Electric Cars and Renting
You might already have taken into consideration several of the benefits of electric cars. At the outset, they’re cheaper to operate than gas cars. Electric vehicles also emit considerably less pollution than gas cars, making them a more environmentally friendly option. And, owing to electric vehicles being powered by electricity, you don’t have to worry about running out of gas!
These perks make electric cars an enticing and economical choice for renters. Then again, while you may not need to be anxious about gas prices, you do need to find out the best means to charge your vehicle between uses.
Charging Solutions
To charge an electric vehicle, you’ll need to connect it to an external power source using a charging cable. The duration necessary to charge an electric car depends on the size of its battery and the kind of charger you’re using. A home charger is oftentimes the slowest choice, while public chargers are usually the fastest.
A large number of electric cars require a proprietary charging station, while others can be plugged into a 120v or 240v outlet in a garage or carport. There are benefits and disadvantages to all options.
Charging Station
One of the utmost benefits of a charging station is that it is aimed to quickly replenish your electric vehicle’s battery in a short amount of time. Nonetheless, they can be expensive to purchase and install. You may likewise need your Chula Vista property manager’s permission to install the unit, and conditional on what kind of agreement you can agree on, you may need to leave the station behind if you move.
120v Outlet
120v outlets are much more prevalent and can be used with any electric car. To effectively use one, you need a cord long enough to reach from your vehicle to the outlet. With that said, they charge quite slower than proprietary stations. Recharging an average daily commute using a 120v outlet may take all night.
240v Outlet
You could otherwise select a 240v outlet if your garage or carport already has one. These outlets are most commonly used for large appliances, like electric dryers. Although, if you don’t have a 240v outlet installed somewhere accessible, you will have to have one installed. Just like the charging station, you would need to secure landlord permission first and then pay for the installation, knowing you won’t be able to take it with you. However, a 240v outlet will charge an electric vehicle a lot faster than a 120v outlet – normally in just a few hours.
Regardless of which option you prefer, bear in mind that charging a vehicle at your rental property will always add to your electricity bill. If you pay for your own electricity as a renter, that may not matter to your landlord. Having said that, if utilities are included in your rent, your landlord may call for you to pay an additional fee for charging your electric vehicle on the property. You should ask about this before you bring your new car home.
Public Charging
One last thing, you could select to charge your electric vehicle using public chargers at work or other available locations. This solution can be convenient, as long as plenty of chargers are available in these places. You may even be able to find several free charging stations. But a large number of public chargers conventionally charge by either the hour or kilowatt-hour (kWh), making public charging a more expensive option. You, in particular, need to guarantee you are using the proper type of charger for your vehicle. Then again, if charging your electric car at your rental home isn’t a great option, public charging is probably the best solution.
Possessing an electric car can be the best means to save money and help the environment, but there are particular factors that you need to take into account if you’re a renter. By following the tips above, you can ensure that owning an electric car works for both you and your landlord. And completely make sure to charge responsibly!
Are you seeking a new rental home for you and your electric vehicle? Browse our listings to figure out what’s available in your area!