One of the greatest benefits of owning an electric vehicle (EV) is the ability to charge it from the comfort of your home. Plugging your EV in when it's not in use is a great way to ensure that you get the most range from each and every time you drive it. It doesn't hurt that charging at home is also the most cost-effective way of replenishing the charge in the batteries.
Related: Different ways to charge an electric car
All new EVs will allow you to charge from the 220-volt outlet in your garage by plugging in the portable charging brick that is supplied with your car. This, however, can be a slow process and also leaves a trail of cables running from your car to the wall outlet, with the converter brick usually lying in the way for someone to trip over. Adding a home charger to your garage will not only free up the floor but will also reduce the charging times.
Many of these home chargers ramp the charging capacity up from 3.7 kW to over 7 kW or even 22 kW for some. While most EVs are only able to charge at a maximum of 11 kW when supplied with an AC current, the time savings will still be felt and appreciated. So how does one go about getting a home charger installed?
Home charger suppliers
GridCars
GridCars is the foremost supplier and manager of the public charging infrastructure that we find in South Africa. Not only do they maintain the network, they're also responsible for the expansion and installation of most of the South African EV charging network. In addition to the public chargers, they offer a range of home charger to suit nearly any budget. Offering a range of (primarily) WallBox home chargers, they can also assist with the installation of the units in your house and show you how to get the most from your home charger.
EVCharge
EVCharge offers a wide range of solutions for charging. Their offerings range from aftermarket portable chargers with outputs of up to 7.4 kW to home chargers and public chargers with 3-phase units available as well. Their product lineup offers units from Bensen, Zencar, and Duosida. They also carry a range of charging accessories and replacement cables. While they don't offer installation themselves, they can put you in touch with certified electricians who will be able to assist with the installation for a nominal fee.
EV Hub
Positioning themselves as an all-in-one service provider, EV Hub is able to supply EVBox home chargers and, according to their website, installation of chargers both at your house or at your office. They also provide charging management software should you wish to install your charger in a publicly accessible location for others to use. Their EVBox Elvi Ac unit is available with output ranging from 3.4 to 22 kW.
Takealot
Yup, even your favourite online shopping portal has products that you can purchase to help speed up your home charging network. While Takealot is only able to supply you with the hardware, the installation is best carried out by a certified electrician who should have no problem hooking up your new charger. If they can wire up a geyser, they can install a charger.
Manufacturers
OEM manufacturers who are selling the vehicles know that the vehicle is only one part of the puzzle and as such are also able to offer a charging solution for your home, often at a reduced cost because you're an EV customer. There's no harm in calling up BMW, Jaguar, Volvo, Audi, or Volkswagen to see what they can offer. This is a safe and reputable way of going about things as you know that your home charger is certified safe for your electric vehicle.
