Despite the rapid growth of electric mobility, many people are still unfamiliar with the process of home charging. The good news is that it can be as simple as charging your phone if you understand its unique requirements. If you’ve recently purchased an EV, here’s what you need to know about powering it up at home.
Understanding an EV Charger
Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, electric cars do not have an internal combustion engine with cylinders that burn fuel to produce the power that drives them. Instead, they are fitted with an electric motor and a large rechargeable battery pack. The battery pack contains (and preserves) the electric power the motor uses to turn the wheels.
The role of an EV charger is to supply electric power to the battery pack safely. There are various types available with different charging speeds and power capacities. They include the following.
1. Level 1 Charger
When you buy a new EV car, the manufacturer normally includes a Level 1 charger as part of the purchase package. You can plug this device into your garage or basement electrical outlet. It needs only 120V of power, which every home’s socket can support.
Level 1 chargers are very convenient because you can use them almost everywhere. Their downside, however, is slow charging. They take approximately 20 hours to charge a car enough to go 120 miles.
If you drive your car less than 20 miles a day, you can get by with this charger. Just remember to plug it in the entire night.
2. Level 2 Charger
A Level 2 charger is a separate investment: it doesn’t come with the car. However, it is eight to 10 times faster than the standard Level 1 charger and requires professional installation.
Level 2 chargers require a 240V outlet, similar to that used by washing machines. With that capacity, you can get up to 32 miles of driving range for an hour of charging your car.
Before installing this charger, you need to check your car’s recommended charging capacity. If your EV’s hardware can only handle 6.0 kW of power, but you’ve installed a 19.2 kW power charger, you could experience problems.
3. Level 3 Charger
Level 3 chargers are the fastest type of charger available in the market today. They can juice up a vehicle for a range of 250 miles in just 45 minutes.
Installing an EV Charger at Home
If you have an EV, installing a charger at home is highly recommended. The setup process, however, varies for different homes, cars, and budgets. Consider the following factors before proceeding.
Your Home’s Amp Service Size
Your home’s amp (ampere) size is the amount of power that your electrical panel can safely distribute to your sockets or outlets. Older homes or dated electrical panels typically have 100-amp service. This size is not sufficient for adding an extra load like an EV charger.
To safely run an EV charger, you should upgrade or install an electrical panel with 200-amp service or higher. Your electrician should also upgrade your circuit breakers to prevent the inconvenience of circuit tripping when you plug in your car.
Choose the Right Charger
A Level 2 charger is the best option for a home. Still, you should get the right kind of Level 2 charger for your car. If you have a large SUV or pickup truck, a charger rated 80 amps would provide sufficient charging capability. Compact EVs work well with 40-50-amp chargers. Be sure to check your specific car requirements before purchasing a charger.
Find the Perfect Location for the Charger
Any location in your home is ideal for an EV charger as long as the cord can reach your car. Indoor setups may be more appealing for security reasons, but since EV chargers are water- and weather-resistant, outdoor installations are also feasible.
Nonetheless, consider the distance your charger is from the main electrical panel. The closer they are, the less wiring you will need, hence, lower costs. The best places for installation include the driveway, inside or outside of the garage, and the back wall of your property.
Avail Wi-Fi
Most chargers have features and functions that require a stable internet connection. So, it is essential to ensure that your setup is within the field of your Wi-Fi router.
Internet access is necessary for firmware updates, remote control, energy use tracking, and maintenance. If you lose connection, your system will still charge your car, but you may lose access to the smart features that enhance convenience.
Obtain the Necessary Permits
You need a permit to install an EV charger, as most setups require electrical upgrades and compliance with the building codes. You may also have to check with your homeowner association rules to prevent unnecessary fines.
Permits help ensure safety for you and your community as a whole. Your electrician should guide you through all the requirements needed for a seamless installation.
Benefits of Home EV Charger Installation
Life gets a lot easier when you install an EV charger at home. Some perks you’ll enjoy include the following:
Convenience
Public electrical charging stations are not as convenient and common as gas stations. If you have to go somewhere, you must plan your routes to find them; if you do, you might find a long queue. When you finally get to the charger, you must wait at least an hour for the battery to top up to sufficient range.
However, with a home EV charger, you can juice up your vehicle overnight or during the day while at work. You may never have to visit a charging station again unless you are on a road trip.
Potential for Cost Savings
If you have solar panels or live near wind turbines, you can use their renewable energy to charge your vehicle for free. You can cut your transportation cost to almost zero, which can be very beneficial for your wallet. Additionally, using renewable energy sources helps reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Longer Battery Life
Charging your car at a slower rate at home can extend its battery life by up to 20%. A slower, more controlled charging process provides a steady flow of current and generates less heat, which is less stressful for the battery.
Safety
Your home is a protected place. You won’t have to worry about other people attempting to steal or damage your car while it is charging.
Tax Rebates
The federal government passed the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022, which provides a 30% credit (approximately $1,000) for home EV charger installation. States also offer incentives. For example, you can get a $250 rebate when you install a Level 2 charger in Ohio, whereas Illinois reimburses up to 80% of the installation costs.
Contact Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing for More Information
For hassle-free installation in Canton, OH, call Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing today to set up a home EV charger. Our electricians are knowledgeable, experienced, and equipped with the latest tools and products to complete the job quickly and efficiently. We can also offer other services such as electrical panel upgrades, whole-home rewiring, surge protection, and generator installation.
