Home ev charging stations are essential accessories for new energy vehicles, providing convenient and fast charging services for vehicle owners. However, choosing a home charging station is not an easy task, and if certain details are overlooked, it may lead to some pitfalls. Below, we will introduce some common pitfalls to avoid when selecting a home charging station, in the hope that it will be helpful to you.
The first pitfall is not understanding your vehicle model and power environment. The maximum charging power that different vehicle models can accept is not determined by the charging station but rather by the onboard charger inside the vehicle. Even if you use a 20kW charging station, if your vehicle can only accept up to 7kW, the charging speed will still be limited to 7kW. Therefore, you must choose the appropriate charging station power based on your vehicle model, typically available in 7kW, 11kW, and 22kW options. Additionally, you need to know the power situation in your residential area, whether you can apply for the installation of a 220V or 380V power meter. A 220V charging station can support a maximum of 7kW, while a 380V charging station can reach 11kW or 22kW. Choosing a charging station that exceeds your home's power supply capacity may cause circuit overload or the station may not function correctly.
The second pitfall is neglecting safety and quality. Home charging stations involve high voltage and large currents, and if safety and quality are compromised, it could lead to fire or electric shock hazards. Therefore, you should choose charging stations with proper certifications and protective features, such as CE or UL certification, as well as built-in AC leakage protection, overvoltage and overcurrent protection, lightning protection, and waterproofing capabilities. Additionally, pay attention to the materials and workmanship of the charging station's housing, circuit board, etc., ensuring they are resistant to high temperatures, aging, and impact.
The third pitfall is not considering user experience and functionality. In addition to providing safe and reliable charging for vehicles, home charging stations should also consider user experience and functionality. For example, check if the station has features like APP control, scheduled charging, remote monitoring, etc. Also, consider whether it supports multiple-load balancing, dynamic load balancing, integrated metering, data transmission, and billing functions. These features can enhance charging efficiency, save costs, and increase convenience.
The fourth pitfall is not comparing prices and services. Home charging stations can vary significantly in price, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand units, with differences mainly due to factors like power rating, brand, quality, and features. You should choose a price range that suits your needs and budget, and compare the pros and cons of similar products. Additionally, consider after-sales service and warranty period, selecting manufacturers or dealers with good reputation and service levels.
In conclusion, choosing a home charging station requires consideration of various factors and should not be solely based on price or brand. We hope the above-discussed common pitfalls will guide you to make a more informed and cautious decision when purchasing a home charging station.
