How to Charge an Electric Car at Home Without a Garage?

By the Mercury Team

Many EV owners can charge their electric family cars in the privacy of their garages. However, some aren’t so lucky. Maybe they don’t have a garage and park in the driveway or street, or perhaps they rent an apartment or condo without dedicated EV charging stations. If you’re looking to buy an EV but are currently in a similar situation, you can still charge your car. It just takes a bit of effort and planning.

About EV Charging

Before diving into how to charge your electric car without a garage or as an apartment dweller, it’s important to understand the three types of EV charging: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging.

• Level 1 — When you purchase an electric vehicle, it’ll most likely come with a Level 1 EV charger, which allows you to plug your EV into any standard 120-volt outlet. Although these chargers are convenient and easy to use, they’re the slowest way to charge an EV — providing only 4-5 miles of range per hour.
• Level 2 — Level 2 chargers allow you to charge your electric car via a 240-volt outlet, offering 25-30 miles of driving range per hour. These chargers are often free-to-use at public places such as grocery stores and malls. You can also install them in your home, but a licensed electrician must perform the installation.
• DC fast charging — Some public charging stations offer DC fast charging, the fastest charging option available providing up to 250 miles of range per hour. However, you typically have to pay to use a DC fast charging station. Also, some EVs aren’t compatible with DC fast charging, so check with your EV manufacturer to find out your vehicle’s charging capabilities.

How to Charge an Electric Vehicle at Home Without a Garage

You can charge your EV at home without a garage as long as you have electric service and a dedicated parking space. Here are some practical ways to manage this situation:

Use Standard Wall Outlet

Charging your electric vehicle using a standard wall outlet is simple and cost-effective, especially if you don't have a dedicated garage. Choose an outlet closest to where you park your vehicle and ensure your charging cable offers enough length (more on this later.)

Install an Outdoor-Rated Charging Station

If you opt for a Level 2 charger, hiring a licensed electrician to install an outdoor-rated charging station is key. This station should be weatherproof and designed to handle outdoor conditions. Ensure it's placed close to where you usually park your vehicle to keep charging convenient and straightforward.

Ensure Proper Electrical Safety

Your outdoor charging point should have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to protect against electrical shocks. A circuit breaker is also a good idea to protect the charging station from overloading your home’s electrical system.

Use a Weatherproof Cover

If your EV charging spot is exposed to the elements, using a weatherproof cover over the plug connections can provide additional protection against rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.

Consider a Portable Charger

If a fixed charging station isn’t feasible, consider a portable charger that can be stored inside your home and only brought out when needed. This is particularly useful if you live in an apartment, don’t have a driveway, or live on a street where permanent installations and consistent parking are not possible.

Considerations of Cord Length for Optimal Charging

When setting up your electric vehicle charging station at home without a garage, one important factor to consider is the length of the charging cord. Here's how to determine the optimal cord length for your needs:

• Determine necessary cord length: Measure the distance from your home’s electrical outlet to where you’ll park your car. Add a few extra feet to allow for some flexibility in parking and to avoid stretching the cord too tightly, which could stress the cable and connectors.
• Avoid excessively long cords: While buying a very long cord to cover all bases might be tempting, excessively long cords can decrease charging efficiency. Longer cords can experience a drop in voltage, particularly if the gauge (thickness) of the cord is not adequate for the length and load. This can result in slower charging times and increased wear on the charging equipment.
• Cord management: To manage extra cord length, consider installing cable organizers or a reel to neatly store it when not in use. This prevents tangles and tripping hazards and helps protect the cord from damage.
• Safety considerations: If you're charging outside without a garage, always use a cord designed for outdoor use. These cords are built to withstand weather conditions and temperature variations. Ensure the cord has robust insulation and is rated for your EV charger's power requirements.
• Consult a professional: If unsure about the appropriate cord length or type, consult with a licensed electrician who can guide you. They can also help ensure your setup meets local electrical codes and safety standards.

Public Charging Options

If charging your EV at home is not feasible, public charging stations are your next best option. Here are a few tips to help fuel your EV:

EV Apps

First, you need to determine all the public charging stations near your home, which you can easily do with an app like PlugShare and ChargeHub. These apps provide an interactive map with all nearby stations, but they can also filter out stations that are currently in use, out of order, or not compatible with your EV, making it easier for you to find the perfect station.

Plan Charging Around Work or Errands

If you have access to a charging station at your workplace, take advantage by charging your EV during work. Most public stations provide Level 2 charging, so if you work an eight-hour shift, you could commute back home with a full charge. If your workplace doesn’t offer onsite charging stations, consult your employer about creating a plan to add EV charging stations.

You can also plan your charging around errands or activities since many EV charging stations are located at places such as grocery stores, malls, restaurants, and movie theaters. That way, you’ll give your EV some charge while going about your normal day.

DC Fast Charging

Many public charging stations are simply Level 2 units, but some provide DC fast charging, which can charge an EV’s battery up to 80% in around 30 minutes. While some Level 2 stations are free to use, you must pay for DC fast charging. Some stations base their pricing on the kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity used, while others charge you per minute. If there's a DC fast charging station nearby, this can be a great way to quickly charge your EV without having to plan ahead too much.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it's possible to charge your EV without a dedicated home charger, and all it takes is a bit of planning and getting accustomed to your car's range and charging times. Additionally, as more stations expand, charging speeds increase, and more long-range EVs hit the market, owning an electric vehicle without a home charger should become much easier.

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