Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer the future—they’re today’s reality.
As India rapidly shifts towards cleaner transportation, more people are asking the same question:
“Where should I charge my EV—at home or at public charging stations?”
The answer isn’t as simple as it seems.
While public EV charging stations are growing across the country, home charging is also becoming popular for daily convenience.
But here’s where it gets interesting:
When combined with solar energy, EV charging becomes greener, cheaper, and smarter than ever before.
In this guide, we’ll compare home charging vs public charging, break down costs and savings, and show you how Solar Capital’s community solar model connects directly to India’s electric vehicle revolution.
Why EV Charging Decisions Matter
Charging your EV is like fueling a car, but instead of petrol or diesel, you’re drawing electricity.
The source and cost of that electricity will determine:
- Your running costs,
- Your environmental impact, and
- The overall ownership experience of your EV.
The cleaner and cheaper your energy source, the better for both you and the planet. 🌍
Home EV Charging: Convenience Meets Control
Home charging is often the most convenient option for EV owners.
You can simply plug in overnight and wake up to a fully charged vehicle.
Benefits of Home EV Charging
- Ultimate convenience: Charge anytime without queues or waiting.
- Lower per-unit electricity rates: Typically cheaper than public stations.
- Consistent access: No dependency on station availability.
- Perfect for daily city driving: Most home chargers can easily cover an EV owner’s daily commute.
Drawbacks
- Installation costs: Setting up a home charger can cost ₹30,000–₹80,000.
- Increased electricity bills: Your monthly bills can rise significantly.
- Limited green energy: If your home electricity comes from coal-based power, your EV isn’t truly “zero-emission.”
Public EV Charging Stations: Power On the Go
Public charging stations are essential for long-distance trips or urban drivers without dedicated parking.
Benefits of Public Charging
- No installation costs for you as the user.
- Fast charging availability (DC fast chargers can power up to 80% in 30–60 minutes).
- Accessible while traveling—ideal for highways and intercity trips.
- No space requirement: Perfect for apartment dwellers without home charger access.
Drawbacks
- Higher per-unit cost: Public charging rates are typically ₹20–₹25 per kWh, nearly 2× higher than home electricity rates.
- Waiting times and queues: Especially during peak hours.
- Limited locations in smaller towns: Rural and semi-urban areas often lack charging infrastructure.
Cost Comparison: Home vs Public EV Charging
| Factor | Home Charging | Public Charging |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Cost | ₹30,000–₹80,000 (one-time) | ₹0 |
| Cost per kWh | ₹7–₹10 (depends on local electricity tariff) | ₹20–₹25 |
| Convenience | High – charge anytime | Medium – may need to wait |
| Green Energy Integration | Possible with rooftop or community solar | Limited unless station uses renewable energy |
| Best For | Daily commuting, predictable charging | Long trips, occasional top-ups |
💡 Insight:
While home charging is cheaper long-term, public charging is essential for road trips and people without private parking spaces.
The Solar Connection: Charging Your EV with Clean Energy
Here’s the catch:
Even if you charge your EV at home, if your electricity comes from coal-based power plants, your EV isn’t entirely clean or sustainable.
This is where solar energy changes the game. 🌞
How Solar Capital Makes EV Charging Greener
With Solar Capital’s community solar subscription:
- You don’t need to install rooftop panels.
- Your subscription directly funds real solar farms.
- The energy generated offsets your EV charging consumption, making it carbon-neutral.
- Plus, you earn Green Credits monthly as rewards for your contribution.
📘 Learn more about how to earn monthly rewards while supporting solar energy:
How to Earn Monthly Rewards by Supporting Solar Energy →
How Solar Capital Solves the Rooftop Solar Problem for EV Owners
Not everyone has the space, budget, or permission to install rooftop solar panels, especially apartment residents or urban EV drivers.
With Solar Capital:
- You subscribe digitally to a solar project, starting at just ₹999.
- No physical panels are installed at your location.
- You earn monthly rewards and offset your charging costs, while supporting India’s renewable mission.
🌱 Compare rooftop solar vs community solar here:
Why Solar Capital is Better Than Rooftop Solar →
Environmental Impact: EV + Solar = True Sustainability
By combining EVs and solar energy, you create a powerful zero-emission ecosystem:
- Your EV produces zero tailpipe emissions.
- Solar energy powers your vehicle indirectly, replacing dirty grid power.
- You actively reduce CO₂ emissions while enjoying financial rewards.
Imagine driving guilt-free, knowing that every kilometer traveled is fueled by the sun. ☀️🚗
Your Solar Capital dashboard even shows trees saved and CO₂ offset, making your contribution measurable and rewarding.
Government Policies and the EV-Solar Revolution
India’s government is aggressively pushing for clean transportation and renewable energy:
- FAME-II subsidies for EV buyers
- GST reduction on EVs to 5%
- State-level incentives for charging infrastructure
- Targets for 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030
By adopting community solar + EVs, you align perfectly with these policies while enjoying long-term financial benefits.