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Did you know that 80% of EV users of the world prefers to charge their EV it at home too,? This isn’t very surprising. In practice, home charging offers unparalleled convenience and cost savings (generally between INR 6-8 per unit in India). However, a good chunk of EV users report a different side of the coin. With issues ranging from long charging times (at leastBy unverified reportings, 15-20 hours for a standard 50kWh battery) lack of remote connectivity features, unexpected spike in electricity consumption, and in limited sanctioned-load residential areas, heavy duty home appliances like air conditioner can interfere with the charging session.
Nevertheless, we shouldn’t reject home charging too quickly. We ought to gain correct knowledge here, as only that can guide us towards a promising and smarter future.
What exactly is a smart EV charger? How is it compatible with your lifestyle? And how does it resolve all of the ills that you just read?
Read below for the answers.
Understanding traditional EV Chargers and their limitations:
A traditional EV charger provides power from the main grid to your EV as soon as it is plugged in. A non-smart charger lacks the necessary features to communicate with your vehicle and home electrical system. Thus, it cannot optimize charging times or manage power loads.
This often results in:
- Higher electricity bills due to inefficient energy use
- Higher risk of overloading your home’s electrical circuits
- Lower awareness andvisibility into charging status or energy consumption
Due to the lack of SMART features the convenience and cost benefit factor of home EV charging gets undermined.
Traditional wisdom would suggest opting for fast DC charging altogether. But this advice is only partially correct.
Why you should not use DC fast charging frequently?
This is common knowledge that public fast chargers can quickly top up your EV battery. With system rating as high as 350kW easily available in the market, almost fully charging a standard 50kWh EV battery is possible in just 10 minutes (Depending on SoC). However, frequent use of fast charging can degrade your battery’s health. There are two reasons for this:
1. Heat Generation: When a high amount of energy is delivered in a short time, the temperature inside the battery pack increases. Excessive heat can accelerate chemical reactions that degrade battery cells, such as electrolyte decomposition and electrode breakdown.
2. Lithium Plating: Rapid charging can cause lithium ions to deposit as metallic lithium on the anode. This phenomenon can reduce battery capacity
The writing is on the wall here. Public charging is fast, but does come with a certain caveat.
Now the million-dollar question is: What is the best charging option for EV users? An option which is not only safe, but also smart and future ready?
Modern Home EV-charging need Smart EV chargers
Smart EV chargers use advanced hardware and software to offer superior charging experience. Not only are these solar compatible and offer higher power ranges and control on charging speeds, but alsoThey have communication protocols to integrate with mobile applications and home appliances.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the features:-
Power ratings and charging speeds
Smart chargers for home use typically operate at Level 2, delivering power between 7.5 kW and 22 kW. This is significantly faster than non-smart Level 1 chargers (1.4 kW to 3.7 kW), reducing charging time from over 12 hours to 3-4 hours for most Indian EVs. Choosing the right charger wattage depends on your vehicle’s battery size, daily driving needs, and your home’s electrical capacity. Smart chargers have a dynamic range which can manage this power delivery intelligently.
Solar compatibility for clean energy and lower costs
Many smart chargers integrate seamlessly with rooftop solar systems. This allows you to charge your EV using clean, renewable energy generated at home. Solar compatibility reduces your dependence on the grid and lowers electricity costs, making your EV ownership more sustainable and economical.
Load balancing for safety and integration with other appliances
Smart chargers feature dynamic load balancing, which distributes available power between your EV charger and other household appliances. This prevents circuit overloads and power trips, ensuring safe,reliable, and consistent operations even when multiple devices are running simultaneously. Furthermore, Smart EV chargers can connect with other smart home systems, such as energy management platforms and IoT devices. This integration enables automated scheduling, energy optimization, and real-time monitoring, providing you with full control over your home’s energy use.
Communication protocols for remote control and connectivity:
Smart chargers use these industry-standard communication protocols to interact with your EV, home energy systems, and the electricity grid.
- OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol): This open protocol allows your charger to communicate with EV charging app for remote monitoring, diagnostics, firmware updates, and load balancing. It ensures your charger can work with different brands and energy management systems.
- ISO 15118: This international standard enables secure, two-way communication between your EV and charger. It supports features like Plug & Charge, where your car automatically authenticates and starts charging without manual input.
Together, these protocols equip the charger with features like remote monitoring, energy management, safety features, and integration with solar and smart home systems.
Future proofing:
With support for evolving standards and technologies, smart chargers are built to be future-ready. Whether it’s new vehicle models, grid requirements, or energy management innovations, a smart charger adapts and updates to stay relevant.
Now, how do these features translate into benefits for everyday life?
Smart charger benefits for Home EV charging
Investing in a smart EV charger offers multiple benefits that justify its higher upfront cost:
- Convenience: Remote monitoring and control via mobile apps mean you can start, stop, or schedule charging anytime, anywhere.
- Cost Savings: Optimized charging during off-peak hours or when solar power is available reduces electricity bills.
- Safety: Load balancing protects your home’s electrical system and your EV battery from damage.
- Integration: Works with smart home devices and renewable energy systems for efficient energy management.
- Battery Health: Prevents overcharging and undercharging, extending your EV battery’s lifespan.
- Environmental Impact: Enables use of clean energy and reduces grid stress through smart scheduling.
Here’s a brief summary that compares the two: