Electric car charging stations: the different options

When you drive an electric car, charging is essential! In this article, learn more about electric car charging stations, whether they are public, at-home, or connected to solar panels.

Public electric car charging stations

How do you find a public charging station?

Most public charging stations are located in public parking lots, which often have designated spaces for electric vehicles. While charging is typically free, you will still need to pay for parking.

There are many apps and maps available to help you locate charging stations for your electric car. Shopping centers, grocery stores, and even some movie theaters with parking lots are great places to find public charging stations.

How do you charge your vehicle at a public charging station?

Although public charging stations are available for everyone, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• You need a charging card or a payment card that gives you access to the station.
• You must have a cable compatible with the selected charging station (the standard plug is Type 2).
• Always check that the charging station is operational before use!

Installing an electric car charging station at home

Why install an at-home electric car charging station?

While finding public charging stations isn't too difficult, having your own at-home charging station can be even more convenient. There are several benefits: it's easy to use, energy-efficient, and can save you money in the long run.

Here’s a tip: installing solar panels at home can further reduce your energy costs!

Owning a home charging station offers freedom: you can charge your vehicle whenever you want. No need to wait around for the charging to finish; your car can charge while you go about your other activities, saving you valuable time. You can also save on energy costs by charging during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. Plus, having a home charging station can increase the value of your property when it comes time to sell.

Electric car charging stations and solar panels: how does it work?

If your home is equipped with solar panels, you can charge your electric car using the electricity they generate! If you don’t already have solar panels but like the idea, it’s important to consider the cost of installation before starting the project. Solar panels can be a significant investment, and they may not be cost-effective in every situation. Solar panels are most efficient on rooftops with plenty of sun exposure.

Once installed, it's simple: the solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, which you can use to meet your energy needs. You may even eliminate the need for a traditional electricity provider altogether!

How to install an electric car charging station at home

There are a few options for charging your electric car at home: you can choose a reinforced outlet or a wallbox, which is a charging station that many homeowners prefer. The wallbox is more powerful than a regular outlet and offers a higher level of safety.

Before installing your wallbox, check to make sure your electrical system is up to code. If not, you’ll need to make the necessary upgrades to safely charge your vehicle at home.

Here are two things to consider before installing your charging station:

• The direction in which your vehicle will be parked
• The length of your charging cable to ensure it reaches the station

You can install the charging station on a garage wall or, if space is limited, mount it on a pedestal, which will not affect the quality of the charge.