If you’re a renter, you may be thinking about how that works with buying an electric car. Electric cars come with a range of benefits, at the same time, there are certain things you will need to figure out before bringing your electric car home to your Mill Creek rental house. Moving onward, we will extensively touch on tenant responsibilities that come with electric car ownership while renting. We will also offer simple tips on making owning an electric car work for you!
Electric Cars and Renting
You might already have known the multiple benefits of electric cars. For one, they’re more affordable to operate than gas cars. Electric vehicles also emit much less pollution than gas cars, making them a more environmentally friendly option. And, for the reason that electric vehicles are powered by electricity, you are never anxious about running out of gas!
These valuable benefits make electric cars a superb and economical option for renters. Still, while you may not need to be distressed about gas prices, you do need to know the appropriate means to charge your vehicle between uses.
Charging Solutions
To charge an electric vehicle, you’ll have to be connected to an external power source using a charging cable. The time to charge an electric car depends on the size of its battery and the type of charger you’re using. A home charger is usually the slowest option, with public chargers the fastest.
Some electric cars need a proprietary charging station, while others can just be plugged into a 120v or 240v outlet in a garage or carport. There are positive and negative points to all options.
Charging Station
One of the most serious benefits of a charging station is that it is made to swiftly replenish your electric vehicle’s battery in a short amount of time. At the same time, they can be expensive to purchase and install. You may also need your Mill Creek property manager’s permission to install the unit, and depending on what kind of agreement you can bring on, you may need to leave the station behind if you move.
120v Outlet
120v outlets, on the flip side, are much more common and can be used with any electric car. To benefit from one, you just need a cord long enough to reach your vehicle to the outlet. Though, take note, that they charge a bit slower than proprietary stations. Recharging an average daily commute using a 120v outlet may take all night.
240v Outlet
You could especially go for a 240v outlet if your garage or carport already has one. These outlets are typically applied for large appliances, like electric dryers. Despite that, if you don’t yet have a 240v outlet installed somewhere accessible, you will need to have one installed. Same as the charging station, you would need to get landlord permission first and then pay for the installation, knowing you won’t be able to take it with you if you move. However, on a positive note, a 240v outlet will charge an electric vehicle much more rapidly than a 120v outlet – normally in just a few hours.
Makes no difference which option you like best, take into consideration that charging a vehicle at your rental property will always add to your electricity bill. If you pay for your own electricity as a renter, that may not matter to your landlord. But, if utilities are included in your rent, your landlord may charge you an additional fee for charging your electric vehicle on the property. You should just clearly ask about this before you bring your new car home.
Public Charging
On the last note, you could go to charge your electric vehicle using public chargers at work or other available locations. This solution can be convenient, as long as plenty of chargers are available in these places. You may even be able to find more free charging stations. But most public chargers usually charge by either the hour or kilowatt-hour (kWh), making public charging a more expensive option. You moreover need to always determine whether you are using the appropriate type of charger for your vehicle. Although, if charging your electric car at your rental home isn’t a very good option, public charging can be the best solution for you.
Acquiring an electric car can certainly be a great way to save money and help the environment, but there are lots of factors that you need to remember if you’re a renter. By following the tips above, you can make sure that owning an electric car works for both you and your landlord. And make certain to charge responsibly!
Are you attempting to find a new rental home for you and your electric vehicle? Browse our listings to glean what’s available in your area!
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