Home EV charging

[audreyh1]

Our car otherwise sleeps while charging at home. Very little is on.

 

[Zathras]

For me, the cost is figured per life of the charger, not life of the car.
My charger (installed in 2016) has served 3 cars so far.

 

[Zathras]

Yes, the shorter duration is more efficient, because of the fixed consumption of running everything that needs to be ON while charging. So it is ON for a shorter time, less total energy used that didn't go into the battery.

At some point, charging fast will increase losses, the battery just can't absorb the energy as efficiently, but I think the 240 V home chargers are well below that point.

This is only true if you have substantial costs for “everything that needs to be on while charging”.
Most cars don’t unless charging outside in sub-20 degree weather.

 

[explanade]

I looked into installing a charger but more than one electrician said I would have to replace the panel because it’s a certain model which needs to be removed. So thousands even before running a line for EV.

Lowest rates in PG&E land is 49 cents a kWh.

Across the street there are Chargepoint chargers which cost 30 cents a kWh because it’s a city-owned site. If I need to add 30-40% charge, which is 30-40 kW, it costs about $11.

I also have about $100 in EVGo credits so I use it when I need a fast charge.

This car is under lease for about 18 more months.

 

[equakesfan]

The trickle charger (120V) has been fine for me.

I bought my Kia soul EV in January 2016. I've almost exclusively charged at home with a trickle charger. (I occasionally charged at work or while shopping). The car has only 100 mile range and to save the battery I've only been charging to 80% (~80 miles). We do have a hybrid that we can use for long distance driving or if the EV is not charged

When I was working I had about a 44 mile round trip commute. I'd get about 37 miles of charging over night (reduce rates after 9pm). So on Friday I'd leave for work with about 52 miles of range if I didn't use the car for other reasons. So generally I'd charge at work one day a week.

Since I retired, I only charge overnight about once per week.