Like it or not, electric cars are the future. They let us get from A to B without emitting carbon emissions, which is essential if we want to make this planet livable for many years. You’ve probably toyed with the idea of buying an electric car – in fairness, most of the ones out there are designed to be family vehicles – but there’s more to think about than the cost of buying one or if you can find a suitable option. For starters – can you charge an electric car at home?
The biggest concern is whether your home can handle an electric car. For some people, the answer is a resounding “no,” stopping them from getting an EV. How do you know if your home is ready? These three questions will help you figure it out:
Do you own your home?
If you own your home, you should have no problems with electric vehicle chargers installation. You own the property, so you decide what happens to it. You can install an EV charger, add an extension, or do any other home improvement.
Things are trickier if you rent your home. You’ll need permission from the landlord to install a charger, which they’re not legally obliged to give. If they don’t want to add an EV charger to their property, there’s not much you can do. Your home won’t be equipped for an electric car – you’ll have to move elsewhere instead.
Do you have a driveway?
This is a huge question for homeowners. Having a driveway means there’s a place to park your electric vehicle. It also means you can easily install a charger on the side of your home or in your garage to charge it without cables running everywhere.
However, many homes don’t have driveways or garages. This is one of the main reasons some people can’t buy electric cars: there’s no space to install a charger. You can’t install one on the side of your home and run a big cable across the sidewalk to where it’s parked. It’s a massive safety hazard, and you’ll annoy the neighbors. You need somewhere to keep your car when it’s parked, allowing for easy charging access.
How far do you live from your daily commute spots?
You might own your home and have a suitable driveway, but how far do you travel each day? If your daily commute takes you hundreds of miles away from home, your house still might not be ready for an EV. You should ideally live close enough to handle your daily commute without charging your car until you get home at night.
Granted, this will partially depend on your car as it depends on the range. But, if you moved out into the middle of nowhere to feel more secure and enjoy some tranquility, you might not live in a home that can support daily EV usage.
Recap: Can you charge an electric car at home?
Keep all of these questions in mind before buying an electric car. Your home must be able to handle this type of vehicle, or your life could become more complicated.
You’re not out of options, though. A hybrid car might be better for you if an EV won’t work.
