Should I Use 120V Charging for My EV? A Guide on Benefits, Costs & Safety.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, and many drivers are now asking whether they should use 120v charging on a regular basis. The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the vehicle's range and how much you drive each day.
For example, if you drive 30 miles each way daily, then 12 hours of charging time will add 36-60 miles of charge. Over the course of a week, that adds up to 120 miles of charge. If you don't drive much over the weekend or stay at home most of the time, you can charge your EV back up to 80% before starting a new workweek. With 341 miles of range, even with 120v charging it is still feasible.
However, some people have experienced issues when using 120v charging. For instance, one user found that charging was too slow and their 20 amp outlets got very warm during the process. Another person noticed that current appeared to be limited more than expected when plugged into a 20 amp outlet - the dash read 10 amps - and when they plugged into a 15 amp outlet, the dash showed "maximum of 10 amps".
Ultimately, whether you choose to use 120v charging regularly depends on your individual needs and circumstances. It may be worth considering investing in a level 2 charger for faster charging times and added safety features.Level 2 chargers are typically installed in garages or other areas where you can easily access them.
If you decide to use 120v charging, it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to ensure your safety. Make sure that all outlets used for charging are properly grounded and rated for 20 amps or more. Additionally, check the temperature of the outlet before plugging in - if it feels warm then unplug immediately as this could indicate an issue with wiring or a faulty outlet.
Finally, keep an eye on your EV's battery level while charging at 120v so that you don't overcharge it and cause damage. If possible, try not to leave your vehicle plugged in overnight as this may lead to excessive wear on both the charger and battery pack due to prolonged exposure at high temperatures.
In conclusion, whether using 120v charging regularly is right for you depends largely on how much driving you do each day and what type of range your EV has available when fully charged up again after 12 hours of charge time from a standard wall socket (120V). It may also be worth considering investing in a level 2 charger which offers faster charge times but comes with additional costs such as installation fees etc.. Finally remember always stay safe by making sure all outlets used for charging are properly grounded/rated correctly & monitor battery levels during charge cycles!
Is anyone actually using 120 volt charging on a regular basis?
Yes, some people are using 120v charging on a regular basis. However, it is important to note that the amount of charge added in 12 hours of charging time is usually between 36 and 60 miles. This means that if you drive 60 miles per day, you will have a deficit of 24 miles over the course of the week. If you don't drive much over the weekend or are at home most of the time, then you can charge and get back up to 80% before the new workweek starts.
What happens if I try to increase the current above 10 amps?
If you use the app to reduce charging below 10 amps, it will do so. But if you increase it to anything above 10 amps, it won't change. This is likely because 20 amps of electricity at 120v equals 10 amps of electricity at 240v. So, if you increase the current above 10 amps, it won't do anything.
What are the benefits of 120v charging?
The main benefit of 120v charging is that it is much more affordable than 240v charging. It also requires less installation work and can be done in a matter of minutes. Additionally, it is much easier to find a 120v outlet than a 240v outlet. Finally, 120v charging is great for those who don't drive long distances or who don't need to charge their car quickly.