If you’re a renter, you may be thinking about how that works with owning an electric car. Electric cars come with a range of benefits, but having said that, there are a lot of things you must know before you decide to bring your electric car home to your Central rental house. From here onwards, we will point out numerous tenant responsibilities that come with electric car ownership while renting. We will, on top of that, also give tips on making owning an electric car work for you!
Electric Cars and Renting
You might already have an idea of the many benefits of electric cars. Primarily, they’re easier and more affordable to operate than gas cars. Electric vehicles also emit reduced pollution compared to gas cars, making them the more environmentally friendly option. And, given that electric vehicles are powered by electricity, you don’t have to worry about running out of gas!
These gains and advantages make electric cars an excellent and economical choice for renters. However, while you may not need to be concerned about gas prices, you do need to understand the proven practice to charge your vehicle between uses.
Charging Solutions
To charge an electric vehicle, you have to connect it to an external power source using a charging cable. The required hours to charge an electric car depend on the size of its battery and the type of charger you’re utilizing. A home charger is characteristically the slowest choice, while in contrast, public chargers are usually the fastest.
Most electric cars need a proprietary charging station, but still, others can be plugged into a 120v or 240v outlet in a garage or carport. There are positives and negatives to all options.
Charging Station
One of the main benefits of a charging station is that it is made to quickly replenish your electric vehicle’s battery in a short amount of time. Having said that, they can be expensive to purchase and install. You may also need your Central property manager’s permission to install the unit, and subject to what kind of agreement you can obtain, you may need to leave the station behind if you move.
120v Outlet
120v outlets, on the other hand, are, in fact, much more common and can be used with any electric car. To use one, you just need a cord long enough to reach from your vehicle to the outlet. But take note, they also charge at a slower pace than proprietary stations. Recharging an average daily commute using a 120v outlet may take all night.
240v Outlet
You could, however, decide upon a 240v outlet if your garage or carport already has one. These outlets are generally used for large appliances, like electric dryers. Still, if you don’t now have a 240v outlet installed somewhere accessible, you must have one installed. On a similar note with the charging station, you would need to ask for landlord permission first and then pay for the installation, knowing you won’t be able to take it with you. But on the positive side, a 240v outlet will charge an electric vehicle a lot faster than a 120v outlet – maybe in just a few hours.
No matter which option you choose, do not forget 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. But, if utilities are included in your rent, your landlord may ask for you to pay an additional fee for charging your electric vehicle on the property. You should openly ask regarding this subject before you bring your new car home.
Public Charging
One last matter, you could decide 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 find a few free charging stations. But most public chargers normally charge by either the hour or kilowatt-hour (kWh), making public charging a more expensive option. You additionally need to bear in mind you are using the appropriate type of charger for your vehicle. So, if charging your electric car at your rental home isn’t a very good option for you, public charging could most definitely be the best solution.
Procuring an electric car can be a great way to save money and help the environment, but there are several factors that you need to keep in mind always if you’re a renter. By following the tips above, you can safeguard that owning an electric car works for both you and your landlord. And be certain to charge responsibly!
Are you hunting for a new rental home for you and your electric vehicle? Browse our listings to know what’s available in your area!
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