With the first enthusiasm that came with the EV revolution, problems quickly followed. Charging electric vehicles at home in a garage became the logical and simplest way for everyone. So, owning an EV and a garage was a perfect match.
But is it necessary for EV owners to have a garage? No, it is not. Charging an EV can be done on commercial chargers. Also, there is an option to install a charger in front of a home. Apartment complexes can have a lobby for charging EVs. Where there is a will, there is a way.
Owning a garage is a plus, nonetheless. Not only that your EV will be safely parked inside a comfy garage, but you can also install a charging station inside. But we will cover this topic and prove that you can enjoy having an EV without the garage.
Why Is a Garage Important For An Electric Car?
A garage is a home for any car. You can park it and find it in the same spot in the morning without a scratch. A garage got a new dimension with the development of electric cars. Electric car owners quickly saw that home charging of the battery was the way to go.
Yes, there are other ways to charge an EV. Public charging is the next option for most EV owners. But nothing beats the safety and simplicity of a home charger. Not to mention that it is cheaper! In some places, home charging is three times cheaper than commercial one.
There are different options for charging in the garage. The most common Level 1 charger are regular 120v outlets. Level 2 outlets have 240v outlets. Level 1 charger can add up to 4 miles range per hour. Level 2 chargers are much faster, with 32 miles range added per hour.
There is also the problem of outside conditions. EVs don’t tolerate extreme temperatures, either cold or warm. Also, fast rises and drops in temperatures are not a good thing for the whole EV, especially for the battery.
How To Charge An Electric Car Without A Garage?
You don’t need a garage if you want a home charger. All you need is a charger with a NEMA 4 rating. NEMA is a group of standards for electrical equipment. Level 2 charger is with a NEMA 4 rating, and it is among the best home charging options.
That means that the electric installation is protected from the impact of mud, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. The charger will work between -22℉ and 122℉.
Check Out How to Survive without a Home Charger (Apartment Living with an EV):
What To Consider When Installing An Outdoor Charging Station?
4 key factors will impact your decision when buying an outdoor charging station:
- Think about the safety of installation. This is a very important step because a badly installed charging station can be a health hazard. A lot of electricity will be going from your home installation to the charger. A bad installation can result in a fire hazard and a possibility of the electric shock.
- When buying a charger, be sure that it is certified. In some countries, it is mandatory because an uncertified charger can get you a fine.
- Determine the price of the installation. The equipment and cable length impact the price. But for a home installation, expenses are, at a minimum, around $700. When thinking about installation, know that it has to be done with quality and safety in mind.
- Choose a certified electrician. Electricity can be a foe if it is not installed properly. You want for your home a safely and professionally installed charger that will not be a safety hazard.
What Do You Need For An Outdoor Charging Station?
The first thing you should look out for is a locking mechanism. That mechanism is a safety feature for your charger and the cable. When they are outside, you want to ensure they are secured from theft.
Also, you should look for a charger with a hook or a holster for the cable. That way, the cable will be safely stored.
Pro Tip: Level 2 chargers are completely safe to use outside. They have all the protection from the cold, rain, snow, mud, and dirt. However, Level 1 offers a faster charging option than Level 2 chargers.
Outdoor EV Charger Cover
An EV charger cover is used when there is no option for a charger inside a garage. It protects the charger from weather conditions, including rain, snow, ice, mud, and sleet. The main reason for protecting a charger is so it is not blocked by snow or ice in the winter.
There are a lot of charger cover options on the market. Regarding your aesthetic and design preferences, you can find a quality option for your taste.
How To Prepare Your Garage For A New Electric Car?
Start with planning out the location for a charger. If you know how and where you will park a car, it will be much simpler to choose a spot for a charger. If you are using a Level 1 charger, you already have it. That is a basic 120v outlet. In case you want a Level 2 charger, you will need a permit and the help of a certified electrician.
EV charger equipment is expensive. Placing additional security measures around your home and garage may be a sensible idea. Adding a camera or two to keep a watch is not bad. You can sleep without any thought about the safety of your home and garage.
Electric Car Garage Ideas
Besides planning a spot for your EV charger, there are other things to consider. EVs don’t handle temperature fluctuations very well. Insulating a garage door would be a good step in keeping your EV safe and pampered.
Keeping a garage free of clutter is difficult. But when you have an EV, maybe you should do something about it. Keep your electrical equipment safe, mostly because of safety issues.
If you want to renovate your garage for your EV, talk with the electrician about handling all the electrical installation. All circuits and excess electrical installations should be safely handled.
When choosing a place for an electric charger, be sure that it is within the reach of an electric cord. Most electric chargers have cords up to 25 feet long, so 20 feet would be a good option. Also, pay attention to the height of the placement. The minimum height for a charger is 18 inches but is recommended between 42 and 48 inches.
Also, if you have two cars in the garage, place the charger to reach both cards with the same cord.
Can You Own An Electric Car In An Apartment/Condo?
Life in an apartment or a condo should not keep you from owning an EV. There are several options that you may employ.
If you don’t have access to a charging station, ask your landlord to install it. That may be a pricey investment, but that will be a deal breaker for someone to choose that apartment building to live in. If the answer is still no, there are other options.
Look for public charging stations in the vicinity. The network of public chargers is developing. Try finding a nearby charger that is often available for a plug-in.
If that is an option, workplace charging is also a good idea. That is a valid option because not all have the luxury of owning their chargers. Also, the company placed those chargers for their employees. It should not be a problem for you to use it.
FAQs
Can I install electric car chargers in my building?
If the landlord thinks that it would be a good idea, yes. Electricians would need to look at the building and think about the charger’s location. Sometimes, installing chargers for an apartment building is a massive investment with a lot of work. That is why only experienced workers should be employed.
Can my house handle an electric car?
Level 2 chargers may demand some larger electrical investments. Call for an electrician to check on your electrical panels. In some cases, your installations will handle the Level 2 charger. But if not, you may need to install an additional 80-amp breaker.
Can I get a Tesla without a garage?
Like other EVs, Tesla can be charged from an outside outlet. Owning a garage is not a condition for buying a Tesla.
What Is the Best Place in the Garage for an EV Charger?
The best location is on a wall near where you park your car. The cable length should be minimal because that is also a costly part of the charger.
Can you plug an electric car into a regular outlet?
Yes, and it is called a Level 1 charger. It is a slow charger, and with it, you can get 4 miles of range per hour of charging.
Final Considerations
The EV reality is knocking on everyone’s door. Garages are becoming a luxury, and an EV would certainly love to have their place.
EVs need a stable temperature to work properly. They don’t tolerate extreme cold and heat. Also, direct sunlight can impact their battery capacity. If you own a garage, prepare it for your new car.
But if you don’t have a garage, don’t worry. There are so many ways to keep your EV safe and charged. Not owning a garage is not an obstacle when buying an electric vehicle.
