After Installing an Electric Vehicle Charger at Home, You May Find It Frustratingly Impractical to Refuel Your Gasoline-Powered Car. I Have a Soft Spot for My Nissan Ariya.
In the heart of Seattle, Chris Johnston, an author and product management expert with a passion for vintage boats, open water swimming, cycling, and flying, has recently added a new chapter to his transport adventures with the purchase of a Tesla Model Y.
Johnston, who authored the comprehensive book "The Arrival of The Electric Car" and contributes to Torque News, considers the Model Y the best car he's ever driven. He was especially drawn to its impressive performance, regenerative braking system, and the convenience of home charging.
The Tesla Model Y, equipped with regenerative braking, recovers energy when the accelerator is released or the brake is pressed, feeding it back into the battery. This feature makes driving efficient and cost-effective. The Nissan Ariya takes this a step further with its e-pedal step feature, allowing one-pedal driving in most conditions.
For Johnston, the convenience of home charging has been a game-changer. With a free 75kW supercharger located just a block from his home, he can plug in his Model Y right when he arrives home and charge it overnight, eliminating trips and waiting times associated with gas stations or public chargers.
Retailers are also embracing the electric revolution, offering free Level 2 charging to attract customers and make shopping more convenient while electric vehicles charge. Many stores, including Target, Costco, Macy's, Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods, now provide chargers in their parking lots. Shopping centers are also teaming up with networks like Shell Recharge to offer free charging.
Charging electric vehicles at home offers significant time savings and other benefits compared to going to a gas station. You can plug in your EV right when you arrive home and charge it overnight, eliminating trips and waiting times associated with gas stations or public chargers. This convenience means your car is ready each morning without needing dedicated charging stops during your day.
Key time-saving benefits of home EV charging include the ability to charge on your schedule and the option for overnight charging. Level 2 chargers typically fully charge an EV battery in 4–10 hours, perfect during sleep hours. No frequent stops at gas stations or public chargers, which can be time-consuming and may involve waiting, are required.
Other notable benefits of home charging compared to gas stations include cost savings, convenience, charging speed and reliability, control over energy source, and environmental impact. Home EV charging is usually cheaper per mile, especially using off-peak electricity and/or solar power. Charging at home offers the convenience of charging anytime, with no detours or waiting. Level 2 chargers offer reliable and sufficiently fast charging overnight, while gas stations fuel cars in minutes but require active presence and travel.
Home EV charging also provides the option to use renewable energy such as solar panels at home, offers lower emissions when using renewable or off-peak electricity, and has a lower environmental impact compared to gasoline combustion.
Electric vehicles offer remote climate control, allowing drivers to preheat or cool their vehicle, lock or unlock doors, and check charging status using an app. The quiet nature of electric cars enhances the driving experience, providing a smooth and serene ride. Regenerative braking extends the life of brake pads significantly, with many EV drivers reporting going over 150,000 miles before needing replacements. Preconditioning the car while it is still plugged in helps preserve battery range in electric vehicles.
Johnston finds the car incredibly quick, with unmatched acceleration from 0-30 mph and 30-60 mph. Electric motors provide instant torque, resulting in immediate response to the accelerator and a sensation known as the "EV smile."
Charging an electric vehicle at home is considered a significant perk, as it is like waking up to a full tank every morning. Retailers pay for free charging to attract customers and encourage longer in-store stays and more browsing time.
For apartment dwellers, charging electric vehicles is improving, with companies like ChargePoint assisting landlords with the installation of EV charges to attract residents and increase property values.
In conclusion, home EV charging saves considerable time by eliminating dedicated fueling stops and provides better convenience, cost savings, and environmental benefits compared to traditional gas stations.
- Incorporating his new Tesla Model Y into his diverse lifestyle, Chris Johnston eagerly explores the world of technology and gadgets, as he delights in the convenience of home charging, a feature that complements his electric vehicle, enhancing both his lifestyle and his appreciation for electric-vehicles.
- Johnston, an advocate for green tech and eco-friendly living, continues to be impressed not only by the superior performance of the Model Y but also by its innovative features such as regenerative braking, which aligns perfectly with his commitment towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
