Amid the explosive sales of Electric Vehicles in India in recent years, a large section of consumers is now opting for personal EV charging stations at their homes.
Having an EV Charger at Home in India has now become a necessity and a convenient way to charge your electric car or scooter.
Factors Affecting EV Charging Frequency
Giving out a list of factors that shows how frequently you should charge your EV battery includes,
- Battery capacity of the EV will decides how often you need to plug in the charger.
- Daily usage of the vehicle
- Charging in Winters become more frequent due to charging dissipation
What’s the Cost of Charging EVs at Home in India?
Majorly two factors are considered when it comes to the cost of setting up an EV Charger at Home in India, that includes,
- EV battery capacity
- Cost per unit of energy received from an electric service provider in the respective state
Typically, electricity cost per kWh is different in the different states of India. However, approx. range is between Rs 8 to Rs 10 and the battery capacity of EVs in India is between 20kWh and 45 kWh.
Hence, it is advisable to check the cost of electricity at your home and calculate the charging cost accordingly.
Steps to Install EV Charger at Home in India
Here are the general steps involved in installing an EV Charger at Home in India.
Determine Your Charging Needs
Assess your charging requirements, including the average daily distance you drive, your electric vehicle’s battery capacity, and the charging speed you prefer. This will help you choose the appropriate charger type for installing EV Charger at Home in India.
Choose Location for Set Up
Identify a suitable location for the charger installation. It should be near your parking spot and accessible to your electric vehicle. Additionally, consider factors like protection from rain, availability of electrical infrastructure, and ease of installation while establishing EV Charger at Home in India.
Identify the Right EV Charger
Do appropriate research and select a suitable EV Charger at Home that suits your requirements. Consider factors like charging speed, connector type (Type 2 or Type 3), compatibility with your electric vehicle, warranty, and after-sales service. It’s also recommended to purchase a charger from a reputed brand or manufacturer and one can also consult with the EV dealer about necessary requirements for the charger.
Check Electrical Capacity & Permits
Consult with a licensed electrician to evaluate your home’s electrical system and ensure it can handle the additional load of an EV Charger at Home in India. In India, the standard voltage is 230 volts, so ensure your electrical panel can support the charger you plan to install. If not, then check with the local authority for the necessary upgrades and get a permit for this upgradation according to your requirements.
Hire a Professional Installer
The electrician will install the charger according to the manufacturer’s instructions and Indian electrical standards. This typically involves mounting the charger on the wall or at a suitable structure, running electrical wiring from the electrical panel to the charger location, and making the necessary connections.
Test Electrical Work after Installation
The electrician should always ensure that proper grounding, bonding, and protection mechanisms are in place. They will install the appropriate circuit breaker, wiring, conduit, and electrical accessories as per local regulations. Apart from these, they may need to install an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) or Residual Current Device (RCD) as an additional safety measure while installing EV Charger at Home in India.
Start Charging
With the charger installed and set up, you can now plug in your electric vehicle and start charging at home. Ensure to use the correct charging cable and connector compatible with your vehicle.
Wrapping Up
Before installing an EV Charger at Home in India, one should do thorough research and consult accordingly with field professionals, like licensed electricians and local authorities, throughout the installation process.
They can provide specific guidance based on your location in India and ensure compliance with local regulations and electrical standards.