Charging your EV at home
EV Charging July 27, 2023
As the popularity of Electric Vehicles (EVs) rises, home charging stations have become an essential accessory for many EV owners. We’ve unpacked the available charging options so you can choose the perfect one that suits your needs.
What EV home charging options are there?
There are three main types of EV home charging solutions: three-pin charging, caravan charging, and dedicated home charging units.
Three-pin domestic chargers
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 smart monitoring of your home’s power usage, these three-pin chargers run the risk of overloading your home’s main supply.
Three-pin chargers also may not be suitable for EVs with larger batteries (like the AUDI S8 TSFI QUATTRO) or longer commutes. A dedicated plug is recommended to reduce chances of fire or short circuiting, so ditch the multibox or extension cord.
Caravan plugs
Caravan charging is similar to three-pin charging but requires a dedicated 16A or 32A supply, which is more than your 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 the dedicated power supply. However, caravan plugs still run the risk of overloading your supply, as there are no smart safety measures to monitor your home’s power usage.
Wall mounted home units and “smart chargers”
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 smart chargers. Smart chargers are a great way to help reduce your EV charging costs, maximise power from cleaner off-peak energy, and monitor your home's energy usage, so you don't overload circuits or blow a fuse.
You can schedule smart chargers to operate during free power hours and accurately track the cost and carbon emissions spent to charge your EV.
These chargers are the fastest and safest option for daily use, but they require professional installation and are more expensive.
Tips for choosing an EV home charging solution
Think smart
Smart chargers, like the ones supplied by Evnex, can regulate your charge and help ensure you get the cheapest, cleanest energy possible. Smart chargers are internet connected and can be updated (and sometimes serviced) remotely - for a more reliable charging experience. You can also monitor your exact cost savings and carbon footprint from anywhere with the Evnex app.
Think fast
Compare the home charger speed to your regular travel requirements. Do you have longer commutes? Do you travel at night as well? You might need a faster charger.
Most chargers will specify how much range they are able to charge in an hour. Evnex’s smart charger replenishes your EV’s range up to 4 times faster than a traditional three-pin charger.
This means you can take advantage of Z’s daily off-peak discounts and recharge your EV quickly and frequently, giving you peace of mind for whatever travel you require.
Check out our tips to keep your battery in top health
Think local
Choose a locally supported EV charger for reliable charging at home. Evnex is built with New Zealand conditions in mind, while some other providers may not have an on-the-ground support team.
Think safe
Look for safety features that reduce risk like Home Overload protection, which reduces your charging speed temporarily during times of high energy usage. By monitoring and adapting to your home’s energy consumption, these features keep you safe from blowing your main fuse.
Think solar
Lower your carbon footprint and reduce your charging costs by using a solar-ready charger like Evnex’s that detects and diverts your excess solar power to the car.