Future of EV Charging: What Homeowners Need to Know

As electric vehicles have become more common across the last several years, so has the increase in EV charging stations - including at home. Home EV chargers are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among homeowners who already own an existing solar panel system; what does the future hold here?

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're here to offer the very best solar energy services available around Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho areas, including EV charger installation services to help power your electric vehicle with solar energy. EV charger products will only become more powerful and effective as technology continues to improve; here are some of the ways our experts expect it to evolve in the upcoming years.

Simple Availability

One of the simplest ways that EV charger technology is expected to evolve is by becoming more readily available. And while this is certainly the case for public charger stations, the rise could be even starker for home EV chargers.

This is because, as electric cars become more prolific and mainstream, home charging stations are already starting to make more economic sense. As the cost of EVs decreases due to advancements in technology and increased competition, more people are now able to afford them. This will inevitably lead to a higher demand for at-home chargers.

Furthermore, with the development of wireless charging technology and more compact charger designs, home EV chargers have become even easier to install and use nowadays. This means that individuals who may have been hesitant about purchasing an electric car due to concerns about access to charging options no longer have this barrier.

Increased Efficiency

Another area where experts anticipate significant growth in home EV chargers is in increased efficiency. As mentioned earlier, the cost of traditional fuel vehicles is on the rise, making electric cars a more attractive option for many consumers. In addition to this, advancements in battery technology have made it possible for EVs to travel longer distances on a single charge. This means that owning an electric car no longer has to be seen as a compromise when it comes to range and convenience.

And with a solar EV charger in place in your garage at home, this convenience is boosted even further. By harnessing renewable energy from the sun, EV owners can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and save money on their overall energy bills.

Expanded Capacity

One key way home EV chargers are expected to become more advanced is through expanded capacity. This means that chargers will be able to deliver more power at a faster rate, allowing EVs to charge in significantly less time.

This expanded capacity will also enable multiple vehicles to charge simultaneously, making it easier for households with more than one electric car. With the ability to deliver higher power outputs, home EV chargers will also become compatible with larger battery capacities, meaning that future generations of electric cars can take advantage of this technology and travel longer distances on a single charge.

Wireless Charging

Another possible advancement in EV charging technology is the development of wireless charging. This involves using electromagnetic induction to transfer energy from a charging pad on the ground to a receiver on the bottom of an electric car, eliminating the need for physical cords and plugs.

Wireless EV charging has already been successfully implemented in some public transportation systems, such as buses and trams. However, there are challenges that still need to be addressed before it can become widely available for personal electric cars. These include increasing efficiency and reducing costs associated with the technology.

However, once these obstacles are overcome, wireless charging could greatly improve convenience and accessibility for EV owners. The ability to charge without having to physically connect to a charger would make owning an electric car even more convenient than owning a traditional gas-powered vehicle.

Vehicle-to-Grid Technology

Today, most commercially sold EV chargers take alternating current (AC) and turn it into direct current (DC) for storage, eventually moving this energy from the grid (which also includes your solar panel setup, in this setting) to your vehicle. But advances are also being made in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which would allow EVs to send energy back to the grid during peak times of demand.

This could help stabilize and balance the grid, reduce strain on power plants, and potentially even earn EV owners some extra money. These programs may also include features to slow the charging process for EVs to avoid using power during peak hours, helping stabilize the entire grid.

Overall, the advancements in electric vehicle charging technology are crucial for increasing the adoption and use of EVs. With faster charging times, wireless charging options, and V2G technology, owning an electric car is becoming more convenient and accessible than ever before.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're here to help with all your EV charger installation needs around Utah and Idaho. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you make the switch to electric vehicles.