An electric car can change the way you travel. Compared to a gasoline vehicle, it’s a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly option you can count on to deliver a reliable user experience.
However, one of the most important expenses to consider when buying an electric vehicle (EV) is the charging cost. What are the associated expenses? How much does it cost to charge at home vs. at a public station? These are the major questions to consider as you browse all your options.
Installing Charging Equipment in Your Home
At Wiretech Company, we offer Tesla home charging station installation in Raleigh, NC, for your convenience. To install a level 2 charging station, you’ll need a professional to set up the wiring and cables. While you can use a standard 120-volt outlet to plug in a level 1 charger, you need 240 volts for a level 2 station.
These are typically the biggest expenses associated with home charging stations. After paying for the charger system, manual labor and installation costs, you could owe up to $2,000. The good news is that the only regular fee you’ll pay to run the charger is your monthly electric bill.
Some electric companies also charge you more as the amount of energy you use throughout the month goes up. This means that the cost to charge your vehicle could differ depending on the time of the month. Giving your car a charge during the first few days of the month can help you save the most money.
Costs of Using a Public Charging Station
Depending on where you live, public electric car charging station prices can vary. While some places may offer free charging, most require you to pay some kind of fee — usually based on kilowatts per hour (kWh).
Every state is different, so you’ll need to look at the prices in your area to paint an accurate picture of the overall cost. Some places may charge around $0.50/kWh, while others could charge almost $1 for each kWh.
Public vs. Home Charging Stations
Public charging stations are convenient when you’re away from home and running low on energy. That said, businesses with public charging stations tend to charge by the hour, which can quickly become pricey. Relying on public venues can also be risky. What if the station you want to use is filled up by another user or out of order?
Having a way to charge your car at home ensures that your vehicle has full energy, wherever it goes. The electric car charging cost at home also tends to be cheaper over time than charging at a public station, as the individual fees are often greater at businesses.
Regulatory Compliance
Before you decide to install a Tesla Gen 3 wall connector or other charging station at home, keep in mind that compliance is key. There are serious legal and safety risks if you try to install a level 2 or 3 charger on your own, so find an experienced professional who can do the job quickly and safely.
Contact us to learn more about our Tesla home charging station electricians in Raleigh, NC.