When I purchased my Nexon EV, I was very much concerned about the charging aspect. I did want to know the best options for charging at home.
As we know, outdoor charging infrastructure is not yet fully developed and will take time. Therefore, the best option for your Tata Nexon EV is a home charger.
While you may need to use public charging stations occasionally, home charging is generally a great option for city driving.
However, it’s important to know how to choose the right home charger for your Nexon EV.
In this blog, I will provide tips on how to find the perfect home charger for your Tata Nexon EV and help you enjoy its benefits.
Your charging requirement
Before purchasing a charger, it is good to keep in mind your general daily driving habits.
The Tata Nexon EV comes with a standard 3.3 kW AC home charger. I did discuss home charging with an expert at the time of purchase.
The expert said that it is important to have a generalised idea of daily driving distance.
By keeping this in mind, you will decide about the type of charging solution.
Types of Home Charger for Tata Nexon EV
The battery expert at the Nexon EV service centre walked me through the different types of home chargers available.
He explained that the choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Here’s what I learned:
Standard Charger (3.3 kW):
This is the regular home charging unit that plugs into a standard 15-amp socket.
It’s ideal for those who drive moderate distances and don’t need fast charging.
It’s a reliable option if you typically have overnight charging time.
Home Wall Charger (7.2 kW or higher):
This is a dedicated charging unit that requires a separate circuit.
It charges your EV faster, making it a great option for frequent drivers or those who need quicker turnaround times.
However, it requires more planning and might involve additional costs for installation.
Electrical Requirement
The expert told me to analyse your home electricity system first. He told me that my electrical system should have the capacity for home charger support.
Specifically, Level 2 chargers require a 240V outlet and a dedicated circuit breaker.
If your current setup doesn’t meet these requirements, you might need to upgrade your electrical panel.
It’s a good idea to consult with a licensed electrician to assess your wiring and circuit breaker panel.
They might suggest necessary upgrades or modifications to ensure safe and efficient charging.
Charging Speed
When I used the standard 3.3 kW charger for my Tata Nexon EV, which has a 30.2 kWh battery, it took about 16 to 20 hours to go from empty to full.
This slower charging speed is perfect for overnight charging or smaller electric vehicles.
For example, if I started with the battery at 10%, it would take around 10.5 hours to fully charge.
I found that switching to a 7.2 kW home wall charger made a big difference. With this faster charger, I could fill up the Nexon EV’s 30.2 kWh battery in about 8 hours or even less.
To put it simply, charging from 10% to 100% only took about 3 hours and 35 minutes with the 7.2 kW charger.
This was a huge improvement compared to the 16 to 20 hours needed with the standard 3.3 kW charger.
Installation Requirements
When I installed a charger for my Tata Nexon EV, I found that professional installation was the best choice.
This ensures the setup is safe and meets local electrical codes. Tata Power offers installation services that handle everything for you.
Look for a charger that needs professional installation and make sure you have enough space at home for it, ideally close to where you park your car.
Smart & Safety Features
I looked for chargers with smart features to make things easier.
Choose a charger that integrates with a mobile app so you can schedule charging times and monitor the status.
This helps you take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.
It’s also handy to have remote monitoring, so you can check on the charging progress from anywhere.
Safety is a must. Look for chargers with overcurrent protection and temperature monitoring to prevent overheating.
If you plan to install the charger outside, make sure it’s weatherproof to withstand different weather conditions.
Warranty and Support
Check for a good warranty on the charger. This helps us to understand how much the manufacturer is confident in their product.
Also, make sure the brand offers reliable customer support for installation and troubleshooting issues.
Cost Considerations
Be mindful of installation costs, which can vary based on your location and the complexity of the setup.
Also, Also, consider the Nexon EV charging cost. For my Nexon EV prime variant, a full charge usually costs around Rs. 300-400 depending on local electricity rates.
Final Thoughts
When I was choosing a home charger for my Tata Nexon EV, I found that following a few key tips made all the difference.
By focusing on professional installation, smart features, safety, warranty, and costs, I was able to find the right charger for my needs.
I encourage you to take the same approach. Look at your daily charging needs and budget, and compare your options carefully.
With these tips, you’ll feel confident in picking a charger that works perfectly for you and your Tata Nexon EV.
