Do I Need the Dual EV Charger?

With electric vehicles gaining so much popularity, the urge for efficient manners of using EV charger also grows. This is where a dual EV charger comes in handy. The following article explains what a dual electric car charger is, who might need it, and what factors to consider before making the switch.

What is an EV Dual Charger? 

A dual EV charger lets you charge your two electric vehicles from one unit. They are also available in wall-mounted and portable versions. While a single EV charger can only work on one car at a time, a dual charger will split the charging power between two ports; thus, it is effective for households or businesses with several electric vehicles.

While wall-mounted versions are great for permanent garage setups, portable duals offer flexibility for those needing to take their charging on the go.

A dual electric car charger works the same way as a single charger, except it has the added advantage of two charging ports, though it shares power from the same electrical source. This way, two EVs can be charged at the same time. 

Most of these dual versions have intelligent functionalities; some also come with Wi-Fi features, allowing one to monitor and manage charging via a mobile application. It enables remote start/stop, scheduling, and tracking of charging sessions in the most user-friendly way.

Who Needs a Dual EV Charger?

It comes in very handy if there is more than one electric vehicle for either one household or individual. In such a case, where you find yourself juggling charging schedules, this charger would simplify it because both vehicles charge simultaneously. If your garage is spacious enough to fit more than one car inside, a dual charger will help you utilize that space with minimal charger units. 

Even if one has just a single EV, a dual charger may be a worthy investment when one intends to buy a second electric vehicle in the near future. Convenience in charging both cars simultaneously may save time and hassle in the future.

Dual chargers would also apply to commercial businesses or properties with multiple EVs within their fleet. These businesses can maintain fully functioning fleets of vehicles without the need to install multiple charging stations by providing efficient charging for numerous cars at the same time.

Does your Garage Support a Dual EV Charger?

It is a good idea to check out the power capacity in your garage before installing a double electric car charger. While dual chargers require more electrical power than single ones, the electrical system in your home may also need an upgrade to support an additional load of this sort. This can involve hiring an electrician to inspect your power supply and, if necessary, install a higher-capacity circuit breaker to manage the increased demand. 

You also need to consider the type of dual charger you will install. You will typically need a 240-volt outlet for wall-mounted chargers, much like you would have for a large appliance, such as a dryer. If you opt for a portable charger, ensure your garage or parking area is fitted with enough power outlets to accommodate this.

Another thing to consider when installing a double electric car charger is the location, especially when both EVs need to park side by side for simultaneous charging. Here, it should be centrally positioned or have long enough cables to easily reach both vehicles. 

It also needs to be planned so that the charger itself will not interfere with the parking area and that both EVs can be parked and plugged in with no hassle. Proper placement will enhance convenience and safety, making daily use more efficient.

dual electric car charger

Advantages

One of the biggest positives of a double electric car charger is its ready capability to charge two cars simultaneously. This advantage could be a game-changer for homes with more than one electric vehicle: No more staggered charging times around the house. Instead of waiting for the empty battery of one car to finish charging or finding another time to plug in the other car, both vehicles can charge simultaneously to save time and prevent possible disputes over access.

Besides that, there is also compatibility. Most dual chargers will allow the use of various models of electric vehicles; hence, users can charge a wide range of EVs using one unit. This can help when your household has more than one EV from different manufacturers or if you plan to change your present model to something newer later on.

Another common advantage of double electric car chargers is smart EV charging. Most units have integrated mobile apps with which one can easily monitor and instruct remotely, giving greater flexibility and convenience.

Disadvantages

The only drawback of a dual electric vehicle charger is a couple of disadvantages. Firstly, installation cost may be the most noticeable problem. Because such charging stations require more power than a single one, upgrading your house's electric system is still possible, which means higher costs. 

Installation Cost Breakdown

Some determining factors in the overall installation cost of a dual electric vehicle charger include complexity, location, and charger type. That said, a broad general range can be anywhere between $1,000 to over $3,000 for installing a double electric car charger on residential premises. Here's what contributes to the cost:

  1. Charger Cost: Twin chargers are in the market starting from $500 to $1,500, depending on their brand and features.
  2. Electrical Upgrades:When one has to upgrade the electrical system of their house, like increasing the electrical panel capacity or adding a dedicated circuit, this may add an extra $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on what should be upgraded.
  3. Labor Costs:Electricians charge between $50 and $100 per hour, and by complexity, installation may take more hours.

The price for the charger itself can be higher than it is for a single port variety. Here, you should weigh the upfront investment against the gained benefits: dual chargers would be overkill for single EV households. If you will be buying that second electric vehicle later enough, then the additional cost of its twin may not be needed. A single EV charger might provide you with enough economic satisfaction in such a scenario.

Future Developments for Public Charging Stations and Multi-Car Owners

As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, the demand for efficient charging methods will only grow. Indeed, public charging stations are popping up everywhere, and they're beginning to offer increased possibilities for EV owners who do not have access to home charging. A dependable means of home charging vehicles, including multiple-car families, is the best way to ensure you can hit the ground running every time you get into your car. 

In the future, we will see development in the field of charging technology by increasing charging speeds, enhancing energy efficiency, and compatibility with a wide variety of vehicles. These improvements will help multiple-car households manage their charging requirements and always have their cars ready to hit the road. 

Conclusion

It would greatly benefit a car owner with more than one electric vehicle to install a double electric car charger in their house or establishment. It adds convenience because it allows for multiple vehicle charging at the same time and will accommodate different models of EVs. That is helpful to you because it simplifies your charging routine and saves time. 

Generally, installing this device may add value to your house, but critical factors such as installation cost and your current electrical setup must be considered. A dual EV charger will keep you charged and ready, provided you have invested in the proper planning for the future of electric mobility.


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