Whether you already own an electric vehicle (EV), or you are in the market for one, charging is something to consider.
Level 1 vs Level 2 EV Charging Stations
Charging levels are generally categorized as either Level 1, 2 or 3. (Level 3 chargers are not intended for home use.) Our electricians install EV charging for residential use, so we will focus on Level 1 and Level 2.
Generally, EV owners are supplied with a Level 1 & 2 charge plug adapter when they purchase the vehicle. Level 1 charging is at 120 volts, and this voltage will give you roughly three to five miles per charging hour. A 120 volt plug is the standard plug in most American homes.
Level two EV charging is at 240 volts which is the same voltage commonly used for residential air conditioners & hot tubs. Having a Level 2 charger in your home is like having your own dedicated gas station – except with electricity instead of fuel. You can charge your vehicle at any time, and at a much faster rate than a Level 1 charger. It usually takes around 6-8 hours to get a full charge. You can expect an average of roughly 32-40 miles of driving range per hour of charge – far superior than the 3-5 miles with Level 1 chargers. Upgrading to a Level 2 charger is a smart and practical investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget, here are some common FAQs.
Installing EV level 2 wiring is generally straightforward to install, but if your home needs special attention, one of our partnering electricians will set up a consultation with you!
A: Yes, you can. On average, it provides about 3-5 miles for every one hour of charge. Most EVs get about 100-300 miles per charge. So, let’s say that you have a standard outlet and your vehicle gets 300 miles. It would take 60 or more hours to charge your EV.
A: This depends on your driving habits and lifestyle, but for many drivers, it makes sense to have a Level 2 charger. Typical charging times are around 4-6 hours, and 32 miles of driving range for each hour.
A: Most EV manufacturers and several independent operators offer EV charging wall units for sale with a price range of ~$400 to $1000. You do not need to purchase a wall unit for most EV’s where installing a 240V plug is all that is required. The biggest POTENTIAL benefit to wall units is a slight decrease in charging time. Wall units are often wifi connected where you can schedule charge times from your phone when electricity is at the lowest cost while monitoring charging progress. Many EV vehicles offer these features within the vehicle software.
It is your personal decision if purchasing an EV charging wall unit is best for you. It will not affect the cost of your estimate supplied by EV Home Charging. You are responsible for purchasing this unit and having it onsite when your electrician arrives.
A: We do not recommend this as a DIY project. Working with electricity can be dangerous and is best left to the professionals.
A: It all depends on the electrical panel available capacity and its location in your home. If your electrical panel is in close proximity to your charging location & you have space for 50-60 amp breaker (where a sub panel and will not be required), cost will generally range between ~$600-$1300. If a sub panel is required, this cost will be significantly higher. The cost for charging your vehicle at home varies depending on your area, but home charging is generally cheaper than public charging stations and considerably less expensive than fossil fuels.
A: Typically our EV charging station will go in your garage, but charging can be done outside. After scheduling the appointment, take a few minutes to clear any obstructions in the garage, including on the walls. Your electrician should provide you with a window of time when they will arrive.
A: Most installs take about 2-3 hours. We tell people to plan for 1-5 hours, as it does depend on the scope of the project. If your home needs special attention, an electrician will come to your home for a consultation first.
Have more questions?
A qualified electrician can help!
Get your EV charging installation estimate today and find out what a home charging station will cost!
