What’s the best way to charge your EV at home?
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QUESTION
Hi John,
I’m considering a Hyundai Kona Electric but in relation to charging, I only have single-phase at home. Is this going to be a bit slower (than three-phase) but still okay for regular use?
Thanks for your time.
Simon
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ANSWER
Simon,
To answer your question, I have done exactly what you are contemplating.
I had a 64kWh Kona Electric for a year and charged it off a single-phase supply.
This required the installation of a 32-amp charger (if you don’t want to rely only on the box that comes with the car).
32A x 230V (I know - everyone calls it 240. It’s really 230.) = 7.4kW, which is sufficient to charge the Kona Electric from dead flat, overnight.
If you use the box that comes with the car, the (10A / 2.3kW) it’ll take about three times longer. I ran it for three months like that, but it was a pain in the arse if, for example, rain was expected overnight, or if the vehicle came home very low. In 10hrs, you could only put in about 1/3rd of a full charge.
Three phase won’t help. Maximum power from three phase is 22kW, but the vehicle cannot charge that fast on AC.
Cost of the 32A wallbox was about $2500 installed - this is 2-3 years ago - but the installation cost varies depending on the complexity of getting the 32A cable from the meter box to the charging location. If it’s just a matter of cable in conduit under the floor - all good. If they have to chase the cable through 100m of concrete, and concrete it back in place, it’ll cost a lot more.
Charging like this is all-weather compatible - it can be on an external wall, and you can recharge in the rain.
By they way, a new Hyundai Kona Electric is coming in 2023 >>
Hope this helps,
John Cadogan
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