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Charging Ahead: A Renter’s Guide to Owning an Electric Car

Electric vehicle charging at home charging station with EV charger device plugged in with blurred background. Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous benefits, such as being environmentally friendly and cost-efficient. However, if you rent a home, you may encounter difficulties owning an electric car. In such a situation, it’s important to consider certain factors that can assist you in overcoming these obstacles and still reap the benefits of owning an electric vehicle as a renter.

 

Charging Infrastructure

If you are planning to buy an electric car, it is essential to consider the charging infrastructure available at your rental property. You should evaluate the electrical system in your property and confirm that it can handle the additional electrical load. 

 

To make sure you have a dedicated parking space or garage with an electrical outlet that works with the charging cable and gives you the right amount of power, you should check that out. Alternatively, you can check to see if there is a nearby public charging station that you can use easily.

 

Landlord Permission

Assume that you’re thinking about installing a charging station or making any other electrical changes to your rented property. If so, you should carefully review your lease agreement and get advice from your landlord or property management company. This will help you avoid any potential conflicts or disagreements and make sure you’re following any rules or regulations mentioned in the lease agreement.

 

Be sure to communicate your plans clearly and seek permission before making any modifications to the property. This will help you maintain a positive relationship with your landlord and ensure you follow the proper procedures to make any necessary changes to your rented property.

 

Portable Chargers

Think about installing a portable charger plugged into a regular household outlet if setting up a dedicated charging station for your electric vehicle proves difficult. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that portable chargers are slower than dedicated charging stations and might not give you enough range for daily driving. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that your rental property has charging ports that are easy to get to.

 

It’s important to know how many amps the outlet you want to use has before you buy a portable charger. If your rental property lacks an accessible outlet with this rating, you may need to contact an electrician to install one with your landlord’s permission. Most portable chargers require a 120-volt, 20-amp outlet. 

 

Check the manufacturer’s specifications before buying. Some portable chargers also need a special circuit.

 

Other Considerations

  • Public Charging: It’s possible to count on public charging infrastructure, but it’s not always the most practical or economical choice. The availability of charging stations in your area and their locations should be taken into consideration. In particular, if you often travel long distances, this will help you plan your charging needs. Some charging stations may also have different pricing systems, which can change the total amount you pay as well. Because of this, it’s important to carefully consider all of your choices before making a choice.
  • Electric Utility Rates: Your utility company may have programs that can help you save money on charging if you have an electric vehicle. You might be able to get special rates or other benefits through these programs that can really lower your overall energy costs. Spend some time looking into what your company has to offer and see if there are any ways you can save money.
  • Charging Apps: Electric vehicle owners can easily use specialized EV charging apps to find charging stations nearby, check to see if they are available, and keep track of the charging process. These apps make charging an electric vehicle (EV) easy and smooth.

 

Owning an electric car as a renter may necessitate more planning and organization, but it can still be a practical and environmentally friendly choice. More and more renters are choosing to switch to electric vehicles due to the growing availability of charging stations and the general trend toward sustainability. It’s important to do your homework and talk to your landlord clearly to make sure the move goes smoothly. You can benefit from the many advantages of owning an electric car while also helping the environment by following these steps.

 

Real Property Management Charleston wants to make your time renting in Summerville and the nearby area better. We are different from other companies in the business because we care about making sure our tenants are happy and meeting their specific needs. Our available listings are here or call us at 843-900-4061 right now!

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