In recent years EV ownership has expanded faster than charging station providers, especially those located at apartment buildings, can keep up. Luckily, many buildings are starting to incentivize environmentally friendly EV ownership by adding charging stations or increasing the number of stations available. Some apartments have gone as far as to provide stations free of charge. Recently, certain states and municipalities have passed laws requiring landlords and building owners to provide EV station access to their tenants. All this is to say that, with the help of our talented apartment locators, you don’t have to compromise your dream home for your EV.
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How to Find an Apartment with EV Charging Stations
If you are looking to move and don’t want to give up your electric vehicle, let the experts at AptAmigo support you in your pursuit. Our search filters can help you find an apartment that meets all of your needs, including EV charging stations, and our knowledgeable team can help you determine if the provided stations are adequate for your vehicle and your commuting needs.
How to Charge an Electric Car at an Apartment
Apartment EV charging has come a long way. For a brief period, the best options were to find a charger at a gas station or shopping center near your home. Believe it or not, for smaller apartment buildings, running 120-volt extension cords out windows or plugging them into exterior outlets was (and still is) a thing. With the massive expansion of the EV market, an increasing number of luxury apartments offer charging stations in communal parking areas and even at designated parking spots.
What Do EV Charging Stations Charge?
The cost of EV charging stations can vary greatly based on charging speed and location. While it is possible to find free options, most EV stations charge per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or, less frequently, per minute.
Do You Have to Pay to Use One? How Much?
While many businesses have seen the benefits of offering free charging and many EV automakers offer initial free charging incentives, more often than not you will need to pay. The cost ranges greatly based on location, charging speed, vehicle type, and demand. Expect to pay on average about $10-20 for a full charge for your standard EV two or three times a week, depending on how often and how far you drive.
What Are the Best EV Charging Stations?
The best EV charging station depends upon your individual needs. For the average commuter, with a vehicle akin to a Tesla Model 3, an AC level 1 should suffice. For those who commute longer distances or own a large, fully electric SUV or truck, regular access to a level 2 or level 3 charger is a must.
Which Ones Charge the Fastest?
There are three common levels of EV charging stations: DC level 3, AC level 2, and AC level 1. Level 3 stations have an output of 400-100V and can charge most EVs to 80% in about 15-60 minutes. Level 2 stations have an output of 208-240V and, therefore, charging can take considerably longer (3-8 hours for most vehicles). Finally, level 1 stations, also known as “trickle chargers,” use a standard outlet and have an output of 120V. While the timing of a full charge on this kind of station is counted in days instead of hours, the slower charge is much better for the life and longevity of your EV battery.
Looking for an Apartment with an EV Charging Station?
With so many options, it’s easy for EV owners who are searching for a new apartment to become overwhelmed. Our dedicated team of knowledgeable apartment locators is here to help. We know our cities and the buildings in them like the back of our hands. Don’t for a minute think that to keep your beloved EV you have to settle. Start your search on AptAmigo today, and we’ll find the luxury apartment that meets your unique EV needs.
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Melanie Robinson is a writer and poet from Texas. You can learn more about her and her copywriting business on her website.
