Most EV owners use a mix of home and public charging. Home charging is the foundation for most daily driving, while public chargers fill gaps on longer trips or when you cannot charge at home. This guide compares the two so you can decide how much of your charging belongs at home.
How charging speed compares
Charging time depends on the battery size and the power the car can accept. As a rough rule, charging time equals battery kWh divided by charger kW, before losses. A 75 kWh battery at 9.6 kW takes roughly 8 hours from empty. At 11.5 kW it takes roughly 6.5 hours. The car's onboard charger limits AC speed, so a faster home unit does not always mean a faster charge in every car.
Convenience and control
| Factor | Home charging | Public charging |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Usually in your own parking space | Depends on location and whether a space is free |
| Timing | Overnight or whenever the car is parked | During a shopping trip, meal or work day, if the stop suits you |
| Connectors | Set by the charger you install | Varies by site, and an adapter may be needed |
| Planning | Set a schedule in the car | Check availability before you leave |
When public charging makes sense
Public charging is useful for road trips, for long stays away from home, or while your home setup is not yet installed. Check that a charger is free and that its connector matches your car before you plan a stop. J1772 is the standard AC connector for most non-Tesla EVs in North America. NACS (SAE J3400) is Tesla's connector, and many other makers have announced a move to it. Adapters exist, but they add another item to carry and may not suit every situation.
Home installation takes planning
A home charger is not ready the day it arrives. Hardwired work needs a licensed electrician, and local permits or inspection may apply. Build that time into your plans, so you are not relying on public charging while the installation is still pending.
Planning a home-first routine
A home charger lets you start each day with a charged battery. Plan your routine around the hours your car is parked at home. If an empty 75 kWh battery needs about 8 hours on a 9.6 kW charger, an overnight session works well. Public chargers then become a backup for trips rather than the main source of energy.
How this applies to EVIQO chargers
EVIQO sells Level 2 home chargers. The 40A models add about 38 miles of range per hour of charging, and the 48A models add about 46 miles per hour, as the product descriptions state. The options include a 40A (9.6 kW) plug-in or 48A (11.5 kW) hardwired J1772 charger for non-Tesla EVs, and NACS versions for Tesla vehicles, all with a 25 ft cable. Choose the connector that matches your car, and use public charging for the trips your home setup does not cover.