Electric vehicles (EVs)are an effective mode of transportation that allow drivers to save money on gas. Since electric vehicles rely on a charged battery to operate, it’s important EV drivers are aware of how to charge their vehicle’s battery both in public and at home.
Let’s get into what’s necessary to charge your EV at home at a variety of speeds.
Types of EV chargers
There are three types of charging stations for electric vehicles, two of which are more common for at-home use. Let’s take a look at all three.
Level 1 Charger
The simplest form of EV charger is the Level 1 charger. This charger uses a 120-volt plug, which is the same kind of outlet that powers household items like your television or toaster. EVs are sold with a 120-volt charge cord so you’re able to drive your car off the lot and plug it in to charge when you get home.
The inconvenient feature of a Level 1 charger is its charging speed. Depending on the model of your car, your battery can take 24 hours or more to for a full charge depending on the size of the battery and the EV model.
Level 2 Charger
Level 2 chargers attach to a 240-volt plug outlet, just like your water heater. These chargers are the most used type of EV chargers in homes, and they’re also installed in a lot of public lots. Level 2 chargers are quicker than Level 1, recharging an EV battery in just a few hours.
Level 3 (DC Fast) Charger
Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, are only installed at commercial sites. They are the fastest of the three chargers and aren’t installed for home use. Level 3 chargers can charge your depleted battery in only 30 minutes and are found in places like shopping plazas, car dealerships and highway stops. It’s not a good idea to use level 3 chargers on a regular basis as they can cause battery deterioration over time.
Why Would you Need an EV Charger at Home?
As an owner of an electric vehicle, it’s crucial you’re able to charge your EV at home so that you’re not relying on public charging stations to successfully commute each day. While new electric vehicles do come with a Level 1 charger for easy, slow charging at home, you will need to have the proper equipment installed to do faster, Level 2 charging at home if you desire that.
Many EV owners opt to have Level 2 charging stations installed in their garages or on the side of their homes so they’re able to charge their vehicles in just a couple of hours whenever needed. Before we get into the steps for installing an EV charger at home, let’s first cover the types of EV chargers and which ones you can operate in a residence.
How to Install an EV Charger at Home
As we mentioned above, there isn’t anything you’ll need to do to charge your EV at home if you want to stick with a simple Level 1 charger. This plug will be provided to you when you purchase the vehicle, and you don’t need a special type of outlet at home to use it. However, if you want to install a Level 2 charging station to take advantage of quicker charging sessions, you’ll follow these installation steps.
1. Obtain the Necessary Permits
To install the 240 V outlet that’s needed for a Level 2 charger, you’ll need to obtain a permit from your local permitting office. This permit will give you permission to install the outlet in your garage or on the side of your house. Depending on where you’re located, you may or may not need to have an inspection done after installation to ensure everything meets code.
2. Hire a Licensed Electrician
Given the complexities of installing a Level 2 charging station in your home, it’s a good idea to hire a licensed electrician for this project. A licensed professional will:
- Install the necessary wiring
- Install a 240 V circuit breaker
- Install the power supply
- Run a dedicated 240V line from your electrical panel to the charger location
3. Install the EV Charger
Next will be the actual installation of the EV charger, which involves mounting the charger, connecting the wiring, and grounding. Usually, the charger is mounted on the wall near the EV’s designated parking space, and the electrician connects wiring to both the circuit breaker and the charger itself. Then, it’s important to ensure the installation is properly grounded to prevent any electrical issues.
4. Test the System
Before finalizing the installation of the Level 2 charger, the electrician will test the system to ensure it's working properly. You will also verify that it's charging properly by plugging in your EV.
FAQs About Installing EV Chargers
Still have some questions about EV charging stations at home? Check out the answers to some frequently asked questions below.
How much does an EV charger cost?
Level 2 chargers range from $700 to more than $1,800 for homes.
How do I prepare my garage for an electric vehicle?
To get your garage ready for an electric vehicle, it’s a good idea to start by clearing one side to be the designated spot for the EV. The chosen side should have access to a 120 V outlet for slow, Level 1 charging, and if desired, be close to the electric service panel for the installation of a 240 V outlet for Level 2 faster charging.
Will solar panels provide enough power to charge my EV?
Yes, solar panels can be used to power an EV charger. It takes roughly the power of 6 solar panels to charge the average electric vehicle.
Are you given a home charger when you buy an electric vehicle?
You will typically be given a 120-volt charging cable with new electric vehicles. If you want your EV to charge in a matter of hours, you can invest in a 240-volt, or Level 2 wall-mounted charger.
Installing a Level 2 EV Charger At Home May Be Worth It
If you want to be able to charge your electric vehicle in a couple of hours in the comfort of your home, it might be worth having a Level 2 charging station installed in your garage or on the side of your house. Unless you’re handy when it comes to electrical wiring, it’s a good idea to hire a professional licensed electrician to come out and install the necessary charger wiring, circuit breaker, and power supply for your Level 2 charging station.
Some retail electricity providers (REPs) like Gexa Energy offer specialty plans for electric car owners, as well as lower prices for charging the vehicle during off-peak hours. Learn more about our EV plans.
