Caring for the battery of your electric vehicle (EV) is essential to safeguard your investment. Over the past few decades, our society has become increasingly dependent on battery-powered electronic devices and machines. From smartphones and wireless earbuds to laptops and now EVs, these devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, the importance of careful use and maintenance of EV batteries cannot be overstated, given that EVs represent a significant financial investment and are designed to have a much longer lifespan than smartphones or laptops. Using an AC charger can potentially extend the lifespan of your battery compared to using a DC charger. Additionally, AC chargers come in both portable and wall-mounted variants. In today's blog, we will analyze the pros and cons of these options, with the hope of providing you with valuable insights.
Portable EV Chargers:
Pros:
1. Mobility: The most significant advantage of portable EV chargers is their mobility. Owners can carry them in their vehicles and charge at any standard electrical outlet, providing flexibility and peace of mind during travel.
2. Ease of Use: Portable chargers are typically plug-and-play devices, requiring no special installation or technical knowledge.
3. Backup Option: Having a portable charger means you have a backup in case of emergencies or when access to public charging stations is limited.
Cons:
1. Lower Charging Speeds: Portable chargers often have lower power output compared to their wall-mounted counterparts, resulting in longer charging time period. Currently, most Level 2 portable chargers have a power rating of 3.5 kW. For a Tesla with a 60 kWh battery, it would take approximately 17 hours to go from zero to a full charge using such portable charger.
2. Manual Handling: Regularly handling and setting up the charger can be less convenient than simply plugging into a wall-mounted unit.
3. Durability Concerns: Frequent use and transportation of portable chargers may lead to wear and tear over time.
Wall-Mounted EV Chargers:
Pros:
1. Permanent Solution: Once installed, wall-mounted chargers offer a dedicated and reliable charging point at home or work.
2. Faster Charging: Wall-mounted chargers usually offer higher power output, which can significantly reduce the charging time period compared to portable chargers. Currently, the minimum power rating for wall-mounted chargers is 7 kW. For a Tesla with a 60 kWh battery, it would only take 8 hours to go from zero to a full charge using such a charger. Other faster charging options are also available.
3. Smart Features: Many wall-mounted chargers come with smart features such as WiFi connectivity, time scheduling, remote access, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Cons:
1. Installation Requirements: Wall-mounted chargers need professional installation, which can be costly and requires proper planning.
2. Immobility: These chargers are fixed in one location, which means they can't assist you when you're away from home and in need of a charge.
3. Higher Initial Cost: The combined cost of purchasing and installing a wall-mounted charger is typically higher than buying a portable charger.
In conclusion, the choice between a portable and a wall-mounted EV charger depends on the specific needs and lifestyle of the EV owner. TECOPHASE recommends that if there is available installation space at home, you should definitely choose to install a wall-mounted charging station for your electric vehicle. This way, you will enjoy a very convenient and cost-effective experience, often benefiting from lower electricity rates during nighttime charging. However, since widespread adoption of charging stations may take some time, it is also advisable to purchase a portable charger to keep it in your car as a backup. Portable chargers do not require installation, and their prices are relatively affordable, making the decision not overly difficult. This way, you can enjoy the advantages of having both types of chargers.
Tecophase SARL is a Paris-based energy solutions provider committed to delivering clean, smart, and sustainable energy products to customers around the world. We specialize in EV charging, e-mobility services, residential energy storage, and PV transformation, offering a range of certified products including EV chargers, energy storage inverters, energy storage batteries, and PV components.