Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular these days; there are several perks of having an EV. Perhaps the best aspect is not having to make fuel stops, especially when gas prices are up. Not only do EV owners relish the time and money they save on dodging gas stops, but they enjoy the vehicle’s reliability and its smooth, quiet ride.
When you own an EV, it’s best to have your own car battery charger for the convenience of recharging overnight. This definitely beats trying to find convenient times to wait on a charge while you’re out and about. Even though you don’t have the hassle of stopping for gas, you also don’t have the option of fuel as a backup if you’re running out of battery power. After all, public car chargers aren’t widespread yet, and charging takes time. Setting up your own personal charging station will take a relatively small monetary investment and some effort, but you’ll find the convenience well worth it.
How To Set up a Car Battery Charging Station
There are three EV charging station levels. Most people would find that a Level 1 charging station doesn’t have enough power to charge the battery in an adequate amount of time. Public charging stations are Level 3. They’re fast, but they’re also extremely expensive to buy and install, and they use more power than a typical residence could handle. Therefore, a Level 2 charging station is ideal for most people’s EV at-home charging needs. Many of these charging stations use the same type of multi-pronged plug that clothes dryers use. Since the laundry room probably isn’t convenient to your garage, it’s best to hire an electrician to do the installation. This usually requires running a 240-volt circuit to the garage, then hard-wiring it into the circuit. You can also use a portable Level 2 charger, which uses a 240-volt socket. However, wiring a charger into the home’s electrical system can charge the EV battery much faster than plugging it in.
Best Car Batteries for 2021
Whatever type of vehicle you drive, the kind of car battery you choose is one of the most important decisions you can make for your car’s reliability and performance. If an EV isn’t an option for you at this time, you’ll need to keep up with the life of your vehicle’s battery. A typical traditional car battery under normal conditions will last three to five years. If the same battery has been in your car for more than three or four years, it could help to test it or consider a new one. A few of the best car batteries for 2021 are Duralast Gold and Platinum batteries. These are most suitable for vehicles that consume more energy. If you need advanced performance, Optima gel batteries and Odyssey performance batteries are ideal.When you’re in the market for a new battery or charger, head to an auto parts store or do a VIN lookup online to determine which products will perform correctly in your vehicle. Investing in a better battery will benefit you in your car’s short- and long-term performance.
