I have also heard one often has to install a special home charger for optimal charging, correct?

I think that depends on a number of issues:
* Is the electric car your only car?
* What is the charge capacity of the car?
* How far do you drive on a typical day?

We have been driving a Leaf since 2015. We charge via a standard 120 volt outlet - no special installation. But we typically drive less than 20 miles a day. Also, we have an ICE car as back-up and for out-of-the-city trips. Our Leaf had a 90 mile range when we got it, now it's about 70 miles. But we try to not fully charge it, to prolong the battery life. Each hour of charge adds about 5 miles to the range, so we need to charge about 3 hours per day, on average.

We would be fine driving only ICEs, if necessary. But given our experiences, we have a preference for EVs. Here's why (in order)
* No trips to the gas station. Much prefer just plugging in at home.
* No maintenance, just tires.
* Smooth, quiet ride and responsive. Umph when you need it.
* Heater is electric, so it heats up in about 1 minute. Nice on a cold day.