There are many benefits to an electric vehicle. Some people find it costs much less to run than a gas-fueled car. Electric vehicles do not emit the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere that gas cars do. They can even be charged in your home instead of driving to a gas station with an EV charger. However, there are a few things to remember to ask and keep in mind before installing the EV charging station at your house.
Where should the charger go?
Your charger needs to be located in your garage or driveway, where the cable can easily reach the charging port. If possible, you may want to try and pick a spot where there is little foot traffic so that you decrease the chances that someone will trip on it while it is plugged in. If you plan to have multiple electric vehicles, you will either need to plan for a dual charging station or have more than one charger installed so that both can be plugged in simultaneously. Consult your certified electrician to figure out the best plan for your charger.
What is the necessary amount of power?
EV chargers have different requirements for power depending on how quickly they are intended to deliver power. Level 1 chargers operate off of regular 120-Volt outlets, which you likely already have in your garage or driveway. While this is undoubtedly the cheapest option (a Level 1 cable comes with the purchase of an EV), it takes a very long time to fully charge the car this way. Level 2 chargers work much more quickly but require a 240-Volt outlet that can handle at least 30 amps. Some garages may already have a 240V outlet, but you need to check that it can handle the appropriate amperage before trying to use a Level 2 charger. You may likely need to have some rewiring and outlet installation done. It will be worth it though, considering Level 2 chargers work about eight times as fast as a Level 1!
Which is better: portable or hardwired?
EV chargers may be portable or hardwired stations like the ones you see in parking lots. Plug-in chargers are a great option to have on hand since you can use them anywhere. Those who travel frequently should always have one with them in the car, and if you are moving to a new house, these chargers will be a lifesaver if the house doesn’t already have a hardwired charger installed. For long-term and outdoor charging, permanent chargers are the better choice. They offer a more comprehensive range of charging speeds and are safe to use in inclement weather. Whether or not you can have a permanent charger installed depends on a few factors, including the proximity of your electrical panel and your budget.
Are there Smart options?
Some hardwired charging stations come with smart features that allow you to track your charging statistics and energy usage. Some even connect to your home’s smart system to operate most efficiently with the rest of your home’s smart appliances. You can find a range of smart features when choosing the specific Level 2 charger you want.
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 equipment. Congratulations on your new vehicle!
