If you want to drive an EV, the most important piece of equipment you’ll need is an EV charger. EVs are unlike hybrids or even traditional gasoline cars – they’re 100% electric vehicles, so they require special charging technology to recharge their large batteries.
Fortunately, there are many options for installing an EV charger at home. Some models are plug-in, while others need to be hardwired. It’s crucial to choose a safe and reliable unit, so look for one that is UL Listed with a 3-year warranty.
The amount of power an EV charger delivers also varies. For example, a basic model that is ideal for most EVs offers 32 amps (7.7 kW at 240 volts), and will typically fill up your Rav4 Prime or Model 3 Long Range in about two hours. However, if you want to use fast Level 3 / DC Fast Charging on your EV, you’ll need a charger that provides up to 80 amps (19.2 kW at 240 volts).
There are also smart EV chargers that can provide additional benefits, including automatic load-balancing and scheduling using cheaper off-peak electricity. These features can help you lower your charging costs and increase the self-sufficiency of your EV with solar. Check out our guide to EV chargers to learn more. EV Charger