Are you planning on purchasing a Lexus electric vehicle (EV)? Or perhaps you already own one and are considering installing a home charger to make it easier to keep your battery fully loaded. There are many EV charging options to consider, which makes it important to compare the various brands and charging options before you purchase a charger. Here at Lexus of Stevens Creek, California, our EV experts have put together a helpful guide to let you know what your options are and which EV charger brands offer the best performance for your Lexus SUV.
Main Types of EV Chargers
If you’re unfamiliar with EV charging, the first thing you should know is that there are three main types of chargers. They’re known as Levels 1, 2, and 3 chargers. A Level 1 charger is a standard household power outlet. This is the cheapest way to charge your car, but it’s also the slowest. A Level 1 charger can only add 2-3 miles of range for every hour of charging. As a result, Level 1 chargers aren’t really a practical option for most EV drivers. It can take several days to fully charge an EV’s battery.
Level 2 chargers are significantly faster, requiring about 10 hours to fully charge an EV’s battery. They’re available at public charging stations and can be installed in your own home. Level 2 chargers will be what we focus on in this guide.
The final option is a Level 3 charger, also called a DC fast charger. They’re only available at public charging sites. Level 3 chargers can charge your Lexus’s battery in less than an hour, making them a great option if you need a quick top-up of power while you’re on the go. However, they’re also more expensive than Level 2 chargers, so you’ll probably only want to use them in exceptional cases.
Best Home EV Chargers for Lexus Vehicles
If you’ve decided that installing a Level 2 charger in your home is the best option for charging your EV, there are some top brands you should consider. The first is the JuiceBox series of chargers. These chargers are available in three versions: 32 amp, 40 amp, and 48 amp. The right choice will depend on how much you’re willing to spend and how quickly you want your Lexus to charge.
One of the main benefits of the JuiceBox series of chargers is that they’re compatible with Wi-Fi networks. This allows you to program your charger to follow a daily charging routine, monitor your vehicle’s charge, and receive reminders to plug in your Lexus. These chargers are also well protected in a weatherproof casing, making them ideal for installing outdoors or in a garage.
A further option is the FLO Home charger. There are two choices here: the X5, which offers network connectivity, and the G5, which doesn’t. One of the FLO Home’s strengths is its ability to operate in extreme weather conditions. It’s rated to provide reliable charging in temperatures ranging from minus 40 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The X5 is convenient because you can schedule your charges using the network features, while the G5 is a more affordable option if you’re just looking for a basic charger to get the job done.
Another great value option is the Lectron 240V 30 Amp Level 2 EV charger. This unit provides 9.6 kilowatts of charging power, making it seven times faster than a typical Level 1 charging unit. One thing to keep in mind when buying this charger is that you’ll need to house it in a garage because the casing isn’t waterproof for outdoor use. However, the advantage it offers is that it’s significantly less expensive than chargers with comparable performance.
Advice When Buying an EV Home Charger for Your Lexus
One of the first things to keep in mind when purchasing an EV charger is the size of your car’s battery. Lexus plug-in hybrid vehicles like the NX have a smaller battery than all-electric vehicles. As a result, you don’t necessarily have to worry about purchasing an EV charger with the most powerful kilowatt output. As a general rule, most Level 2 chargers will be able to fully charge a plug-in hybrid’s battery within two to three hours.
The other major factor to consider is whether you want additional features with your EV charger. Those with connectivity options can open up a range of additional benefits, including the ability to remotely monitor how much charge your Lexus has and the option to schedule your daily charges. On the other hand, a non-networked EV charger is a more affordable option that could help you purchase a charger with more power at a lower price.
Finally, don’t forget to investigate whether any tax incentives or other rebates are on offer for your EV purchase. In California, for example, San Diego Gas & Electric offers several incentive programs for customers.
EV Charging Tips
One of the main things to consider when charging your hybrid Lexus at home is how to get the best price for your energy usage. You may be able to save money by scheduling your daily charges to take place during off-peak hours, such as overnight, rather than during peak times in the late afternoon and early evening. Your utility provider may also offer special incentives for EV charging.
If you’re interested in learning more about what it’s like to own a Lexus hybrid, feel free to contact our team. Here at Lexus of Stevens Creek, we’ve helped numerous customers get behind the wheel of their first EV. In addition to providing you with advice about buying an EV home charger, we can give you tips about how to maintain an EV or how long your battery may last.
If you’d like to get a feel for a hybrid vehicle before purchasing one, we’d be delighted to arrange for you to test-drive an ES Hybrid or UX Hybrid before you commit to a purchase.
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