Purchasing an electric vehicle can be an exciting change in your life that revolutionizes the relationship you have with commuting. Not only will you save money on fuel costs, but you can also forgo trips to the gas station while helping the environment. However, having a home EV charging station installed is what makes this dream a reality. Before you install an EV charger on your property, there are a few important things to consider that can affect the cost, reliability, charging speed, and sustainability.
Considerations For Your New At-Home EV Charging Station
The ability to fully charge your car at home is a game changer and a massive boost to your quality of life. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you make the decision.
Charging Speed and Power – The two types of widely available chargers for homeowners are Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Level 1 chargers require less power, work off a 120-volt outlet, and work with the charging cables that are most commonly included with an EV purchase from a manufacturer. However, they have significantly less charging capabilities than a level 2 charger, and we recommend to everyone spring for a level 2 charger.
Level 2 chargers require a more substantial 240-volt outlet with a higher amperage. While some garages might already have these present, others will not, and they may not be in a location conducive to charging your vehicle. Still, even if you have to have light rewiring work done or have a new 240-volt outlet installed, the comparatively blazing fast speeds of level 2 chargers make them well worth the investment. Level 2 chargers charge cars anywhere from 5-10x faster than level 1 chargers, on average.
Location – The location of your charging station is important because, obviously, it has to be somewhere that the cord can reach your vehicle to charge. Most people don’t want to change their parking habits, so moving the outlet to a closer location is attractive to many. The charger is best kept in an area that does not have members of your family walking through it often. To protect it from the elements, a covered or enclosed location like a garage is also better than an outlet on an exterior wall next to a driveway.
Portability – When buying a new charger, you should always buy one that will fit the needs of your household. This ensures you don’t waste money on a product that is missing features you need and abundant in features you don’t care for. One feature that can make or break a charger in your eye’s is whether or not it is portable. A portable level 2 charger will let you plug into any safe outlet, allowing you to bring it with you on the go to hotels, relatives’ houses, or additional properties. While this might seem great, portable chargers are usually not as hardy, have fewer charging speed options, and might not be needed for those that do not travel often. Permanently installed chargers are often easier to integrate into ‘smart’ home electricity monitoring software to help keep track of your charging costs and power usage.
EV charging is no longer a future technology; everyone can make the swap to electric vehicles without sacrificing comfortability and reliability. If you are looking to install an EV charging station at home, call the experts at Promise Electric. We will assess your situation, help you to choose the best charger for your needs, and professionally install the new equipment or outlet.
