Electric Cars and Renting
You might already understand well the benefits of electric cars. To start, they’re more economical to operate than gas cars. Electric vehicles also emit markedly less pollution than gas cars, making them a more environmentally friendly option. And, arising from electric vehicles being powered by electricity, you don’t need to fret in terms of running out of gas!
These advantages make electric cars a really attractive and economical selection for renters. On top of that, while you may not need to be worried about gas prices, you do need to grasp well the optimum way to charge your vehicle between uses.
Charging Solutions
To charge an electric vehicle, you need to connect it to an external power source using a charging cable. The time it takes to charge an electric car depends on the size of its battery and the kind of charger you’re putting into use. A home charger is typically the slowest choice, while it is true that public chargers are usually the fastest.
Many electric cars need a proprietary charging station, but others can be plugged into a 120v or 240v outlet in a garage or carport. There are pros and cons to all options.
Charging Station
One of the major benefits of a charging station is that it is precisely designed to easily replenish your electric vehicle’s battery in a short amount of time. Yet, they can be expensive to purchase and install. You may especially need your Gainesville property manager’s permission to install the unit, and according to what kind of agreement you can establish, you may need to leave the station behind if you move.
120v Outlet
120v outlets, however, are much more common and can be safely used with any electric car. To use, you simply need a cord long enough to reach from your vehicle to the outlet. But take note, these charges are slower than proprietary stations. Recharging an average daily commute using a 120v outlet may take all night.
240v Outlet
You could also choose to use a 240v outlet if your garage or carport already has one. These outlets are usually utilized for large appliances, like electric dryers. On the other hand, if you don’t yet have a 240v outlet installed somewhere accessible, you may have to have one installed. Similar to 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. But to be sure, a 240v outlet will charge an electric vehicle way faster than a 120v outlet – largely in just a few hours.
Notwithstanding which option you opt for, put 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. Nonetheless, if utilities are included in your rent, your landlord may want you to pay an additional fee for charging your electric vehicle on the property. You should make sure to ask this before you bring your new car home.
Public Charging
On a final note, you could choose 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 most public chargers frequently charge by either the hour or kilowatt-hour (kWh), making public charging a more expensive option. You equally need to check that you are using the right type of charger for your vehicle. Then again, if charging your electric car at your rental home isn’t a viable option, public charging is perhaps the best solution.
Getting an electric car can be a great way to save money and help the environment, but there are numerous factors that you need to be mindful of 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 secure to charge responsibly!
Are you on the lookout for a new rental home for you and your electric vehicle? Browse our listings to see and realize what’s available in your area!