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Charging your EV at home offers numerous advantages, from the convenience of a full battery each morning to cost savings and environmental benefits. But how do you choose the right Mode 3 Electric Vehicle home charger for your needs?
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Home EV charger

The only Guide to Buy a Mode 3 Electric Vehicle Charger for Home

Charging your EV at home offers numerous advantages, from the convenience of a full battery each morning to cost savings and environmental benefits. But how do you choose the right Mode 3 Electric Vehicle home charger for your needs?

In this blog, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Whether you’re a new EV owner or considering making the switch to electric, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and insights to choose the perfect home charging solution.

Here's what you can expect to learn:

Understanding the EV charging ecosystem:

The Electric Vehicle (EV) charging ecosystem has seen remarkable growth and innovation in recent years, and we can’t help but be excited about the strong emphasis on home EV charging solutions. This development is driven by the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and the need for convenient and efficient charging options for EV owners.
We find home EV chargers to be a crucial component of the EV ecosystem, and they offer several benefits to both me and the environment. Having a home charging station means we can conveniently charge our EV overnight, ensuring us to start each day with a full battery. This eliminates the need for frequent trips to public charging stations, saving time and reducing the cost of recharging.
The focus on electric car chargers for home in the EV charging ecosystem is a testament to the growing importance of convenient and eco-friendly charging solutions at home. As more EVs hit the road, the development of efficient, accessible, and sustainable home charging infrastructure will continue to play a pivotal role in the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.

Let's dive deeper into the EV charging ecosystem:

It’s a common misconception among drivers that the process of charging an electric vehicle closely resembles refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle. However, that is not the case. The traditional practice of driving to a service station to refuel has evolved significantly.
The primary locations for charging are typically home, workplace, or public destinations like supermarkets and shopping centres. Additionally, there are en-route charging options designed for long-distance journeys, equipped with higher power charging capabilities to facilitate faster charging. This integrated network of charging solutions constitutes what we commonly refer to as the EV charging ecosystem.
We’d like to emphasise the importance of observing general EV charging etiquette when utilising charge points in the workplace or public settings to ensure a harmonious and considerate experience for all users.

Advantages of a Home EV Charging Setup:

Incorporates inherent safety features, rendering it notably safer in comparison to utilising a standard three-pin electrical socket. Weatherproof construction ensures its durability and functionality in diverse environmental conditions. Facilitates convenient charging when parking your electric vehicle, thereby presenting the most pragmatic solution.
Enables cost-effective electric vehicle operation, potentially achieving a cost as low as 1 pence per mile. Access to subsidies through grants such as OZEV further enhances the economic viability of this charging infrastructure.

Charger types:

There are several types of electric vehicle (EV) chargers available on the market, each with its own characteristics and use cases. When it comes to a home charging setup, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are the main types of EV chargers and some guidance on which one might be the best fit for your home:

Mode 1 Chargers:

Mode 1 charging is the most basic form of charging and involves a standard electrical socket. It’s often referred to as “household charging” because it uses a standard household AC outlet without any specialised infrastructure. Mode 1 chargers are typically used for low-power applications like charging mobile phones or laptops. However, they are not suitable for high-power applications like EVs because standard household outlets may not provide the necessary current and safety features.

Mode 2 Chargers:

Mode 2 charging involves a standard electrical socket but includes additional safety features and control mechanisms. These features are typically integrated into the charging cable or an adapter, rather than the socket itself. Mode 2 chargers are commonly used for charging EVs at home using a dedicated cable with safety features like built-in residual current devices (RCDs). They provide a safer and more controlled way to charge compared to Mode 1.

Mode 3 Chargers:

Mode 3 charging is the most common and standardised method for electric vehicle charging. It involves a dedicated charging station with specialised connectors and communication capabilities. These charging stations are often found in public places and can deliver higher power levels than Mode 1 or Mode 2 chargers. Mode 3 chargers are used for fast and reliable charging of EVs. They provide different power levels and use standardised connectors like the SAE J1772 or CCS (Combo Charging System).

Mode 4 Chargers:

Mode 4 charging represents a high-power, direct-current (DC) charging system typically used for fast-charging electric vehicles. Mode 4 chargers are connected directly to the grid and have their own internal conversion and safety systems. Mode 4 chargers are commonly found at dedicated fast-charging stations, and they are capable of delivering a significant amount of power to an EV quickly. This is crucial for long-distance travel where drivers need to recharge their vehicles in a short time.
(Please Note: Level 1,2 & 3 are names used only in the USA.)

Advantages of a Home EV Charging Setup:

Charging Speed:

Smart chargers can vary in charging speed, but many offer Mode 3 charging capabilities. 

Features:

Smart chargers come with features like Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile apps, and the ability to schedule and monitor charging. They can optimise charging during off-peak hours, saving on electricity costs.

Best For:

Smart chargers are a great choice for tech-savvy EV owners who want to take advantage of advanced features and maximise cost savings.
Mode 3 chargers are a popular choice for home charging because they offer a good balance between charging speed and convenience. If you have a pure electric vehicle and want to ensure you have a full charge each day, a Mode 3 charger is usually the most practical option.

CITA EV’s home charging range offers different types of chargers to cater to a variety of requirements:

Smart 7:

This Level 2 charger is a versatile choice for your everyday charging needs. It operates at a 7kW output, has an IP 65 rating and is compatible with all Type-2 charging cables.

Smart 22:

With a more robust 22kW output, the Smart 22 is perfect for those who need faster charging. It delivers a charge rate of about 68 miles per hour.

Features to consider:

When buying an electric vehicle (EV) charger for your home, it’s essential to consider various features and factors to ensure you select the right charger that suits your needs. Here are the key features to consider:

Smart 22:

One of the most critical factors is the charging speed, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The higher the kW rating, the faster your EV will charge. Consider your daily driving habits and how quickly you need to recharge.

Charger Type:

Choose between Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) chargers. Level 1 chargers are slower and typically plug into a standard household outlet. Level 2 chargers are faster but require professional installation.

Connector Compatibility:

Ensure that the charger’s connector matches your EV’s charging port.

Cable Length:

The length of the charging cable can affect your charging convenience. Select a cable length that allows you to park comfortably while connecting to the charger.

Smart Features:

Some chargers come with smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile apps. These features allow you to schedule and monitor charging, track energy usage, and optimise charging during off-peak hours.

Safety Certifications:

Ensure that the charger has the necessary safety certifications, such as UKCA certification in the United Kingdom or CE marking in Europe, to guarantee that it meets safety and quality standards.

Weatherproof and Durability:

If you plan to install the charger outdoors, choose a model with weatherproof and durable construction to withstand different environmental conditions.

Ease of Installation:

Consider whether you prefer a plug-and-play charger that you can install yourself or if you need professional installation for a Level 2 charger.

Maintenance and Warranty:

Review the manufacturer’s warranty to understand what components are covered and for how long. Also, consider the long-term maintenance requirements for the charger. 

Cost and Budget:

Set a budget for your EV charger and choose a model that fits within your financial constraints. Remember to factor in installation costs if applicable.
CITA EV boasts a variety of smart chargers for home use with features that make them safe, simple and easy-to-use.

Our CITA EV chargers for home are IP65 rated making them ideal for any electrical condition. The home charging range starts from 7 kWh and goes upto 22 kWh.

Depending on your EV and other needs, you can pick from any of these 4 options. The CITA Smart Home chargers also come with a 3-year warranty and 24×7 support that helps you from installation to maintenance.

Cable & Compatibility:

The Type 2 charging cable (also known as Mennekes) and the GB/T (Guan Biao/T-Plug) connector are common charging standards used in different parts of the world. These standards are typically used in Europe and China, respectively. Below is a list of a few popular electric vehicles (EVs) compatible with both Type 2 and GB/T connectors:
The CITA Smart 7 & 22 are compatible with Type-2 compatible vehicles as well as come with a GB/T cable. Check out more about these smart home charging solutions here.

Certifications:

Here is a simplified table with some of the key certifications for EV chargers in a few representative countries.
We are pleased to note that CITA EV’s commitment to excellence has earned them recognition and awards. The Smart 7 charger, with its innovative features and design, has received the prestigious CES Innovation Award. Moreover, the Smart 7 and Smart 22 chargers have been ADQCC approved in Abu Dhabi, a testament to their quality and performance.

In the UK, the CITA EV products are also approved by the OZEV office.

Installation:

The proper installation of your CITA EV charger is crucial for both safety and efficiency. You can choose between wall-mounted units or stand-alone posts based on your space and design preferences. Selecting the ideal placement and ensuring the right cable length are key considerations during installation.

CITA EV strongly recommends professional installation by certified electricians to guarantee correct wiring and grounding. We provide 24×7 support services via calls and emails to help you find a certified installer or to help you do it yourself.
In case you want to be thrifty and would like to DIY the process, CITA EV has tons of guides to help you with the process.

Support & Warranty:

CITA EV stands firmly behind their products, offering robust customer support and comprehensive warranty coverage – all our products come with a 3-year warranty on purchase.
In the event of any issues, our dedicated customer support team is ready to assist. The warranty details provide clarity on what aspects of the charger are covered, instilling confidence in your investment.
In conclusion, CITA EV Home Charging Solutions offers an array of options to meet the needs of EV owners. By understanding the different charger types, design elements, compatibility, features, and installation considerations, you can make an informed choice that aligns perfectly with your requirements. With CITA EV’s Smart 7 & Smart 22 products, you’re not just charging your EV; you’re charging it with excellence and innovation. Welcome to the future of electric mobility with CITA EV Home Charging Solutions.

OZEV Approval & Grants for Landlords & Homeowners

CITA EV’s Smart 7 & Smart 22 products are not only top-of-the-line but also OZEV approved. This approval ensures their eligibility for grants, benefitting both landlords and homeowners looking to install EV chargers. The OZEV grant program aims to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and the installation of charging infrastructure, making it a win-win for both the environment and your wallet.
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