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Charging Ahead: A Renter’s Guide to Owning an Electric Car

Electric vehicle charging at home charging station with EV charger device plugged in with blurred background. Electric cars are becoming more and more popular because they have many benefits, such as being good for the environment and saving money. However, owning an electric car may be challenging if you rent a home. In such a situation, it’s important to consider certain factors that can assist you in overcoming these obstacles and still enjoy the advantages of owning an electric vehicle as a renter are crucial in such a situation.

 

Charging Infrastructure

It is crucial to think about the charging infrastructure at your rental property if you want to buy an electric car. You should evaluate the electrical system in your property and confirm that it can handle the additional electrical load. 

 

To make sure you have a dedicated parking space or garage with an electrical outlet that works with the charging cable and gives you the right amount of power, you should check that out. There is another option: you can check to see if there is a public charging station close that you can use.

 

Landlord Permission

Suppose you’re thinking about installing a charging station or making any other electrical changes to your rented property. In this situation, it is crucial to carefully review your lease agreement and seek advice from your landlord or property management company. This will help you avoid any disagreements or conflicts that might come up and make sure you follow any rules or regulations that are listed in the lease agreement.

 

Be sure to communicate your plans clearly and seek permission before making any modifications to the property. Make sure you take the right steps to make any changes you need to your rented property. This will help you keep a good relationship with your landlord.

 

Portable Chargers

Consider using a portable charger plugged into a regular household outlet if setting up a dedicated charging station for your electric vehicle proves difficult. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that portable chargers are slower than dedicated charging stations and might not give you enough range for daily driving. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that your rental property has charging ports that are easy to get to.

 

It’s important to know how many amps the outlet you want to use has before you buy a portable charger. If your rental property lacks an accessible outlet with this rating, you may need to contact an electrician to install one with your landlord’s permission. Most portable chargers require a 120-volt, 20-amp outlet.  

 

Check the manufacturer’s specifications before buying. Some portable chargers also need a special circuit.

Other Considerations

  • • Public Charging: Using the public charging infrastructure can be an option, but it’s not always the easiest or cheapest choice. The availability of charging stations in your area and their locations should be taken into consideration. In particular, if you often travel long distances, this will help you plan your charging needs. Some charging stations may also have different pricing systems, which can change the total amount you pay as well. Because of this, it’s important to carefully consider all of your choices before making a choice.
  • • Rates for electricity: Your utility company may have programs that can help you save money on charging if you have an electric vehicle. You might be able to get special rates or other benefits through these programs that can really lower your overall energy costs. Spend some time looking into what your company has to offer and see if there are any ways you can save money.
  • • Charging Apps: With the help of specialized EV charging apps, electric vehicle owners can easily locate charging stations nearby, check their availability, and keep track of the charging process. These apps make charging an electric vehicle (EV) easy and smooth.

 

Owning an electric car as a renter might necessitate some extra planning and organization, but it can still be a practical and environmentally friendly choice. More and more renters are switching to electric vehicles due to the growing availability of charging stations as well as the general trend toward sustainability. To make sure the move goes smoothly, you need to do your study and talk to your landlord clearly. You can enjoy the many advantages of owning an electric car and help the environment by doing these things.

 

We at Real Property Management Boston want to make your time renting in Cambridge and the surrounding area better. We stand out in the business because we care about making sure our tenants are happy and meeting your specific needs. Call us at 617-522-0099 or look at our available listings right now!

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