Smart EV Home Charger

Blog

Plain-English guides to EV home charging. No electrician jargon, just clear answers about chargers, installation, and saving money.

EV Charging Speed Explained: Kilowatts, Amps, and Miles Per Hour in Plain English

Aug 26, 2026

EV Charging Speed Explained: Kilowatts, Amps, and Miles Per Hour in Plain English

Level 1, Level 2, kilowatts, amps, miles per hour of charging. The terminology around EV charging speed is confusing on purpose. Here is what it all actually means for you.

ev basicscharging speedbeginner guide
7 EV Battery Degradation Myths That Keep Getting Repeated

Aug 1, 2026

7 EV Battery Degradation Myths That Keep Getting Repeated

Will your EV battery die after 5 years? Does fast charging destroy it? Here are the actual facts behind the most persistent myths.

battery healthev basicsmyths debunked
Your First EV Road Trip: A Home Charger Owner's Prep Guide

Jul 29, 2026

Your First EV Road Trip: A Home Charger Owner's Prep Guide

Road tripping in an EV is different from daily home charging. Here's how to plan stops, manage range anxiety, and avoid the mistakes first-timers make.

ev basicsev savingscharger comparison
How to Charge Your EV in Cold Weather (Without Losing Your Mind)

Jul 18, 2026

How to Charge Your EV in Cold Weather (Without Losing Your Mind)

Winter cuts into EV range and slows charging. Here are the practical steps you can take at home to keep your battery happy when temperatures drop.

ev basicsschedulingenergy monitoring
Can You Use an Extension Cord for EV Charging? The Safe Way to Do It

Jul 13, 2026

Can You Use an Extension Cord for EV Charging? The Safe Way to Do It

The internet says never use an extension cord for EV charging. The reality is more nuanced. Here's what's actually safe and what will burn your garage down.

safetycharging accessoriesev basics
How Long Do EV Chargers Last? Lifespan, Wear Signs, and When to Replace

Jul 11, 2026

How Long Do EV Chargers Last? Lifespan, Wear Signs, and When to Replace

Your EV charger is a long-term investment. Here's how long you can expect it to last, what wears out first, and how to stretch its life.

maintenancecharger lifespanbuying guide
Is It Safe to Charge Your EV in Rain and Snow? What You Need to Know

Jul 8, 2026

Is It Safe to Charge Your EV in Rain and Snow? What You Need to Know

Worried about plugging in your EV during a downpour or blizzard? Here's why it's safer than you think — and the few precautions that actually matter.

safetyweatheroutdoor charging
The Renter's Playbook: How to Charge an EV Without Owning Property

Jul 4, 2026

The Renter's Playbook: How to Charge an EV Without Owning Property

Renting doesn't mean you can't drive electric. Here's a practical guide to making EV ownership work without a garage, a dedicated outlet, or a landlord who cares about green energy.

ev basicsportable chargerbuying guide
Amps, Volts, kW: EV Charging Speed Explained Without the Engineering Degree

Jun 22, 2026

Amps, Volts, kW: EV Charging Speed Explained Without the Engineering Degree

What do all those electrical numbers mean for how fast your car charges? Here's the plain-English translation of amps, volts, kilowatts, and why they matter.

ev basicslevel 2 chargerbuying guide
Can You Use an Extension Cord for EV Charging? What's Safe and What Isn't

Jun 6, 2026

Can You Use an Extension Cord for EV Charging? What's Safe and What Isn't

The short answer is: it depends. Here's which extension cords are safe for EV charging, which will melt, and why a dedicated circuit is always better.

ev safetyev basicswiring