Your Guide to All-Electric Vehicle Charging

New EVs like the Acura ZDX are changing the game. Here’s how to get ready for one.

Electric vehicles have come a long way since the first modern EVs hit the roads in the early 2000s. A combination of factors, including improved battery life, charging technology, and design, have drivers increasingly saying goodbye to gas tanks in favor of EVs, whether they live in small towns, suburbs, or cities. The Edison Electric Institute and the Institute for Electric Innovation, for example, project that 26.4 million EVs will be on U.S. roads by 2030.

This increase in EV sales also means that charging technology has rapidly expanded and improved, now including home charging, portable charging, and public charging. If you’re thinking of introducing an EV to your garage, such as the all-electric Acura ZDX Type S, which has up to a 278 mile EPA Range Rating*, Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive with nearly 500-hp providing a smooth driving experience, and three charging packages suited to different lifestyles, it’s important to get acquainted with the technology that will power your car. Here’s everything you need to know about charging in order to go electric.

Home Charging

Home charging is ideal for drivers with high daily mileage or a strong preference for dedicated home infrastructure. This type of charger will usually be mounted on your wall and rely on a dedicated line to your electrical panel to charge your vehicle. This uses the most electricity, and thus usually requires hardwire installation—meaning you’ll have to connect it directly to your electrical system to account for the higher electrical demand—but it’s the fastest way to reach a full charge. Acura’s Home Charging Bundle includes a Home Charging Station that allows drivers to charge at their own convenience, a $500 AHE (Acura Home Electrification) installation credit that can assist with these set-up costs, and a $100 charging credit** on the EVgo charging network that can be used as a back-up when away from home.

Acura
The Acura ZDX Type S with the Acura Home Charging Station.

Your home itself may dictate what’s possible in terms of installation, says Joel Worthington, the president of a nationwide electricity-services provider. "Some older homes may need an electrical upgrade for the EV equipment, which can increase the installation time,” he says. “With newer homes, however, the EV installation can typically be installed in a few hours by an electrician." In some cities, new homes are required to come with EV-charging capacity.

Regardless, one thing’s for sure—any home installation should be done by professionals. “Hiring a licensed electrician with experience in the installation of EVs can simplify the process and help ensure that the charger will be set up safely," adds Marty Stadelmaier, EVP of customer service at a Colorado-based electric management company. The AHE credit in Acura’s Home Charging Bundle can help cover the cost of hiring a professional.

Portable Charging

Portable chargers are a great option for drivers who travel frequently, live in rental properties, or otherwise value flexibility. These will utilize existing outlets at your home or on the go, allowing for more flexible charging without requiring a full installation. The speed with which you can reach full charge with a portable model depends on the voltage of the outlet you’re using, so you may end up needing to upgrade the outlet itself if you want faster charging speeds; generally speaking, industrial-grade outlets are recommended. Acura’s Portable Charging Bundle includes a Portable Charging Kit, a $250 AHE installation credit to help cover those potential outlet upgrades, and a $300 charging credit** on the EVgo network.

Acura
The interior of the Acura ZDX Type S.

Public Charging

Public charging stations are great for city dwellers, frequent travelers, and those who are otherwise always on the go. They can also be used as a supplement to home charging or portable charging. Since these stations are already set up, they offer convenience and ease-of-use that’s hard to match, but they’re dependent on station availability. It’s important to note that you may need to plan ahead and schedule your charging sessions based on station proximity. Acura’s Public Charging Package offers a $750 charging credit** on the EVgo network, allowing you to tap into three levels of public charging stations, aptly named level one, two, and three (also known as DC fast chargers) in ascending order of voltage.

Once you have a charging set-up that works for your lifestyle and usage patterns, you’ll be ready to introduce an electric vehicle to your garage and hit the road—wherever you’re going.

*278 mile EPA Range Rating for Type S. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual range will vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age & condition, loading, use and maintenance.

**Credits may be used on EVgo fast charging network and their roaming partners.