Here’s a bold statement: owning an electric vehicle (EV) without home charging is often seen as a deal-breaker. But is it really? I decided to find out by trading my gas-powered car for a Tesla Model Y, even though I lacked the convenience of charging at home. Many warned me it would be impractical, while others argued it defeated the purpose of going electric. Yet, I was determined to make it work—and here’s how I did it.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is relying solely on public charging stations truly as costly or inconvenient as people claim? Let’s dive in.
My strategy was straightforward: leverage nearby charging options. Fortunately, there’s a Tesla Supercharger just a few miles away, and my local grocery store offers low-level charging. Plus, the Model Y came with a Mobile Connector, providing an additional backup option. My lifestyle also played to my advantage—I don’t commute daily, and most errands are within a 15-mile radius, minimizing the need for frequent long-distance charging.
And this is the part most people miss: Supercharging isn’t as expensive as you might think. A common misconception is that it costs nearly as much as filling up a gas tank. However, with a few smart strategies, I’ve not only saved money but also turned charging into an enjoyable part of my routine.
One of the biggest cost-saving tips? Charge during off-peak hours. At my local Supercharger, rates drop from $0.47 per kWh during peak hours (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.) to just $0.18 per kWh overnight (10 p.m. to 8 a.m.). By shifting my charging to these hours, I’ve saved significantly. For example, charging from 9% to 90% cost me only $11 during off-peak hours—compared to $26 during peak times. Over a month and a half, I saved $70, which could add up to over $800 annually.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Is the convenience of home charging worth the higher upfront cost of installing it, especially if public charging can be this affordable and accessible?
I’ve also made the most of other charging solutions. While I rarely use it, the free Shell Recharge station at my grocery store is a handy option for slow charging while shopping. The key is to be considerate and avoid hogging the charger for too long.
Moving forward, I’m advocating for my leasing office to install EV chargers in our neighborhood. As renters, we’re at the mercy of their decisions, but I’m hopeful that persistent efforts will pay off—not just for me, but for future EV owners in the community.
So, here’s the big question for you: Do you think relying on public charging is a viable long-term solution, or is home charging a must-have for EV ownership? Let’s debate it in the comments!
