What to know before you buy EV chargers

There are several considerations you may factor in when deciding which EV charger to buy, including

• Cost
• Cable length
• Power delivery
• Smart features
• Warranty

These are all important, and some are self-explanatory. But how can you really make sure you’re getting the best EV charger for your needs? Your car will no doubt come with some guidelines about the level of power delivery you need, and it’s pretty easy to decide whether you want a long or short cable. But let’s take a look at some of the other factors to consider before buying.

Universal electric vehicle use

When buying an EV charger, it’s tempting to just get what you need for your current vehicle. But what if it’s your first electric vehicle, and others might follow. Perhaps your spouse, children, or regularly visiting friends and family will purchase an EV too.

That’s why it makes sense to consider an EV charger that works with electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. It’s a smarter choice than having to wire in a new charger 12 months down the track, or whenever you buy a new car.

Free home assessments

When buying an EV charger, think about the installation process. If your unit needs to be hardwired (and most of them do), you’ll need qualified and licensed electrical specialists to do it. However, the process of having your charger installed goes a lot smoother if you can have your home assessed prior to purchase.

Find an EV charger installer who will come to your home first. This allows you to find the best spot for the charger, discover any electrical issues, and also may inform your decision on the length of cable you need.

Full overnight charge

When you buy an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, you’ll get a portable charger with it. However, most of the time, it’s not as powerful as you’d like. An EV charger’s power is measured in amps, and chargers range from 12 amps to 48 amps. Naturally, the more amps, the faster your electric vehicle charges.

In addition, if a more powerful charger comes standard with your car, you will probably still need to install a 240-volt outlet in your garage or near where you park the car. It pays to do some research on your car’s charging needs because you want to be able to achieve a full charge overnight, if necessary, but you also don’t want to spend more than you need. If you top up your car every day, a cheaper alternative may be just fine.

Safety certification

Finally, always ensure the EV charger you buy is safety certified. You can always buy an EV charger on the internet, and you may think you’re getting a great deal because it’s cheap. However, these items may not meet national standards, and could therefore pose a safety risk to you, your vehicle, and your home. Only purchase quality products from reputable suppliers, so you know that you’re getting a safe product.

Reputable EV charger installers can also schedule annual servicing or maintenance to ensure your charger is tagged and tested in accordance with Worksafe New Zealand.