Charging at home VS public charging?

Are you considering investing in a home charger while living in an apartment building, but you’re not sure if it’s worth it? Our Estonian Market Manager, Kaupo Eerme, will share his insight and experience when it comes to installing a home charger for his own apartment building.

Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, but for those living in apartment buildings, the decision to invest in a home charger can be a tricky one. While charging at public stations may be an option, it can be inconvenient and costly in the long run.

The cost of installing a home charger can vary depending on the possibilities your apartment complex has, ranging between 5000-7000€, which raises the question of whether it’s worth the investment. On the surface, the cost may seem quite huge, but a simple calculation shows that installing a home charger is the same as charging your electric car for 77 777 km at a public charging network or around 3-4 years of driving.

Of course, the convenience of having a home charger cannot be ignored. It eliminates the need to worry about charging station availability and planning for charging stops. With a home charger, you can also decide when you want to charge and at what price. It’s an important thing to consider because as we all know electricity is cheaper at night and that ultimately means smaller charging costs. Added bonus is also the ability to preheat your car before starting your journey, ensuring a warm and comfortable ride on cold winter mornings.

However, installing a home charger in an apartment complex can be complicated. It requires approval from the apartment association, coordination with contractors, and a significant financial investment.

So, is it worth investing in a home charger right now? It depends on your individual circumstances. If you have access to public charging stations and don’t do much long-distance driving, it may not be necessary. However, if you’re looking for convenience, long-term cost savings, and the ability to preheat your car in the winter, then a home charger may be a worthwhile investment for you.

Finally, we encourage real estate developers and apartment association chairmans to consider incorporating charging solutions into apartment complexes. By doing so, they can cater to the growing demand for electric vehicles and reduce the costs and inconveniences associated with public charging stations. But if you are planning to move and are looking for a new apartment then my recommendation is to choose a new building, a progressive developer, and have the charger included in the price of your apartment, like the way storage space and parking are accounted for. The impact on your loan payment will be minimal, and the problem will be solved.

In conclusion, while the decision to invest in a home charger for an electric car in an apartment complex requires careful consideration, the convenience, and potential cost savings make it a worthwhile investment for many. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to weigh the pros and cons and decide what’s best for them.