Why should I charge at home?
You can charge at home or on the road at public charging stations. The cost to charge an EV is the same as the standard residential electric rate, which varies, but is typically less than fuel costs.
Buyers who have a fast-charging station nearby or a plug available at their workplace may be able to get by without a home-charging setup. But charging your electric car at home makes EV ownership convenient and worthwhile. Charging your electric car is what makes it easy and efficient to own one.
With the right kind of at-home charger, owners can recharge their cars in a matter of hours. That means they can plug in overnight, for example, and wake up with 250 or 300 miles of driving range.
Level 1 Charge
Most electric cars come with what’s known as a Level 1 charging cord. This plugs into a standard 110-volt household outlet and slowly trickles electricity into a car’s battery, adding a few miles of driving range per hour. Those sluggish charging speeds may be tough to live with on a daily basis.
Level 2 Charge
A quick summary of the benefits of a Level 2 Charge:
- Average of 25 miles of range per hour
- Often found in public areas (rest areas, shopping centers, restaurants, etc.)
- Option to purchase and have it installed by a qualified electrician – can be either hardwired or plugged into an existing 240-volt outlet (dryer plug)
- Best for quick charging – can get a full charge from empty overnight (8-10 hours)+
Level 2 charging, uses a higher-voltage connection to add more miles or range per hour. These sorts of plugs might be found at public charging stations, and homeowners can install them in a garage or driveway. This type of charging can either be plugged into a 240-volt socket or hardwired into a home’s electrical panel. Either way, you will need to consult an electrician who specializes in charger installations to get a handle on the expected costs and work involved.
This type of project will involve tapping into an existing 240-volt circuit (or adding a new one if necessary) and installing the charger or a dedicated outlet in a convenient location, like the wall of a garage. The farther away your electrical panel is from where you’d like to plug in, the installation cost will increase. Sometimes, your home may need to upgrade your electrical panel to handle the extra load from charging.
Choosing a Charger
- Depending on your needs, there are several charger types and levels available. Your car’s battery size and your home’s power level are two things to think about when purchasing a Level 2 home charger.
- Determine how fast you need the charger to be and your price range – generally an additional 10 amps at 240 volts will yield around 10 miles of range per hour.
- You’ll need to engage an electrician to ensure that you choose an at home charger that fits your home’s power capabilities and has the infrastructure to support it.
- EV chargers need to be UL certified. It’s important to ensure they are safe and have passed all the mandatory guidelines.
- Smart chargers have Wi-Fi connectivity. These chargers can be monitored and controlled by your smartphone or connected to your home assistant (Alexa, Google Home, etc.).
When it comes to choosing a charger, going with the model recommended by the auto manufacturer is “a safe bet.” The right charger depends on what your home can handle and what’s best for your particular vehicle. An experienced electrician can help make that decision.
Rely on a knowledgeable electrician to help you navigate your options