One of the most important things to think about before buying an electric vehicle is charging. How far will you drive on a regular basis? Do you have a place to reliably charge your vehicle every day? For many EV owners, the solution is to install EV charging stations in their own homes. However, this comes with a host of questions and details to navigate. Find out all you need to know about installing an EV charger at your home with this guide.
Different Charge Levels
EV chargers come in three different power levels. Most electric vehicles use a Level 1 charger, which plugs into a standard home outlet and charges about 3 to 5 miles of range in an hour. For drivers who only travel a few miles a day, this is an adequate amount of power. However, fully charging your vehicle with a Level 1 charger can take up to 24 hours, so it’s not feasible for anyone driving longer distances on a regular basis.
That’s where Level 2 and Level 3 chargers come in. Level 2 chargers, which are the top choice for most residential and commercial applications, can charge about 12 to 30 miles of EV range per hour. Level 3 chargers can completely charge an electric vehicle within an hour, but these chargers have greater power requirements that aren’t plausible for most residential properties.
As a result, most homeowners who want to install EV chargers look for Level 2 charging stations. Level 2 chargers require a 208- to 240-volt output, meaning you need a special outlet and installation from a certified professional to make it work.
The Garage Is a Perfect Location
Many homeowners choose to install their EV chargers in the garage. Most attached garages already have a power source, making installation convenient. As long as you can park in or near your garage—and already have a strong enough source of power in the structure—you’ll be able to install a station and power your vehicle with minimal changes to your property’s wiring.
Common Installation Complications
Every property is unique, which means there are several hurdles you might come across when trying to set up your EV charging station. Most issues revolve around making sure you have a strong enough power source.
For example, if you park in a detached garage, you’re less likely to have wiring that can handle the higher voltage of a Level 2 charger. In scenarios like this, you need an electrician to connect your garage to your electrical panel, which might involve running a cable underground, cutting through parts of the home or the garage, and other costly endeavors.
A Professional Electrician Can Help
It’s important to hire a certified, experienced electrician when installing an EV charger in your home. Allegiance Service Group’s electrician services include EV charger installation and all the evaluations, permitting, and other work you’ll need along the way. Find the right solution for your electric vehicle when you contact our friendly team today.