Frequently asked questions about charging an EV at home
So, you’re ready to purchase your first EV or recently made your purchase. Now it’s time to charge your EV at home. Follow along with this at-home electric vehicle charging guide and tips from Kia of Irvine, your Kia dealership in Irvine, CA. We’ll answer your frequently asked questions about charging an EV at home.
Should you use a home charger or a wall outlet?
Investing in a professional home charger for your electric vehicle offers several significant advantages over using a standard household outlet.
- Faster charging: Home chargers can charge your car up to 5-8 times faster, depending on your grid connection. Faster charging means more time on the road and less time tethered.
- Enhanced safety and reliability: Professional home chargers are designed to be more robust, safer, and reliable than standard outlets.
- Cost reimbursement: With solutions like Kia Proline, you can easily reimburse electricity costs with third parties, such as your employer.
Choosing the right home charger
Home chargers are available in various configurations to suit different power needs.
- Power options: Starting at 3.7 kW (18-20 km added per hour), you can choose up to 11 kW (110-130 km added per hour).
- Charging speed factors: The actual charging speed depends on the charger’s maximum power, your car’s charging technology (1-phase or 3-phase), and your grid connection.
The benefits of a connected charging point
A connected charging point offers additional features and convenience:
- Remote monitoring: Check charging session details, receive firmware updates, and troubleshoot issues remotely.
- Access control: Limit access to the charging point to prevent unauthorized use.
- Cost reimbursement: Claim electricity costs, especially when your employer is involved.
- Notification: Receive a notification on your Kia Connect App when your car is fully charged.
The installation process of a Kia home charger
After ordering a home charger, you’ll receive an email requesting a digital survey. This survey gathers information about your location, fuse box, and other relevant details for a smooth installation. A Kia installer will then contact you to schedule the installation or address any questions.
Kia Connect App features and functions
The Kia Connect App provides a convenient way to manage your electric vehicle charging:
- Monitor charging status: Track the progress of your charging session.Â
- View remaining time: Estimate the time left until your car is fully charged.Â
- Schedule charging: Set charging times to optimize cost savings or align with your departure schedule.Â
- Limit charging modes: Control charging speed for fast or standard modes.Â
Some condos will allow home chargers, but you’ll need permission from the homeowner association. Apartments with public parking will require a permit to install a charging point in a public area. Some cities offer a system for EV drivers to request a charging station in a public area.Â
Most Kia EVs come with a charging cable that can be plugged into a standard outlet in your garage. With an outlet charger, you can charge your EV at home. However, it isn’t the same as a home charger, which offers the benefits outlined toward the top of this page.Â
Yes, you can charge your EV overnight. Overnight charging is a convenient way to charge your car for daily commutes.Â
Many workplaces now offer an EV charging station. Some cities will have a system to request a charging station in a public area. Ultimately, the answer depends on your work.Â
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