What to Consider When Investing in a Wall Charger for Your EV Home-Charging Needs
Charging at home is an important consideration for electric vehicle (EV) owners. Rivian offers a 32A portable charger with the R1T, which can be plugged into either a 110 or 240v plug and provides 16 miles of range gained per hour. For faster charging, a wall charger is recommended, such as the $500 version offered by Rivian. This requires a NEMA 14-50 outlet and a 60 amp circuit breaker in order to get 25 miles of range gained per hour.
In some states, incentives and rebates are available from power utilities to install Level 2 chargers, so it's worth checking out your local options. However, if you have 200 amp service already being used for other devices, adding another circuit that will draw 60 amps may overload things. In this case, you'll need to upgrade your service sufficiently, which could mean running new higher capacity lines from the service head to the meter and then to a new higher capacity box.
Overall, having a decent wall charger installed by an electrician is part of owning an EV. With the included charger, it takes 18.75 hours to return the max pack to full charge; however, with a 60 amp wall charger it only takes 12 hours. This makes the investment worthwhile for many EV owners.
If you're not sure if a wall charger is right for you, consider the following: how often do you drive your EV? If it's only occasionally, then the included portable charger may be enough. However, if you plan to use your EV as an everyday vehicle and need to charge quickly each night or morning before work, then investing in a wall charger could save time and money in the long run.
In addition to considering whether or not a wall charger is necessary for your lifestyle needs, also think about where it will be installed. Many people opt for their garage since this provides easy access; however some prefer installing them outside of their home so they don't have to worry about running cords through windows or doors when charging away from home.
Finally, make sure that any installation meets local codes and regulations regarding electrical wiring safety standards - these vary by state but are important considerations when deciding on what type of charging system works best for your situation. Ultimately though with all things considered - cost vs convenience vs safety - having a decent wall charger installed can provide peace of mind knowing that no matter where life takes you there’s always power available at home!
Does the Rivian R1 come with a charging cable?
Yes, Rivian includes a 32A portable charger with the vehicle — similar to Tesla.
What type of outlet do I need to charge the Rivian?
You need a NEMA 14-50 outlet (4-pole 240v/50 amp receptacle, with 2 hots, a neutral and a dedicated ground). The cable that comes with it has a matching 4-pole male end.
How much range will I gain per hour when using the NEMA 14-50 outlet?
You can expect to gain about 16 miles of range per hour.
Is there an upgrade to the wall charger?
Yes, you can upgrade to a 25mi/hour wall charger which requires a 60-amp circuit.
Can I use the portable charger instead of the wall charger?
Yes, you can use the portable charger instead of the wall charger. However, if you want faster charge rate, you may consider investing in a wall charger.
Are there any incentives or rebates available for installing a Level 2 charger?
It depends on your state. Some states do have incentives and rebates from the power utility to get a Level 2 charger installed. Check with your local power utility for more information.
Is the Rivian charger hardwire only?
Yes, Rivian charger is hardwire only.
Do I need to upgrade my breaker to 60A to get the max out of the Rivian charger?
Yes, if you want to get the maximum out of the Rivian charger, you will need to upgrade your breaker to 60A. It is recommended that you consult an electrician to be sure that you have sufficient capacity.
Do I need to buy the $500 wall charger?
It depends on your needs. If you want faster charge rate, then you may consider investing in a wall charger. However, if you are satisfied with the portable charger that comes with the vehicle, then you don't necessarily need to buy the $500 wall charger.