EVs are becoming a more common choice in recent years, and many families are now purchasing more than one EV. This shift creates a need for efficient and effective charging solutions that can accommodate multiple vehicles. Home dual EV chargers seem like an ideal solution, but what problems can they cause? And how do you solve them? This article will show you how to manage dual EV charging with multiple cars.
Electrical Usage
Electricity to your panel isn't an unlimited supply. Anyone who has ever had to flip a circuit breaker because they've run too many devices at the same time will understand that there's only so much electricity you can use at once. Therefore, if you have two or more EVs that need to be charged at home, you may find that you need to stagger the use.
Half the Speed
Using dual charging can have many benefits, but this can also mean the vehicles are charged at different rates and it's possible one charge point will take precedence over the other. Some products will have the ability to "load share", but this will be at around half of the available power from the supply. In this case, schedule the cars to work at different times of the day or week when you're home. Even at around 3kW, this will still add over 10 miles of range per hour typically, which is more than enough to add a good chunk of range overnight.
Electrical Requirements
Assess your home's electrical system to determine if it can support dual EV charging. Upgrade the system if it's necessary. Consult with an electrician to ensure your setup is safe and compliant with local codes.