Public vs. Private EV Charging Stations: What You Need to Know

Petrol engine vehicles have dominated the streets for decades, but as people are becoming more eco-conscious, many are starting to realise that going electric is the way to go. Electric vehicles, or EVs for short, have come a long way to becoming a lot of people’s go-to modes of transportation. 

During the early stages of their development, electric vehicles could barely keep up with their petrol-driven cousins on the road. Not only were they slow, but they also couldn’t go very far after one full charge. But as EV technology improved, the performance and reliability of electric-powered vehicles got better. Today, you can find a variety of EV vehicles on the market, from daily-driven saloons to powerful pickups. 

To enjoy the benefits of an EV, however, you have to make sure that your vehicle is charged. You don’t want to run out of juice in the middle of the highway, which is why EV charging stations have played a significant role in maintaining their functionality. 

Like what their name suggests, EV charging stations are designed to charge the battery of electric-powered vehicles. This way, you can rest assured that your EV can get you where you need to go and back until its next charge. Since EV charging infrastructures are essential to the utility of EVs, EV charger installation units can be found in various public spaces like public parking lots, near highway exits, and airports. They can also be installed on privately owned properties like individual homes, multi-unit dwellings, and offices. 

Both public and private EV charging stations do their jobs well, but each EV owner has their preferences in which charging infrastructure they want to charge their vehicle. This is because public and private EV charging stations come with their own sets of pros and cons. Let’s have a look at what they are.

Public EV Charging Stations

The Pros

• Accessibility. Public charging stations provide convenient access to charging for EV owners who may not have access to private charging facilities. Many EV charging infrastructures are also strategically located in various places, including urban areas, highways, and tourist destinations, boasting widespread coverage.

• Diverse Charging Speeds. Public charging stations often offer a range of charging speeds to accommodate different EV models and user needs. Two of the most common types of public EV charging outlets you can find are Level 2 chargers (for moderate-speed charging) and Level 3 or DC chargers (for rapid charging).

• Encourages Urban Planning for Sustainability. The existence of public charging stations can influence urban planning and encourage city developers and policymakers to incorporate more EV infrastructure into their plans, promoting a shift towards more eco-friendly transportation options.

The Cons

• Limited in Some Areas. Although public charging stations can be accessed by anyone, EV charging infrastructures might not be widely available in certain regions, particularly in rural or less developed areas.

• Queueing and Wait Times. High demand or a limited number of charging stations can result in queues or wait times, especially during peak hours. This can be frustrating for users in a hurry or those with tight schedules

• Dependency on Grid Capacity. High concentrations of electric vehicles charging simultaneously in certain areas could strain the local power grid, necessitating upgrades to accommodate increased demand.

• Security Concerns. Withpublic charging stations installed in open and accessible areas, they, as well as the EVs they’re charging, are at a higher risk of being vandalised or stolen.

Private EV Charging Stations

The Pros

• Convenience and Accessibility. Private charging stations, especially those at homes or workplaces, offer the convenience of charging at the user’s location. This eliminates the need to travel to public charging stations, providing easy and regular access to charging.

• Customisation and Control. Owners of private chargers have control over the charging environment. They can choose the charging speed, schedule charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, and customise settings based on their preferences.

• Enhanced Security. Private chargers are located in controlled environments, such as private residences or corporate facilities, reducing the risk of vandalism or theft.

• Long-Term Cost Benefits. While there may be upfront costs associated with installing private chargers, over the long term, owners can benefit from the convenience and potential cost savings compared to regular visits to public charging stations.

The Cons

• Initial Installation Cost. The upfront cost of purchasing and installing a private charging station, especially Level 2 chargers, can be a significant investment, and this cost may deter some individuals from adopting electric vehicles.

• Dependence on Residential Parking. For individuals living in urban areas with limited or no access to private parking, installing a private charging station may be impractical. This limits the adoption of electric vehicles in certain living situations.

• Maintenance Responsibility. Owners of private charging stations are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their equipment. This includes addressing issues such as wear and tear, software updates, and potential malfunctions.

When it comes to securing an eco-friendly future, public and private EV charging stations play a pivotal role. Their existence allows EV users to continue using their vehicles and keep their carbon emissions low. Moreover, they can encourage others to switch to electric-powered vehicles and contribute to the fight against climate change and global warming.