Home or public charging: which is better?

The success of electric vehicles depends to a large extent on the accessibility of recharging. There are two main options available to users: home charging and public charging. Each has its advantages, and the choice depends on your driving habits, where you live and your daily needs. Nevertheless, we’re going to take a closer look at the question to determine which solution is more advantageous between home and public charging.

HOME CHARGING: THE MOST PRACTICAL OPTION

For most EV owners, home charging is the simplest and most economical solution. Usually, when you buy an EV, you get a Level 1 charging station. It’s often included with the vehicle, but if not, you can easily get your own. However, this type of terminal offers slow recharging. Very slow. We’re talking about a recharge time of up to 48 hours, depending on the EV model. Installing a Level 2 charging station is generally the preferred option for electromobilists. It allows you to recharge your vehicle more quickly overnight. On average, an 8h charge is enough to fill up the tank, although this again depends on the model of your EV. The cost of purchasing and installing a Level 2 charging station is eligible for subsidies, and use often costs less than $3/100 km.

ADVANTAGES:

• Constant availability
• Proximity
• Off-peak charging
• Comfort and time-saving
• Affordable
• Significantly faster than a Level 1 charging station

PUBLIC CHARGING: USEFUL ON THE MOVE

Level 2 or 3 public charging stations are ideal for long journeys or for users without access to a private residential charging station. Fast charging stations (BRCC) can recover 80% of the charge in less than 30 minutes. However, the cost is higher, depending on the supplier. You need to pay particular attention to your charge level when using a level 3 terminal, so as not to exceed the famous 80%. If you happen to exceed this 80%, you’ll certainly remember it for next time, because you’ll end up with a rather hefty bill!

If you don’t have access to a residential charging station, the Circuit Électrique’s Level 2 charging stations are very useful. They are numerous and allow you to plug in your EV in a public area for several hours at a lower cost.

ADVANTAGES:

• Fast charging (especially level 3)
• Strategically located on major roads
• Accessible 24/7
• Increasingly numerous (constant expansion of the public network)

WHAT TO CHOOSE?

The ideal choice is often a combination of the two, and generally speaking, you’ll use both options. Certainly, electromobilists with a home charging station enjoy maximum convenience, but if that’s not your case, it’s no longer a problem. The public network is available to you at all times. In urban environments, public or shared charging stations become essential for everyone, especially if you have to make long journeys. So there’s no need to worry about recharging your EV, but don’t forget that prevention is key! Before you hit the road, check your EV’s state of charge and plan your trips in advance. You can even plan your trips strategically using applications such as ABRP or Circuit Électrique.

CASE STUDIES

Family in single-family dwelling: main home charging, public on the move.
Professional in condo: depends on the presence of a collective charging station or access to public charging stations.
Frequent traveler: additional public fast charging required.

TWO EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS

Residential or public charging? There’s no right answer – both options are advantageous. It’s really a question of preference. The choice depends on your immediate needs and the options available to you. The good news is that both options are increasingly accessible. A hybrid strategy often offers the best of both worlds. In the end, whether it’s home or public charging, both solutions are advantageous because they allow you to fill up on energy!

Whether you need an adapter to connect your EV to a Tesla station, or you’re shopping for a home charging station, our experts are here to help! We’ll advise you on the best charging solution for your needs!