Your guide to charging all-electric vehicles
5 mins read

Your guide to charging all-electric vehicles

Electric vehicles have come a long way since the first modern electric cars hit the roads in the early 2000s. A combination of factors, including improved battery life, charging technology and design, means drivers are increasingly saying goodbye to gas tanks in favor of electric cars, whether they live in small towns, suburbs or cities. The Edison Electric Institute and the Institute for Electric Innovation, for example, project it 26.4 million electric cars will be on American roads by 2030.

This increase in EV sales also means that charging technology has rapidly expanded and improved, now including home charging, portable charging and public charging. If you are thinking of introducing an electric car to your garage, for example the all-electric Acura ZDX Type SBoasting up to 278 miles of EPA Range Rating*, dual-motor four-wheel drive with nearly 500 hp for a smooth driving experience, and three charging packages tailored to different lifestyles, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the technology that will power your car. Here’s everything you need to know about charging to go electric.

Home charging

Home charging is ideal for drivers with high daily mileage or a strong preference for dedicated home infrastructure. This type of charger will usually be mounted on your wall and relies on a dedicated line to your electrical panel to charge your vehicle. This uses the most electricity and therefore usually requires wiring – meaning you have to plug it directly into your electrical system to account for the higher electricity demand – but it’s the fastest way to reach a full charge. Acura’s Home Charging Bundle includes a Home Charging Station that allows drivers to charge at their own convenience, a $500 AHE (Acura Home Electrification) installation credit to help with those installation costs, and a $100 charging credit** on the EVgo charging network which can be used as a backup when you are not at home.

electric vehicle charging at a station

Acura

Acura ZDX Type S with Acura Home Charging Station.

Your home itself can dictate what’s possible in terms of installation, says Joel Worthington, president of a nationwide electrical supplier. “Some older homes may need an electrical upgrade to the EV equipment, which can increase installation time,” he says. “With newer homes, however, the EV installation can usually be installed in a few hours by an electrician.” In some cities, new homes are required to come with charging capacity for electric cars.

Regardless, one thing is certain – all home installations should be done by professionals. “Hiring a licensed electrician with experience installing electric vehicles can simplify the process and help ensure the charger is installed safely,” adds Marty Stadelmaier, EVP of customer service at a Colorado-based electrical management company. Acura’s Home Charging Bundle can help defray the cost of hiring a professional.

Portable charging

Portable chargers are a great option for drivers who travel frequently, live in rental properties, or otherwise value flexibility. These will use existing outlets in your home or on the go, allowing for more flexible charging without requiring a full installation. How quickly you can reach full charge with a portable model depends on the voltage of the outlet you’re using, so you may need to upgrade the outlet itself if you want faster charging speeds; generally speaking, industrial quality stores are recommended. Acura’s portable charging package includes a portable charging kit, a $250 AHE installation credit to cover the potential outlet upgrades, and a $300 charging credit** on the EVgo network.

interior view of a modern car with advanced dashboard features

Acura

The interior of the Acura ZDX Type S.

Public charging

Public charging stations are good for city dwellers, frequent travelers and those who are otherwise always on the go. They can also be used as a supplement to home charging or portable charging. Because these stations are already tuned in, they offer convenience and ease of use that is hard to match, but they are dependent on station availability. It is important to note that you may need to plan ahead and schedule your charging sessions based on station proximity. Acura’s Public Charging Package offers a $750 charging credit** on the EVgo network, allowing you to take advantage of three levels of public charging stations, aptly named level one, two and three (also known as DC fast chargers) in ascending order of voltage.

Once you have a charging setup that works for your lifestyle and usage patterns, you’re ready to introduce an electric vehicle into your garage and hit the road—wherever you’re going.

*278 mile EPA Range Rating for Type S. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual range will vary depending on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age and condition, load, use and maintenance.

**Credits can be used on EVgo’s fast charging network and their roaming partners.