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Having a Home Charger Makes Living With Our Long-Term Mini EV Easy

If you're thinking about buying an electric vehicle, get yourself a home charger as well.

Chargepoint Home Charger
1 of 8 Emme Hall/Roadshow

When Roadshow got a long-term Mini EV, I knew I needed to install a Level 2 home charger.

Chargepoint Home Charger
2 of 8 Emme Hall/Roadshow

My ChargePoint Home Flex charger can be set to a variety of amps.

Chargepoint Home Charger
3 of 8 Emme Hall/Roadshow

I can choose 16 amps to charge at a rate of 12 miles per hour, which is perfect for plug-in hybrids with their minimal all-electric range. I can also set the speed all the way up to 50 amps. 

Chargepoint Home Charger
4 of 8 Emme Hall/Roadshow

My local electrician installed the ChargePoint charger for right around $2,000. Of course, prices vary according to location and how difficult it is to get from the electrical panel to the charger location.

Chargepoint Home Charger
5 of 8 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The ChargePoint website has a handy search function so you can find any rebates your state may have.

Chargepoint Home Charger
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The Mini EV only has an EPA-estimated range of 114 miles.

Chargepoint Home Charger
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Keep in mind that the last 20% of the battery fills up slowly. It's better for battery life, and your patience, if you stop charging around 80%. 

Chargepoint Home Charger
8 of 8 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The ChargePoint website has all kinds of charts and graphs to geek out on.

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