13
EV Charger India – What is the Utility
EV chargers in India are designed to make EV ownership more practical and smooth. Here’s a glimpse into their key utility points.
Enables Daily Usability
With an EV charger, particularly a home charging unit, you can ensure that your car is always ready to drive. You can charge it overnight, so your daily trips are convenient, and you don’t have to plan your journey around the availability of EV charging stations along the route.
Reduces Dependency on Public Infrastructure
Although the EV charging infrastructure is steadily growing across India, it’s better to have a home charging unit. It will eliminate the need to rely on external charging points for daily use.
Provides Flexibility through Multiple Charging Points
Since you can find portable, fixed home units, and external commercial EV chargers in India, you’ll never be locked into a single charging method. This flexibility ensures extreme convenience and pleasant driving experiences.
Portable EV Charger – How it Works
Portable EV chargers are designed for simple, flexible use in different situations. Whether you’re at home or outside, you can use it to recharge your EV battery. Once you understand how a portable EV charger works, you’ll find it easier to use it. Here’s a step-wise glimpse of how they work.
1. Connect to a Power Source
You can connect the charger to a standard power socket, depending on its capacity. Most portable EV chargers have an in-built control box that checks for proper earthing, voltage stability, and overheating risks before initiating charging. So, even if you’re using a charger for the first time, you can do so safely.
2. Connect to the Vehicle
Once the charger is connected to a reliable power source, you can plug the charging cable into the EV’s charging port.
3. Power Delivery & Charging
The charger converts and regulates AC power from the socket for safe transfer to the vehicle’s onboard charger, which then charges the battery. The charging speed may be slightly slower when using a portable EV charger in India. Wall-mounted, fixed units usually deliver fast charging.
4. Automatic Shut-Off
Once the EV is charged, the charger will automatically disconnect to prevent any electrical issues or damage.
Home EV Charger vs Portable EV Charger: Which One is Better
As an EV owner, you’ll likely be confused between choosing home EV charger vs portable charger. We’ve shared a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
| Basis of Differentiation | Home EV Charger | Portable EV Charger |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | A fixed, wall-mounted, home EV charger is designed for daily, long-term use. | Portable chargers are primarily used as a secondary or backup charging option. It’s usually used when a fixed charging solution isn’t available. |
| Charging Speed | Although the precise speed will depend on the charging setup, it’s comparatively faster than portable chargers. | Charging speed is typically slower, so you should use it for top-ups, not full refills. |
| Installation Requirement | Requires professional installation, dedicated wiring, proper earthing, etc. In some cases, load upgrades might also be necessary. | No installation needed. It’s more like a plug-and-play charger that can work anywhere without specialised installation. |
| Best For | Homeowners and daily long-distance travellers | Frequent travellers and people living in rented apartments with no facility to install home EV charging units |
| Price | Highly expensive. Level 1 charger installation costs = ₹15,000 to ₹25,000, Level 2 installation costs = ₹40,000 to ₹1,50,000 | Comparatively inexpensive. Good-quality portable EV chargers are available between ₹13,000 and ₹22,000 |
| Safety & Reliability | Home chargers are built for consistent, high-load usage with proper circuit protection. It makes them safer for regular charging over long periods. | Safety depends heavily on the quality of the socket and the wiring. It’s usually not ideal for continuous, heavy usage. |
What is a Portable EV Charger?
A portable EV charger is a compact, plug-and-play charging device that lets you charge your EV using a standard power socket. It’s a great charging option for any EV owner who doesn’t have a fixed charging installation. You can also use it as a flexible backup or travel-friendly charging solution.
How to Get a Portable EV Charger in India
- Check the Standard Kit You Received During EV Purchase: In most cases, EV manufacturers already include a portable EV charger in the standard kit. Hence, before purchasing it from the market, check whether you received one with your EV. It will protect you from any unnecessary spending.
- Buy from Authorised Dealerships: If you don’t have a portable charger or your previous one stopped working, you can consider purchasing it from an authorised dealership. Stick to a charger crafted by your EV manufacturer for safety.
- Explore Third-Party EV Charging Brands: You can find numerous Indian companies that provide portable chargers with varying power ratings and features. Hence, if you want more options, explore third-party brands. Ensure your chosen chargers meet Indian safety norms and are compatible with your car’s charging standard.
How to Choose the Best EV Charger in India
Finding the best EV charging option in India isn’t challenging. You can get the best charger by following the tips listed below.
Understand Your Primary Usage
The market provides numerous options, so it’s crucial to narrow your choices based on your specific requirements. If you usually take your EV on long-distance trips, a home charger is a better option because it takes less time to charge to full capacity. However, a portable EV charger is a better option if you don’t have space to install a fixed, wall-mounted charger.
Prioritise Safety Over Cost Savings
Since EVs are usually expensive, some people opt for lower-priced options. However, it’s not a wise option from a safety perspective. You should consider purchasing an EV charger in India with safety features such as overcurrent protection, temperature monitoring, and automatic cut-off. Even if such chargers cost slightly more, they will prove cost-effective in the long term.
Consider Installation & Long-Term Convenience
An EV charger isn’t a ‘buy-and- forget’ purchase. You’ll have to use it frequently, making it a part of your routine. So, evaluate the installation process and ease of use before choosing any option. If a charger is easy to install and doesn’t require overly complex maintenance, it can be considered.
Evaluate Your Home’s Electrical Setup
This tip is particularly for EV owners planning to install home EV chargers in their parking spaces. You must thoroughly evaluate your home’s electrical system, as some older homes or apartments may not be able to support higher electrical loads. You’ll first have to make load upgrades before installing an EV charger.
What is the Current EV Charger Price Status
There isn’t any fixed EV charger price range as it depends on the type of charger you’re purchasing, its features, brand, installation type, and numerous other factors. However, home EV chargers are usually expensive because they require additional installation costs.
Level 1 EV chargers can cost you between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000, while Level 2 EV chargers will cost between ₹40,000 and ₹1,50,000.
For portable chargers, the price range is comparatively affordable. You can find good-quality portable EV chargers in the ₹13,000-₹22,000 range. It doesn’t require any installation cost, making it even more affordable.
Best EV Charging Option in India
The term ‘best’ is subjective here, as it is rarely the same for everyone. Hence, instead of looking for a universally best option, choose a charger that effortlessly fits your requirements and budget. We’ve already shared a detailed EV charging comparison in the above sections, so you can decide which EV charging option is the best for you.
Ideally, a home EV charger is a better choice for anyone who prioritises daily convenience, faster charging, and a hassle-free charging experience. Portable EV chargers are recommended for people who frequently travel and have limited installation options.
Conclusion
For EV owners, their work doesn’t just stop at choosing the right electric vehicle. They also have to choose the right charging option to ensure smooth driving experiences. Home and portable EV chargers are the most common available options.
We’ve shared a detailed EV charging comparison between both options so you can make an informed choice. Besides choosing the right EV and charger, ensure you also select the right Car Insurance. It will assist you with all-around financial protection.
You can consider exploring Comprehensive Car Insurance from Shriram General Insurance, as our plans provide enhanced coverage, personalisation options, and competitive premiums.
FAQs
1. Are EV chargers safe to use?
Yes, they’re safe to use. Ensure you purchase an EV charger that complies with all relevant safety norms.
2. Home EV chargers or portable chargers: Which provides faster charging?
Home EV chargers provide significantly faster charging speeds and shorter charging times.
3. Can anyone install fixed, wall-mounted home EV chargers?
If your home’s electrical setup supports a seamless EV installation, you might consider proceeding.
4. Which is more expensive: home EV chargers or portable EV chargers?
Home EV chargers are more expensive, as they also require additional installation costs.
5. Do all Indian EVs come with a portable charger at purchase?
Most Indian EVs include a portable charger as a part of the standard kit. You should check whether your shortlisted EV brand provides it.
