Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at home is an important step when switching to an EV. A home charging station means you know when and how your vehicle will be charged, and you don’t have to worry about relying on outside charging options unless you’re traveling longer distances.
To better understand how home charging stations work—and which kind is best for you—it’s important to look at charger types, installation needs, and overall energy costs for home EV charging.
Types of Electric Vehicle Chargers
In general, there are three tiers of EV charging:
- Level 1
- Level 2
- Level 3
Level 1 chargers use standard household power, plugging in easily to a 120-volt outlet. Most new EVs come with this type of charging equipment.
Level 1 charging is typically quite slow. If your battery is totally depleted, for example, it could take days to fully recharge your EV at Level 1.
Level 2 chargers use more power—and charge your EV faster. These chargers support up to 240 volts, charging your EV six to eight times faster than Level 1.
Your EV may come with a plug suitable for a 240-volt outlet, or you may need to purchase additional equipment. Either way, you’ll be able to take advantage of the speed and efficiency of faster charging if you use a level 2 charging station.
Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, are the best choice if speed is your priority. These chargers have a different socket to connect to the vehicle, utilizing extra pins to handle higher voltages. You will, most likely, need to purchase specific level 3 charging equipment to take advantage of this option.
Installation Needs for Home EV Chargers
When installing a home EV charging station, you should consult an experienced electrician before you do anything. This will help protect your home and vehicle from unnecessary risk and damage.
Even if you stick with level 1 charging, you’ll still need an electrician to assess the socket you plan to use. Depending on the age and general state of your wiring and electrical system, upgrades may be necessary to charge your EV safely.
For a level 2 charging station, you’ll need a 220–240 volt outlet with a dedicated circuit breaker. It’s critical to work with an electrician so that they can assess if your electrical panel can handle this addition.
A level 3 charging station is essentially the same as level 2 on the power side, but the vehicle-side socket is different. As with a level 2 station, your electrician needs to check if your system can handle the 240-volt power draw. They also need to make sure it can handle the additional charging speed without issue.
Choosing a practical charger location is also important, particularly if you have—or plan to have—more than one EV. Your home charging station needs to be accessible and as convenient as possible for daily use. You should never use an extension cord to facilitate EV charging, as that can lead to overheating and possibly cause electrical system damage.
Energy Costs for EV Home Charging
Your energy bill will definitely be higher if you install and use an EV charging station at home. The spike in your electric bill can be shocking, but the cost of charging your vehicle is almost guaranteed to be lower than an equivalent amount of gas.
You can help mitigate this cost by finding out when energy costs are lowest in your area (typically overnight) and charging your vehicle then. Many vehicles let you program when to start and end charging, even if you leave them plugged in when you go inside.
If you live in Allentown or the surrounding area and have questions about home EV charging stations, call the team at Estevez Electric LLC today! We have over 10 years of experience solving complex electrical issues and we’re here to help with all your EV charging station needs. As a family-owned company, we pride ourselves on our quality workmanship and customer service. Estevez Electric LLC—The Top Rated Electrician In Allentown, PA.