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EV with no home charging-anyone doing it?

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8.4K views 39 replies 25 participants last post by  HKtech  
J
#1 ·
Sorry if this has been beaten to death, but I am researching a new car and I am in a bind.

I have/will have, other ICE cars available, first and foremost. An EV would not be my sole car, though it would be my primary daily should I go that route.

However, I do not have EV charging as an option where I live (apartment). So, I am looking at EV options, and I've honed in on two-the Model Y and the Ioniq 5 (maybe 6, but probably 5). I had a sales broker friend pitch me on the BZ4X, but the stories of it's meh range and brutally slow charging scare me (even with the insane leases out there now).

so...anyone here with an Ioniq (or similar EV, i guess) but primarily charging on the public charging options? Curious if it's as big a pain as some say it is.

for me, I live on Staten Island. There's one Tesla Supercharger now, and a new one coming shortly. Each is within 5 miles or so of my home. Just over a bridge I have EA/EVGO/other public sites like Wawa with options a plenty, and these would be on my way to/from work, when I go. If I drive to work, it would be 80-160 miles round trip, but otherwise I probably mostly drive 20 miles on a given day.

The two options I was leaning toward were either the RWD Ioniq 5 with the 300 miles of range, or the MY LR with i think about 310. Understanding either is going to be mostly at 80% SoC max, range will be less than that (before figuring on weather and whatnot), I would bet most weeks, if I can manage 200-240 miles, I am probably hitting a charger just once a week. And given both of my options charge well enough in about 20 minutes, it's not a huge pain in the rear (the one charger near me that opens soon will be at a supermarket, so easy to park, charge and shop).

part of the appeal is i am a geek, and the numbers and tech thrill me more than I expected. eventually we may move and home charging becomes possible, which obviously changes things too. i've looked at some ICE cars and nothing moved me like the Model Y has. I haven't driven the Ioniq yet, mostly because I have to go a bit further away to find a dealer with one to drive (none on SI, sadly).

So...TLDR...anyone else out there living the EV life without charging at home?
 
#2 ·
Don't do it.

Sorry, I would love to see everyone drive EVs. But relying on public charging is a recipe for failure.

A study done among EV owners living in rentals in Los Angeles area concluded something like 80% traded in for ICE, it was simply too much hassle to rely on public charging.

While faster charging cars like Ioniq will get you to 90% in under 30 minutes under ideal conditions, ideal is an elusive thing. Cold weather slows down fast charging. Chargers are often neglected and go unprepared for weeks, EA chargers are often overcrowded (with people using free charging instead of L2 at home, or without a way to charge at home like you). Overcrowding could easily add an additional 30-60 minutes on top of actual charging time, particularly in dense urban areas with many others like you. And if you don't have a free charging plan, DCFC is nearly as expensive as gas.

The ideal scenario for EV ownership is those who can L2 charge at home. For those who drive under 40 miles/day, 120V charging will generally work out well. Anything else is a grind.

That is the harsh truth of the matter. Some may be up for the challenge, but devoting an extra hour or two for charging each, and every day is a lot to ask of yourself.

And, by all means, steer clear of BZ4X or its Subaru cousin.
 
J
#4 ·
I really want/wanted the EV to work out. I have one sort of last ditch effort for a local/home charging option (nearby friend has been thinking of EVs, and perhaps if I offer to cover a chunk of the install, that wouldn't be so bad). otherwise, I think i am going hybrid. which doesn't seem too bad, if i pick the right one.
 
#14 ·
I vote for chipping in on the friends charging outlet, and getting the EV. Then if you can also use the ICE car for those 160mi trips, you'll be in pretty good shape. One of my main reasons for loving the Ioniq 5 is it feels so darn good just to drive. With a local charging solution, you should never be sorry you went full EV. I drive 50 miles every day and charging at 40 amps takes 2 hours to replenish the charge used (about 20%).

Assuming no big problems for either vehicle, the Model Y is the more sensible (and more high tech software) choice. But i believe an Ioniq 5 would give more smiles and longer lasting enjoyment.

After 2 years in, if i needed another car i would get another Ioniq 5. I'm also a huge fan of used Chevy Bolts, for people who want an EV and are looking for lower prices. You can get 2020 Bolts that have replacement batteries for less than 20k all day long. They charge slow at fast chargers, but charge the same speed as most other cars on level 2.

Just think of all that ICE related maintenance you would no longer have to worry about on the EV.
 
#5 ·
Prevailing wisdom is definitely going to lean toward don’t do it. Public infrastructure is still a bit short to cover everyone. Then again, there are plenty of people who could charge at home but don’t because of the free charging offer, so it can’t be all that inconvenient to DC charge on the regular.

Then there’s this article from motor trend from one of their staff who basically experimented with doing exactly what op is suggesting.TLDR: they say it’s doable. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2023-hyundai-ioniq-5-limited-yearlong-review-3-public-charging/
They even used the Ioniq 5, making it particularly relevant to this specific question. This test case also avoided using the charger at their work to get an idea of what it’s like to just use public options. Their go to charger was close to their preferred shopping area so that’s definitely something to consider… in which case it pains me to suggest going with the Tesla for OP’s specific use case since the SuC location is closer and at a useful shopping location.
 
#7 ·
jmdeegan said:
However, I do not have EV charging as an option where I live (apartment).
Click to expand...
Firstly, I’m in the UK so it may be a little different where you are. I live in an apartment/flat with no home charging and no hope of ever overcoming that. I’ve owned an EV since 2016, originally a Leaf and now a classic Ioniq. My daily commute was under 10 miles, so it was easy I only needed to charge twice a week and obviously at the weekend if on a trip. I’m now retired and have no commute so it’s even easier, I fit in charging with my daily life and as I’m retired, I have more time.

I mostly destination charge while shopping or visiting friends and family, it does need some planning though, but I’m used to that. Although there are many public charge points where I live, recently over the last year or so they are mostly in use and charging has become a bit of a pain. Although using charging apps to view available charge points helps, sometimes the charge point is ice’d or there is an EV parked but not charging.

I would say if you have a busy lifestyle and with your commute, maybe an EV is not for you.
 
#8 ·
i would not do it. we have l2 home charger, and ea less than 5 mi from our house. even tho ea is free for 2 years, i only go there a couple times a month, and it always has available chargers. it is just way easier to charge at home. we traded in a hybrid, and we are retired, so not a lot of driving. but, if we did a lot of driving, and no home charger, hybrid is best
 
#9 ·
I've always got charging solution at home (110 V, then L2 7 kW charger) or at work.
It's totally hassle free

If you have fast charger close to your home and you can go late at night when rates are low, why not?
Scrolling Facebook or watching Netflix in the car or at home is quite the same.

But really check the cost of charging in your area, high rates can kill the cost of ownership.

I would recommend to rent an EV for a week or 2 at Hertz or Turo an see if you can live with the routine

For instance, here in Quebec, charging at night on a L2 can double the cost, unless you wake up at 3 am to move the car.... in the middle of a snowstorm sometimes.

On a L3 cost will be triple. Still cost effective compared with Fuel cost (7 dollars per Gallon basically) given the low electricity rates (0,11 cent per kW.h)
 
#10 ·
In general it is doable for Ioniq 5 to charge only on DC fast chargers (150kW or 350kW, but not 50kW ones), especially when you consider 2 year free charging on EA upon buying new Ioniq 5 or 6! Your problem is location. To rely on DC fast charging only, you need to have couple very fast DC charging locations within 15 to 30 minutes radius AND each location should have minimum of 4 charging stations that is above 150kW. Currently Staten Island is not ideal, but situation might change quickly.
 
A
#17 ·
Jim Hugh said:
especially when you consider 2 year free charging on EA upon buying new Ioniq 5 or 6!
Click to expand...
this is precisely why it's a terrible choice at least here in LA. "rush hour" has every local charger filled to the brim with Hyundai, Mercedes, and VW owners charging to 100% to minimize how frequently they have to come back, but creating hours-long lines in the process.

OP - if you get a Tesla, it's completely doable, since they actually keep pace deploying chargers to meet demand, especially for predictable regular demand like locals who charge weekly. But it's definitely no cheaper than gas to do it that way since superchargers are so expensive.

Any CCS car, forget it. I can't even do short road trips these days without rolling the dice on a multi-hour wait.
 
J
#11 ·
Being on SI (or, an island in general) is the pickle. While not on a charging desert, it's not great. I think SI is the worst of the 5 boroughs, surely in part because the expectation is that most of us have access to a home charger.

The island part is the kicker for me because the only fast charging here now would be Tesla. there are i think 8 or 10 now, with another 8-10 coming this year. There are other public ones, some free, but I believe most are Volta type and top out at around 7kW. NY Parks has installed some charging at parking lots by the beach, but i think its like 1-2 and unknown how good-and some may be shown, but not really public.

I asked EVGo and EA about future SI sites, because we do have quite a few spots that would be perfect for a non-Tesla, but so far nothing planned.

As someone earlier said, it may be do-able, but given the best infrastructure here is Tesla, I may be painted into that corner. Unless someone has extensive experience at a Tesla site w/ the Ioniq and it's worthwhile? but so far all the reports i've seen indicate its a good backup, but speeds are not as good as on a good EA fast charger.

I have kicked around the renting option, the challenge is it would have to probably be turo, because last i checked renting a tesla from hertz is uber expensive here...but i don't think i saw an Ioniq near me on turo. don't know if Hertz rents the Ioniq, but if so that could be something. i have work to do....

and thank you all for the responses!
 
#12 ·
jmdeegan said:
Being on SI (or, an island in general) is the pickle. While not on a charging desert, it's not great. I think SI is the worst of the 5 boroughs, surely in part because the expectation is that most of us have access to a home charger.

The island part is the kicker for me because the only fast charging here now would be Tesla. there are i think 8 or 10 now, with another 8-10 coming this year. There are other public ones, some free, but I believe most are Volta type and top out at around 7kW. NY Parks has installed some charging at parking lots by the beach, but i think its like 1-2 and unknown how good-and some may be shown, but not really public.

I asked EVGo and EA about future SI sites, because we do have quite a few spots that would be perfect for a non-Tesla, but so far nothing planned.

As someone earlier said, it may be do-able, but given the best infrastructure here is Tesla, I may be painted into that corner. Unless someone has extensive experience at a Tesla site w/ the Ioniq and it's worthwhile? but so far all the reports i've seen indicate its a good backup, but speeds are not as good as on a good EA fast charger.

I have kicked around the renting option, the challenge is it would have to probably be turo, because last i checked renting a tesla from hertz is uber expensive here...but i don't think i saw an Ioniq near me on turo. don't know if Hertz rents the Ioniq, but if so that could be something. i have work to do....

and thank you all for the responses!
Click to expand...
Unless the Tesla sites near you have Magic Docks (they don't), you probably won't be able to use them. Don't assume this will be a helpful option.

Here is the Plugshare map of the island, the only Tesla site is at the far southern end of the island, and it is a 150kW site, meaning V2 chargers. Even when Hyundais get access to the network (probably next year), you won't be able to use it as it isn't CCS/NACS compatible. Currently, the only two DCFC you would be able to use are 62kW Chargepoints on the East end of the island.
Image

I wouldn't advise an EV in your situation. It just won't be practical. You would be cursing yourself for doing it as there really are no good options for fast charging. You would likely find yourself sitting for several hours at Level 2 chargers. And that would be nearly every day or two given your stated commute distances.

Don't forget, all cars depreciate a lot in the first year. So if you found charging to be too problematic, you are stuck or will take a financial bloodbath.
 
J
#13 ·
The infrastructure is why I said if anything I was leaning Tesla. The site in the south shore has 250s, as per several maps and reports, which is fine. The new site will be running before I have a car. The other public sites probably won’t be used but are also within 5ish minutes and are conveniently located for certain errands. And the bigger point for me is between home and either office I work at there are several charging options.
I may end up doing the motor trend project on my own.

I think I’d slightly favor the Hyundai, but the reality is every provider, private and public, have largely ignored Staten Island. Especially when compared to the other boroughs. According to one site, even Albany has 3x the charging as we do here. Was semi surprised at that disparity.
 
#15 ·
jmdeegan said:
The site in the south shore has 250s, as per several maps and reports, which is fine.
Click to expand...
Nope:
Image

150kW is V2, so no CCS compatibility, and no chance for Magic Dock adapters. The only sites that will support non-Teslas are 250kW or greater (V3 or V4).

I am unsure what you mean re: new site, if it is the Expressway site, it will be 100kW CCS, not hugely helpful for Ioniq 5/6 owners, but better than nothing. If it is a 250kW Tesla site, it is possible it will be useable for Hyundai EVs, but not guaranteed. If they don't put Magic Docks in, it would likely be a year from now before you could use them.

Bear in mind, priority has been given to interstate travel routes for the fastest charging. I am not sure SI is on many people's path for interstate travel, so it is not given as much help in terms of grants to install charging. I'm not familiar with NYC area, but isn't SI primarily a bedroom community? If so, the typical profile is EV owners who can charge at home.

Tesla generally doesn't give free charging to new owners, so you would be paying the going rate, which is likely as high as gas prices. The real game changer EVs offer is cheap and convenient home charging. Without home charging, EV ownership is a struggle. More so in places like SI with limited infrastructure.

You could ask your landlord about charging. Your original post says 20 miles per day, and on the days you drive into work, 160 miles RT. For the former, 120V is all you need to keep it charged up, and if work trips are rare, you could hit a DCFC along the way before returning home. Some apartment dwellers have been successful getting landlords to agree to 120V solutions, be it an extension cord from your unit, or an outlet somewhere on site. If your work trips are sporadic enough, the 40-50 mile overnight charging on 120V might work by playing catch up on the days you only drive 20 miles.

But again back to my 80% giving up on EVs above, some of those were Tesla owners too. The fact that Tesla is adding a second site suggests the first site gets a fair amount of use. Thus, waiting in queue to charge is likely at times.

It isn't an easy decision for those without home charging solutions. I commend you for your effort to find ways to make it work, but only caution you to enter into the decision informed. Don't assume it will work. The Turo idea is a good one, it is a relatively low cost way to determine if it will work. Just do your homework, the risk is a lot more of a financial burden if you buy/lease and it doesn't work.
 
P
#16 ·
I live in a small town in Northern CA and do not home charge. I rely on a EA station in my town and others where I am driving through or at my destination. I am still within my free two years of charging that came with the vehicle. Sometimes I have to pay to charge using Charge Point or EVgo chargers. Or a random Level 2 at the airport. It has been working great for us. I have found it can totally be done without a home charger.
 
#18 ·
I live in Idaho, with VERY skimpy charging infrastructure, so I decided to go with the Ioniq PHEV. I charge overnight at home via a regular exterior plug. The PHEV gives me about 28-30 EV miles, which is plenty for my average day, and then it flips over to hybrid if I need more miles (getting 50-55 mpg). Right now the PHEV is the only practical car for where I live.
 
#19 ·
I'm in the "Don't do it!" camp.

One of the reasons I love my EV is that I don't have to go to the gas station. Every time I leave the house, the "tank" is as full as I want it to be. If I had to go to a charging station, it would be more often than a gas station and I'd be there longer. That would frustrate me to no end. Plus, public charging costs about twice as much as driving a hybrid. Two years free charging only lasts for two years. I don't think that many buyers think about that or how aggravating they are to the travelers who are waiting for them to get out of the way so they can resume their trip.

Life comes with lots of stresses automatically and you don't have to pay for them. I try not to spend big bucks to have more stress. Having an EV and no home charging inconveniences the owner, it inconveniences travelers, and it costs extra compared to other options. I fail to see a significant upside.
 
#20 ·
Yeah, I tried that! When I got my Ioniq 5 (about this time last year) part of the decision was knowing a) 2 Years of Free Charging and b) TWO Electrify America Charging Stations 5 minutes from my office. Fast forward to last October - one of the charging stations was temporarily closed (ultimately for a good reason as they were upgrading all the chargers) and the other that only had 3 CCS chargers had one down so only two. I was having to leave home an hour early to try to go to a different charging station and hope I could beat anyone else and charge before going to work. At that point I told my spouse "We HAVE to install a charger at home ASAP." We did that in December. Since then I have only used it once as the stations by my office have both been very operational since that time, but it's one of those things where it's better to have it and not need it JUST IN CASE rather than not be able to charge at a station and have no way to charge at home either. Originally, we though we'd install a charger at home towards the end of the two years, but trust me, you don't want that stress!

If you buy an EV, be making plans to install a home charger at the same time and just include that in your total price. (Keep in mind you can get a Federal Tax Credit for up to $1000 for the installation of home EV Charger.) Also, I highly recommend the Autel Charger. I did a lot of research before buying and have been very happy with it - it goes on sale on Amazon periodically.
 
#21 ·
I can share my experience. I live in an apartment. Before buying an EV I studied all the details of owning an EV a lot, so I knew that driving an EV will be more stressful, more hassle and more planning required. But I wanted an EV, so I knew what I was getting into and I was ready. I never advise anybody to own an EV if they require the same level of comfort and convenience they are used to with driving ICU cars. So if you are a geek or an EV enthusiast like me - you'd buy an EV anyway and just live with it and plan around the inconveniences it brings. If you're not - definitely it is not for you. If you ask me today, my next car will be an EV again. Hopefully with a new generation of batteries, like Na-based or solid state.
 
#26 ·
I did a quick survey for jmdeegan for charging stations around SI. If you really want to get into EV lifestyle, it is actually not bad at all to be reliant on DC fast charging only. There are 4 EVgo stations on NJ side, all under 20 to 30 min drive.

from South:
1) Convery Plaza - two 350kW and two 100kW
2) Menlo Park Mall - six 200kW

from North:
3) ShopRite Carteret - two 350kW and two 100kW
4) ACME Markets Clark - four 200kW

further backup:
5) Wawa Plainfield - four 350kW and two 100kW

One good thing for you is that they are all EVgo so you can join one of its plans to avoid session fee and enjoy lower price per KWh, well below 0.50 cents per.

And most EV consume on average 2 to 3 miles per KWh so you can calculate your consumption and expense. Plus EVgo has plug-and-go feature that acts like Tesla at supercharger, no screen touching or cellphone touching necessary. Just plug and charge. It’s not easy to be pioneer but fun.
 
#25 · (Edited)
Regular wall sockets are 120V / 15A over here, and the electrical code only allows an 80% continuous current draw, so 12A. That's 1.44 kW and quite slow. Plus, in an apartment situation, the original poster likely has no access to an outlet at all.
 
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#33 ·
As our president likes to say, "Don't". It will not work out for you. The ElectrifyAmerica network is an absolute disaster and can not be counted on at all. I get two free years of it with my Ioniq5 but I have not been able to use it 50% of the time that I show up at one of them (unless I want to wait for half an hour or longer). There are not enough chargers, many of them are broken etc. The Tesla network is vastly better and that's the one I would use if home charging was not available. Also, keep in mind that you want to charge between 20-80% which means that you are really only using 60% of your charge. I have a Ioniq5 2024 Limited and the full charge there is about 66Kwh (not the 77 they claim). So 60% of the total is actually only 40kwh which is my case gets me about 160 miles of commute. For me this isn't a problem because I charge at home, but I would go crazy if I needed to go to a public charger every time.
 
G
#39 ·
I bought my I5 in January, and even though I have L2 in my garage I've been using the EA DCFC chargers because I can save $3000-5000 in two years--electricity is VERY expensive here, so expensive a hybrid would be cheaper to operate (good job, California PUC!). I drive Uber and Lyft and drive about 1200 miles a month.

I thought it would be much harder than it is. I'd recommend renting an EV for a week or two to get a feel for the charge stations you'd be using. I'm able to charge when I want to about 90% of the time. Sounds like you'd do it once a week, (more in winter though), and you can do some grocery shopping; the free charging is limited to 30 minutes, which is exactly how long it takes me to grocery shop.
 
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