In an era where electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, the challenges of owning one without convenient home charging options can be daunting. One individual’s journey with a Chevy Blazer EV highlights the real-world struggles of navigating EV ownership in less than ideal conditions.
Living Without a Level 2 Charger
Embarking on an experiment in July 2024, the decision was made to lease a Chevy Blazer EV, despite the lack of a home charger, outdoor power outlet, or even a dedicated parking spot. The aim was to test the feasibility of living with an EV under these circumstances. Nineteen months later, the experience has proved to be a significant challenge.
Residing in a rented beach cottage in San Diego, with only street parking available and no driveway, the setup was far from ideal for home charging. The house’s electrical system was limited, with only two 15-amp circuits for the entire property, often tripping breakers with regular appliance use.
I leased a 2024 Chevy Blazer EV without a level 2 home charger.
Photo by: Mack Hogan/InsideEVs
While these conditions were less than ideal, the experiment was set up to reflect the reality many Americans face. The aim was to explore if reliable EV usage was possible in a rental property without guaranteed parking. Working from home and having a gas-powered vehicle as a backup provided a safety net of sorts.
Charging Challenges
The primary hurdle was finding a way to charge the EV. Convincing the landlord to allow the installation of a new breaker and outlet came with a $350 electrician fee, but it was only the beginning. The outlet was still 70 feet from the car’s charge port, necessitating the use of an extension cord, despite manufacturers advising against such setups due to safety concerns.
Charging my Blazer EV at home requires a 50-foot extension cord and a lot of waiting.
Photo by: Mack Hogan/InsideEVs
To mitigate safety risks, a 10-gauge extension cord rated for 30 amps was used, but this unconventional setup still required laying the cord across a public sidewalk, leading to additional complications with neighbors and safety.
Financial and Practical Drawbacks
Despite the setup, the charging process was slow and yielded only about 50 miles of range per 24 hours. This meant planning trips required foresight and sometimes left the EV owner without a parking spot for charging. San Diego’s high electricity rates further compounded the issue, making the cost of charging at home significantly higher than the national average.
To bridge the gap, reliance on public DC fast charging was necessary, but this was neither cost-effective nor convenient. With public charging stations often crowded or expensive, the cost per mile could exceed that of a conventional gas vehicle.
The Impact on Daily Life
Ultimately, the challenges of charging without a proper home setup significantly impacted the EV ownership experience. The inconvenience and additional expenses made spontaneous travel less appealing, and the dream of seamless EV ownership remained elusive.
Photo by: Mack Hogan/InsideEVs
For many Americans, the lack of accessible and affordable home charging remains a barrier to EV adoption, a challenge not easily overcome without better infrastructure and more flexible living arrangements.
Original Story at insideevs.com