If you’re considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), you may be wondering what the best way to charge your vehicle is, especially if you don’t have a garage. Fortunately, you have options for EV charging solutions even without a garage.
Whether you have dedicated parking or community parking at your townhome, here are a few options you may have for charging your hybrid or electric vehicle.
Solution #1: Dedicated Charging Stations Near the Home
If you don’t have a garage, you may still be able to install a dedicated EV charging station near your home. This could involve placing a Level 2 charging station in a driveway or parking area, assuming you have permission from your homeowners association (HOA) to do this.
Distance is a significant factor to consider for dedicated outdoor charging stations. Since the charger needs to be connected to your electrical panel, the greater the distance your charger is from the panel, the more expensive the installation will be.
You’ll also need to choose a charger specifically rated for outdoor use, especially if you don’t have a carport or sheltered area to park your car.
Solution #2: Install an EV Charger in Your Carport
Some townhomes have carports that offer moderate protection for EV vehicles and chargers. Since carports have an open structure, you’ll either need to choose an EV charger rated for outdoor use or enclose the carport to protect the charger from the elements.
Even if you have a carport, you may still need to get permission from your community HOA or board to install a charger, even if it’s not strictly outdoors.
Solution #3: Take Advantage of Portable EV Chargers
Some townhome residents may be able to consider a portable EV charger instead of a dedicated charging station. These compact devices typically plug into a standard 120-volt outlet, which means they provide Level 1 charging.
Although Level 1 charging takes longer to charge vehicles—up to 24-48 hours for a full charge compared to 10 hours or less for Level 2—this may be an affordable and practical alternative.
Ensure that your portable charger can reach a power outlet close to where you park your vehicle, whether it’s designated parking or street parking. One of the advantages of portable chargers is that they can be used anywhere there’s an outlet.
Solution #4: Ask Your HOA or Community Association to Consider Community Charging Stations
Since electric vehicles are becoming more common, you may have the option of asking your HOA or community board to consider installing community charging stations.
Community charging stations work best for townhome communities without assigned parking spaces. Although there are certainly drawbacks to community stations, including availability and potential fees associated with them, they may be a more realistic option for some townhome residents.
Explore Your Options for Installing Home or Community EV Chargers in Northern VA With CoreTrade Electric
As electric vehicles become more popular, we expect to see more townhome communities prioritizing the installation of EV chargers. Even if you don’t have a garage on your townhome, it’s still possible to install a dedicated charging station or explore alternatives. Contact CoreTrade Electric today to discover your options for EV charging at townhomes without garages!
