If you’re a renter, you may be seriously thinking about how that works with buying an electric car. Electric cars come with a range of benefits, but then again, there are several things you have to take into account before bringing your electric car home to your Lawrenceville rental house. In this article, we will discuss several tenant responsibilities that come with electric car ownership while renting. We will likewise deliver tips on making owning an electric car work for you!
Electric Cars and Renting
You might already have taken into consideration the many benefits of electric cars. Essentially, they’re less expensive to operate than gas cars. Electric vehicles also emit considerably reduced pollution than gas cars, making them a more environmentally friendly option. And, owing to the fact electric vehicles are powered by electricity, you can take it easy regarding running out of gas!
These actual benefits make electric cars a great and economical choice for renters. Nonetheless, while you may not need to be troubled about gas prices, you do need to know the best way 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 time 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 often the slowest choice, while indeed public chargers are usually the fastest.
The majority of electric cars require a proprietary charging station, but certainly, 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 exactly made to easily replenish your electric vehicle’s battery in a short amount of time. Then again, they can be expensive to purchase and install. You may also need your Lawrenceville property manager’s permission to install the unit, and conditional on what kind of agreement you can work out with your landlord, you may need to leave the station behind if you move.
120v Outlet
120v outlets, however, are much more common and can be certainly used with any electric car. To use one, you only need a cord long enough to reach from your vehicle to the outlet. But be aware, that they charge 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 normally used for large appliances, like electric dryers. But take note, if you don’t yet have a 240v outlet installed somewhere accessible, you have to have one installed. In the same vein with the charging station, you would need to also get landlord permission first and then pay for the installation, knowing you won’t be able to take it with you. But having said that, a 240v outlet will charge an electric vehicle far more quickly than a 120v outlet – perhaps in just a few hours.
Without regard to which option you finally choose, keep 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. Except if utilities are included in your rent, your landlord may compel you to pay an additional fee for charging your electric vehicle on the property. You should just clearly ask regarding this matter before you bring your new car home.
Public Charging
One last thing, you could try 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 more than a few free charging stations. But most public chargers often charge by either the hour or kilowatt-hour (kWh), making public charging a more expensive option. You, in addition, need to give importance that you are using the ideal type of charger for your vehicle. So, if charging your electric car at your rental home isn’t a convenient option, public charging could most certainly be the best solution.
Buying an electric car can be good means to save money and help the environment, but there are innumerable factors that you need to know if you’re a renter. By following the tips above, you can secure that owning an electric car works for both you and your landlord. And establish to charge responsibly!
Are you looking for a new rental home for you and your electric vehicle? Browse our listings to understand what’s available in your area!
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