Electric Cars and Renting
You might already consider the number of benefits of electric cars. To start with, they’re more inexpensive to operate than gas cars. Electric vehicles also emit fewer pollutants than gas cars, making them a more environmentally friendly option. And, because electric vehicles are powered by electricity, you can take it easy when it comes to running out of gas!
These fringe benefits make electric cars an alluring and economical preference for renters. Except, while you may not need to be concerned about gas prices, you do need to understand the appropriate ways to charge your vehicle between uses.
Charging Solutions
To charge an electric vehicle, you must connect it to an external power source using a charging cable. The necessary time to charge an electric car depends on the size of its battery and the sort of charger you’re using. A home charger is typically the slowest option, and public chargers are usually the fastest.
Certain electric cars require a proprietary charging station, whereas others can be plugged into a 120v or 240v outlet in a garage or carport. There are strengths and weaknesses to all options.
Charging Station
One of the major benefits of a charging station is that it is designed to swiftly replenish your electric vehicle’s battery in a short amount of time. Although, they can be expensive to purchase and install. You may further need your Dearborn property manager’s permission to install the unit, and depending on what kind of agreement you can agree on, you may need to leave the station behind if you move.
120v Outlet
120v outlets, though, are much more convenient and can be put to use with any electric car. To make use of one, you only need a cord long enough to reach from your vehicle to the outlet. Having said that, they charge slower than proprietary stations. Recharging an average daily commute using a 120v outlet may take all night.
240v Outlet
You could indeed decide on a 240v outlet if your garage or carport already has one. These outlets are customarily put into service for large appliances, like electric dryers. Though, if you don’t already have a 240v outlet installed somewhere accessible, you need to have one installed. The same as the charging station, you would need to get landlord permission first and then pay for the installation, knowing you won’t be able to take it with you. Moreover, a 240v outlet will charge an electric vehicle far more quickly than a 120v outlet – typically in just a few hours.
Irrespective of which option you pick, take into account 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. On the other hand, if utilities are included in your rent, your landlord may demand for you to pay an additional fee for charging your electric vehicle on the property. You should ask with regards to this before you bring your new car home.
Public Charging
One last matter, you could decide 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 locate a few free charging stations. But many public chargers naturally charge by either the hour or kilowatt-hour (kWh), making public charging a more expensive option. You especially need to warrant you are using the best type of charger for your vehicle. Except, if charging your electric car at your rental home isn’t a reliable option, public charging is possibly the best solution.
Having an electric car can be an appropriate way to save money and help the environment, but there are a handful of factors that you need to take into consideration if you’re a renter. By following the tips above, you can make sure that owning an electric car works for both you and your landlord. And always make certain to charge responsibly!
Are you going in search of a new rental home for you and your electric vehicle? Browse our listings to determine what’s available in your area!