Everything you need to know about the costs of a home EV charging station
With the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), the number of home charging stations is steadily increasing. The appeal of home charging is evident: it is environmentally friendly, convenient and efficient. Of course, the (initial) costs also play a role in considering the switch to a home charging station. In this blog, we will inform you about the costs to consider.
8 costs to consider:
1. Home energy bill: Your home energy expense will increase when you switch to EV charging. The size of your vehicle's battery and the energy tariff you pay are quite determining. However, smart charging can help reduce these costs.
2. Installation costs: The installation costs of the charging station consist of labor costs, costs for civil and infrastructure works, and material costs (such as the required cable length). If extensive work is needed due to a challenging location, installation costs will be higher.
3. Upgrading power capacity: Installing an EV charger is relatively inexpensive for most households if you buy one that matches the available power capacity in your home. If you have to upgrade your electrical capacity from a single-phase system to a three-phase system, costs will increase.
4. Type of charger: The same logic applies to the type of charger you choose. Factors like design, amp capacity, speed and the extent of built-in smart technology will drive up the cost.
5. Charging output: An EV charging station with higher capacity (measured in kilowatts or kW) comes at a higher cost than a charger with lower power capacity. It's essential to evaluate the necessary charging capacity for your specific needs, considering factors such as your grid connection capacity, your vehicle's charging capabilities and efficiency, your driving range requirements, and the practical duration of each charging session at home.
6. Cable length: Most cables run between 5 and 8 meters long. An additional cost will apply if you require more than the standard length.
7. Location of charging port: The ideal charging location is wherever you routinely park your car and where the cable can easily reach the outlet. This might be inside a garage where reinforcements might be necessary to install the system properly, incurring extra costs.
8. Labour costs: The installation cost is divided between materials and labor costs. Typical installs can take 2 to 4 hours to complete. However, it varies depending on model specifications, site accessibility, and any additional work that needs to be done to ensure the system works efficiently.
Conclusion
Implementing a home charging station involves various costs. From initial installation costs and the impact on the energy bill to the choice of charger type, each factor influences the total investment. However, it is essential not only to look at the costs but also to consider the long term. Research shows, for example, that opting for a more advanced EV charger can be more pleasant and a better long-term investment. Explore all home charging solutions here.
> Read here the 4 main reasons why every electric driver should invest in their own charging station
> Read the article on 5 smart measures to save costs on home charging of your EV here