If you have a dedicated parking space, you can use a facility to charge your electric car without using public charging stations. This is really good news, but you need to make some arrangements for using this type of solution.
Before starting your car charging task, make sure you have the necessary knowledge on how to charge an electric car in an apartment. Some landlords are willing to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their apartment buildings; you can use that. This is the best option if you have a contractual parking space.
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| Electric car charging overnight in an apartment is now possible. Image: Tesla |
How to charge an electric car in an apartment
Electric car charging is the process of giving energy to the battery of an electric car as the car runs without oily fuel. Electric cars use batteries to power their motors, and the batteries must be charged every time from the public or private electric line.
Generally, people charge their electric vehicles at the supercharger stations. Interestingly, shopping malls also develop car charging facilities in car parking areas. But this is a new trend charging in an apartment. You can charge your car in an apartment as well.
If you don't have a dedicated parking space or access to an outlet, it can be difficult to find a place to plug in your car. As electric cars can pose a charging challenge for people who live in apartments, follow a few rules on how to charge an electric car in an apartment:
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Check with your landlord's rules
Many landlords are willing to install an electric vehicle (EV) charging facility in their apartment house. This is the best way if you have a dedicated parking lot.
Check the levels of electric car charging
Level 1 charging: This is the slowest type of charging, and it uses a standard 120-volt household outlet. Level 1 charging can take up to 40 hours to fully charge an electric car.
Level 2 charging: This type of charging is faster than Level 1 charging, and it uses a dedicated EV charging station. Level 2 charging can take up to 12 hours to fully charge an electric car.
Level 3 charging: This is the fastest type of charging, and it uses a DC fast charger. Level 3 charging can fully charge an electric car in as little as 30 minutes.
Type of charger you need in this case
The type of charger you need will depend on your electric car and your needs.
Use a heavy-duty extension cord. This is a last resort, but it can be a temporary solution if you don't have any other options. Be sure to use a heavy-duty cord that is rated for the amperage of your car's charger.
If you decide to use a heavy-duty extension cord, be sure to follow these principles: Make sure the cord is in good condition and has no frayed wires; Unplug the cord when you're not using it; Do not run the cord under rugs or furniture; Be careful not to trip over the cord.
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Remember while plugging up for charging your electric car
Charge your car overnight. This is the most convenient way to charge your car, and it will save you money on your electricity bill.
Using a timer ensures safety. If you have a dedicated EV charging station, you can set a timer so that your car starts charging at a specific time. This is helpful if you want to charge your car during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.
Don't let your battery get too low. Charge it before going to 20% in lower level. This will help extend the life of your car battery.
Tesla stated, "Wall Connector is our fastest way to charge your electric vehicle, whether a Tesla or non-Tesla, at home. For homes with more than one electric vehicle, multiple Wall Connectors can manage power output to meet charging needs. And with Wi-Fi connectivity, you'll always have access to the latest charging features and over-the-air updates."
You can follow the car charging systems in multi-unit dwellings.
Find a public charging station as the last option
There are a growing number of public EV charging stations available. You can use apps like PlugShare or OpenChargeMap to find stations near you.
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Charging an electric car in an apartment can be a challenging task, but it is possible when you can arrange a charger and related tools for this purpose. You can find this a safe and convenient way to charge your car at the apartment building. Keep in mind that your house has a heavy-duty electric system.