Electric vehicles don’t produce emissions, require gas to run, and have become much more affordable for the average person. However, people who own these cars face one challenge. How do they keep their vehicles charged? They must charge fully electric vehicles using an EV (electric vehicle) charger.
Unfortunately, charging these cars can be a bit of a challenge. Charging stations that are available to the public may not be in convenient locations. Some areas don’t have them at all. So for EV car owners in Gloucester, VA, the best choice may be to have an EV charger installed in their home.
What Is A Home EV Charger?
There are two ways to charge your car at home. You can plug it into a standard 110V outlet using a level 1 charger, or you can also upgrade to a level 2 charger using a 240V outlet.
Both of these options use your home’s electrical service to charge your EV car battery. Either one of these choices allows you to charge your car at home instead of relying on charging stations in and around Gloucester, VA.
110V EV Charger VS 240V EV Charger
Every electric vehicle comes equipped with a level 1 110V charger kit. If you decide to stick with that, you don’t have to arrange EV charger installation. You simply plug in your car and wait for it to charge.
The problem is that you will wait for a very long time. It will take you about ten hours to charge your EV, long enough to drive about 50 miles. Obviously, that’s an issue if your daily commute is longer than that or if you simply don’t have ten spare hours each night.
If you need faster charging, it may be worth spending a bit of money on EV charger installation to upgrade to a level 2 charger. That will require upgrading one of your outlets to 240V or having a new 240V outlet installed. With a level 2 charger, you’ll get between 18 and 28 miles for each hour of charging.
EV Charger Installation: Choosing Your Home EV Charger
You’ve decided to upgrade to the fast, efficient level 2 charger. Great! Now what? There are a few things you should know before you call someone in to do the work for you.
Will You Need An Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Your electrician will look at your electrical panel to see if it can handle the load of your new EV charger installation. If there isn’t room on your panel for your new 240V charger, you may need an upgrade.
Safety And Reliability Are Key
If you choose an EV charger with an Energy Star rating, you know that it will use minimal electricity when it isn’t in use. Additionally, you don’t want a unit that is easily tripped over or otherwise a handle. It may be worthwhile to invest in a wall-mounted unit that allows you to store charger cords out of the way.
Speed Of Charging Considerations
Most vehicles today work perfectly well with a 32 amp charging station. However, if you plan to buy newer cars in the future, consider going with a 50 amp unit. That will “future-proof†your installation and get you several more miles per hour of charging.
Extra Features Can Make The Money You Spend Worthwhile
Once you find an electrician near me, ask them about smart features that may be available to you. Some charging stations are Wi-Fi connected and allow you to manage to charge with an app. They will even send reminders to you about charging up your vehicle.
Where Should You Put Your Charger?
There are a few things to consider here. First, your electrician may need to run conduit from the panel to your charger box, which can be costly. The further away your EV charger is from your panel, the more expensive it will be.
Additionally, consider how many cars you will need to charge. If you have more than one EV, you might consider getting an EV charger that can accommodate two cars at once. You can also ask your electrician to install the charger near the garage door. That will allow you to charge one vehicle in the garage and one in the driveway. Of course, you’ll want a charger rated for outdoor use.
EV Charger Installation In Gloucester, VA
An electrician experienced in EV charger installations will be able to help you upgrade to a 240V level 2 charger. They can answer your questions and make recommendations so that you can charge your EV quickly and efficiently.
