy reliance on governmental funding.
a la
federal funding
.
Let’s discuss what’s contained within that charger. If we were to dismantle it, we’d discover approximately $90,000 worth of electronic components responsible for transferring power from the electrical grid to your vehicle’s battery. The surprising part? Around 60% of this expense covers a single safety circuit designed to ensure nothing malfunctions and causes harm to you. This indicates that over half the price of an electric vehicle charger is dedicated solely to safeguarding your well-being.
Photo by: General Motors
$54,000 in Shock Protection: Why It Matters
The system is referred to as an isolation link. As stated
IEEE Spectrum
The estimated cost for this protective measure is around $54,000. If you extrapolate that figure to cover an entire 8-stall charging station, over $430,000 would be allocated solely for safety gear. Here’s how it functions:
Fuel dispensers use mechanical mechanisms for controlling the flow of gas into vehicles. In contrast, electric vehicle charging stations handle high-voltage electrical currents.
frequently at 800 volts or higher
Electricity is lazy; it will take the easiest route to the ground. If something goes wrong with this immense force, it could electrocute you immediately. That’s precisely why safety measures are crucial.
An isolation link achieves a safety principle known as
galvanic isolation
This involves isolating two distinct circuits within an individual electrical setup to stop current from passing between them. For electric vehicle chargers, this entails disconnecting the electrical connection between the charger’s power supply and the vehicle. Therefore, should a malfunction happen, the energy will have no route except to return to the grid.
Here’s how
IEEE
explains it:
Assume an electric vehicle’s battery starts to leak. Since the leaked substance conducts electricity, it can create a pathway for electrical flow between the battery system and the vehicle frame. Should the grounding connection fail, and assuming there is no insulation, the car’s structure might become highly charged. Consequently, anyone who touches the automobile while grounded risks receiving a severe electric shock. However, with proper insulation, this danger vanishes as there won’t be any conducting route allowing electricity from the power grid to reach the car exterior.
In order to achieve electrical separation, each Direct Current Fast Charger incorporates a transformer within its power conversion equipment—this component transforms alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), and vice versa. The high-frequency transformers used here can handle large amounts of electric power at elevated voltage levels, serving as an essential element in the circuit design without establishing a direct link from the utility grid to your vehicle. Although this setup is complex and costly, failing to include it might result in a charging error turning your Tesla into something akin to aTesla coil instead of safely replenishing its battery.
More Affordable Charging Options Are Not As Straightforward
Photo by: John Voelcker
Researchers and engineers know that charging infrastructure is too expensive. These experts are looking into ways to cut costs without compromising safety. But some of those ideas come with serious caveats and would mean rewriting how every modern EV charges.
One suggestion is to remove the isolation link from the charger and instead mandate that electric vehicles incorporate their own isolation system within the vehicle’s onboard charger. As onboard chargers in automobiles manage power conversion, they typically include galvanic isolation. Nevertheless, many of these systems generally support power conversion only at levels up to Level 2 charging speeds; Tesla being an exception, for instance.
can handle up to 48 amps in most of its versions
).
This might significantly reduce the expense of the chargers, yet all cars are not constructed identically.
Today’s electric vehicles come with various charging systems, and placing the burden on manufacturers would necessitate a new universal standard that currently does not exist. As such, earlier models of EVs might get excluded from this transition. Additionally, there’s the concern about relying on car makers to embrace and execute a novel universal standard securely. After all, experience has shown us that they are entirely consistent when it comes to regulating themselves without external oversight.
examining cases such as your observation of Volkswagen’s diesel emissions cheating, the General Motors ignition switch issue, and the Takata airbag recalls
).
Next comes the significant issue of expense. We shouldn’t overlook that the price tag for this circuit isn’t going away anytime soon. Relocating the hardware into the vehicle wouldn’t eliminate the cost; instead, it would merely shift the expense from the charging station to the car itself. To put it plainly, it’s unfeasible from the outset.
The Argument for Abandoning Solitude
Photo by: Electrify America
This completes the cycle: safety features render DC fast chargers extremely costly. High expenses result in delayed installations and restrict the quantity of charging spots at each location. Regarding solutions, some specialists advocate eliminating isolation connectors in charging stations entirely.
Initially, this concept may appear risky. However, IEEE proposes a different approach: rather than separating the circuits, why not incorporate an additional grounding system? Consider this: the secondary ground wouldn’t just provide another fail-safe; it could also identify a grounded fault immediately and halt the charging process right away upon detection. In principle, this solution could remove the necessity for expensive isolation components. Furthermore, it would enhance the charger’s dependability considerably since it streamlines the charger’s power electronics by removing one significant potential source of malfunction.
Next is another concern that needs addressing: discrepancies in voltage levels.
If the line voltage from the charger surpasses that of the vehicle’s battery momentarily, an unchecked flow of current might lead to damage of the vehicle components. According to IEEE, addressing this issue involves employing a buck regulator—a device designed to reduce voltage levels safely from the power supply. However, the piece notes that although this introduces additional intricacy into the charging setup, incorporating such a buck regulator with comparable capacity would only increase costs by roughly 10%, as opposed to utilizing an isolation link.
Will This Actually Happen?
Perhaps, but definitely not in the near future.
The rationale for eliminating galvanic isolation appears logical on paper.
original Tesla Roadster
used non-galvanically isolated charging,
but
It also lacked the ability to utilize DC Fast Charging. Contemporary DC fast chargers deliver substantial currents into today’s electric vehicles’ batteries and necessitate additional safety features (thus requiring an isolation link). However, if—and this is a significant condition—
if
—The industry not only has the potential to create a dependable and secure method for achieving this, but it could also revolutionize the electric vehicle charging sector.
Through a pragmatic perspective, the global community is currently grappling with providing adequate public charging solutions, and no one wishes to be the pioneer taking risks regarding safety. Companies specializing in charging infrastructure, automotive manufacturers, along with regulatory bodies would require an ironclad assurance that any non-isolated system matches the current standards of charger safety. Assuming this condition were met, implementing these changes could still take several years—particularly considering how critical safety concerns must be addressed thoroughly.
For now, anticipate that new electric vehicle chargers will continue to be quite expensive. Since when it comes to ensuring your safety from electrical hazards, the industry has not been keen on compromising (at least not yet).
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by admin | Feb 28, 2025 | battery charging, business, electric power, electronics, home and property
Tom Moloughney repairs a homeowner’s damaged plug and describes the issue that caused it.
It goes without saying that most electric vehicle charging happens
takes place at home
It is not a secret that
Not every Level 2 charger is made alike.
However, even though L2 installations are typically viewed as simple, they too can vary greatly. These enclosures handle significant electrical currents. Any deficiency could lead to severe outcomes.
To reinforce that idea, our colleague Tom Moloughney initiated a segment on his own.
State of Charge
The YouTube channel is named Recharge Rescue. Briefly put, they go to visit individuals who have issues with their residential charging stations. He elucidates the problem before bringing in an accredited electrician with expertise in electric vehicles to fix the situation.
His series began last year, however, the newest addition transports us to Ohio for a
Mustang Mach-E
owner with a damaged NEMA 14-50 receptacle.
![]()
The video kicks off with crucial information: not every outlet marketed as industrial-grade can handle prolonged high-power usage. Moloughney points out a Leviton 279-S00 plug, usually priced at about $10 and labeled as industrial quality. He contrasts this with a newer Leviton model made exclusively for electric vehicle charging. Significant distinctions emerge; the enhanced plug is noticeably bulkier, featuring additional internal metal components and superior terminal connections within its casing.
The cost discrepancy is significant—at $66 compared to $10. However, Moloughney points out that the elevated price is entirely justified due to the enhanced quality and functionality. To sum up, you invest more to receive more.
When visiting the Mach-E owner, we observed that the melted NEMA plug was actually a smaller, inferior model. Fortunately for them, a significant fire did not break out. The outlet had become sufficiently heated to permanently affix the charger’s plug. Moloughney provided a replacement charger and, working alongside a skilled electrician, they decided to eliminate the old outlet entirely in favor of direct hardwiring. Additionally, the breaker panel was upgraded to include a 50-amp breaker; it turned out that the earlier electrical work utilized a 60-amp breaker paired with 6-gauge Romex wire to supply power to what should have been a 50-amp outlet. To prevent overloading the circuit, the new charger was rated down to handle up to 40 amps.
The upgrade proceeds without issues, however, the key message from the video is to avoid cutting corners during your home setup. Typically, hardwiring is preferable; nonetheless, if you choose to use a plug, ensure it’s not only industrially rated but also designed to manage prolonged power needs for EV charging. Additionally, it’s most advisable to have a certified electrician who has expertise inEV installations carry out the work.
More On Charging:
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Trump’s Removal of EV Chargers Might Cost Taxpayers More Than $1 Billion
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Individuals Are Defacing Tesla Superchargers
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The Best Electric Vehicle Home Charging Stations for 2024
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How to Select a Residential Charging Station for Your Electric Vehicle
by admin | Feb 28, 2025 | battery charging, electric cars, electric power, electric vehicle charging stations, transportation
Using an electric vehicle, you might find that a simple wall socket becomes your greatest ally. I discovered this during my journey with the Rivian R1T.
Let’s be real for a second: nobody wants to sit around and wait hours and hours for their electric vehicle to charge. The fear of long charging times, along with nowhere to actually do it, is what scares many people away from owning an EV. And certainly, the time it takes to charge from a standard wall outlet—which might take
anywhere from 60 to 200 hours
depending on the car—isn’t very encouraging.
Many electric vehicle (EV) owners connect their cars at home and utilize quicker Level 2 chargers to power up within hours instead of days. Some depend on public DC fast charging stations either routinely or during vacations to refill in just minutes. Nonetheless, every EV is capable of being plugged into an ordinary 120-volt household socket as well. However, how practical is this option truly?
It’s actually very good, believe it or not. I found this out during my road trip
out to the far West Texas desert in a 2025 Rivian R1T
. That experience convinced me that so-called Level 1 charging, the slowest form of EV charging there is, can be an immensely useful tool—if you use it correctly.
Actually, using wall chargers really came to my rescue during this trip. Here’s why.
(
Full Disclosure:
Rivian lent me an R1T for a journey during the 2024 winter break.
Over the holidays, I drove about 400 miles from San Antonio to the remote town of Marfa, Texas near the Mexican border. As you might guess, there aren’t many EV charging options out that way. One hotel near the house where I was staying had a Level 2 charger, but it was for guests only and I wasn’t staying there. I probably could’ve talked my way into borrowing it a few times, but didn’t want to take advantage.
Photo by: Patrick George
No, I don’t normally park like this. But there was nobody around.
My best bet was a Tesla Supercharger station in the town of Alpine, which I used quite often on this trip thanks to the adapter Rivian included. But that was 30 miles away before any highway range losses, and in the
opposite
The direction towards everything I love doing outside in Marfa. To summarize, once I left the parking area, success came rather quickly.
Luckily for me, Rivian also included a portable wall charger. I decided to throw the R1T on that when it was parked in the driveway. Lo and behold, it was just what I needed.
Stage 1 Charging: What You Need to Know
A typical 120-volt household electrical socket usually delivers between 1 to 2 kilowatts (kW) of power, which equates to approximately three to five miles of range added per hour.
With a 149-kilowatt-hour battery pack (of which 140 kilowatt-hours are usable), similar to the one in my R1T Dual Motor Max Pack test unit, you would expect
around 30 to 40 hours to charge from 20% to 80% capacity
, depending on the speed. Around 2 kilowatts of electricity for each kilowatt-hour of battery capacity, best-case scenario. Makes sense, right?
That’s a lot less than my own home ChargePoint Level 2 charger, which runs a steady output of 7.2 kW. That means it can charge my Kia EV6, with its 77.4 kWh battery, from 0% to 100% in around 10 hours, though my typical time is around five or six hours. I’ve never run that car all the way down to 0%, and I don’t intend to ever do that.
Photo by: Patrick George
So if you’re new to EVs, you may scoff at Level 1 wall charging as being too slow. But remember this: What is your car doing most of the time? Well, it’s just sitting there parked.
Since it’s just sitting there, that means you can “refuel” it. This is a kind of secret superpower for EVs that few people talk about. With a gas-powered car, you have to drive somewhere and get gas. With an EV,
for 95% of the time when the car is stationary
, it can continue charging its battery as long as it’s close to a power source.
Photo by: Patrick George
This proved to be highly beneficial for me. During my journey, I didn’t spend every moment behind the wheel. Instead, I spent time exploring the city on foot, visiting landmarks, dining and imbibing with loved ones, or snapping pictures. Just like how any car would sit idle during the day, so did the R1T most of the time. Hence, I thought why not leave it plugged in when it wasn’t being used.
It turned out very rewarding. Simply by plugging into the wall socket, I managed to gain an additional 30 to 40 miles of range each day, with much of this happening during nighttime hours while I slept. Since I never let the Rivian’s battery dip all the way to zero percent, I avoided having to recharge from empty. Additionally, I could rely on residual charge left over from using the Tesla Supercharger. As such, connecting to the standard wall outlet guaranteed ample range for handling my everyday tasks and trips.
I’ve noticed that electric vehicle (EV) charging isn’t usually an “it’s depleted, so I should refill immediately” scenario as with gasoline vehicles. Instead, it’s all about ensuring you get just enough charge for your specific needs each time. I didn’t require the R1T to be fully charged daily; rather, I only needed sufficient range to meet my regular travel requirements. Charging via the wall outlet provided ample everyday coverage until I could reach a Tesla Supercharger station again. Owning an EV makes one think more deliberately about managing power consumption. This shift in mindset can actually be quite beneficial.
That extra 30 to 40 miles from daily wall charging powered a lot of my trip. It’s why there’s also a not-insignificant number of EV owners out there who only use Level 1 wall charging for the job.
My colleague Kevin Williams has written about this extensively
; he’s an apartment-dweller and uses slower charging with great frequency.
Consider individuals who possess a compact electric vehicle equipped with a less sizable battery, or those who use an electric vehicle as their secondary or tertiary mode of transportation mainly for local trips and errands within the city. Why might they
not
Why use a wall outlet, particularly when you don’t require something as quick or expensive as a Level 2 home charger?
For me personally, I find that using a Level 2 charger is essential because I drive quite often at home. Depending only on Level 1 charging doesn’t meet my requirements effectively. However, nowadays, I view this Level 2 charger more like an additional resource—an extremely handy one—for situations such as long drives and holidays. Especially when traveling to unfamiliar locations where high-speed charging stations might be sparse, I’d highly suggest packing a portable wall charger. Although it’s not the quickest solution available, having it beats being without power altogether and can prevent serious issues.
I’ll include the usual warnings here and emphasize that it’s crucial to ensure the electrical setup you’re drawing power from is safe.
is secure, contemporary, sturdy and capable of managing the workload
. If you’re leasing an Airbnb, make sure to confirm with the hosts whether they allow EV charging (and
It likely won’t make a significant impact on their electricity bill.
.)
Several manufacturers suggest avoiding the use of an extension cord for such purposes. When dealing with prolonged usage involving significant power draw, extension cords can pose issues. Although an industrial-strength, thick-gauge extension cord might work better in these scenarios, my advice remains consistent: follow exactly what your user’s guide recommends—alternatively, consult an electrician if you’re unsure about safely extending cables over greater lengths. Never presume that simply plugging in any available extension cord is safe. Certainly, level one charging aids in keeping vehicles operational; however, damaging chargers or causing fires could complicate matters significantly rather than solve them.
So long as you can do it safely, do not rule out Level 1 wall charging, especially on your next EV road trip. Always remember: if it’s parked, maybe it can be plugged in somewhere.
Photo by: Patrick George
Contact the author:
patrick.george@insideevs.com
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