The basics of charging an electric vehicle are broken down for you.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and cost-effective transportation option. However, one of the biggest challenges for EV owners is understanding how and where to charge their vehicles.
In this overview we will provide a basic summary of EV charging, including the different types of charging stations, charging speeds, and costs.
Since electric vehicles are powered by batteries required to drive, recharging them becomes priority number one. EVs can be charged at home, at work, or at public charging stations. The time it takes to recharge is dependent upon battery capacity and level, charging speed, and charger capability.
Level 1 charging is the slowest and can take between 8-20 hours.
Level 2 charging is faster and typically takes 4-9 hours.
Level 3 (Fast Charger) is the fastest and recharges in 20-40 minutes.
Level 2 EV Charging Considerations
Most homeowners will want to install a dedicated, convenient level 2 charger. The ability to plug in your vehicle for overnight charging is crucial as well as for shorter, recharge periods.
Level 2 charging is a type of electric vehicle charging that uses a higher voltage and amperage than Level 1 charging, allowing for faster charging times. It is typically used for public charging stations and for home charging.
Installing a Level 2 charger at home can provide the convenience of being able to charge your electric vehicle more quickly, and can also be useful if you frequently drive long distances and need to charge your vehicle more often.
Additionally, with the growing popularity of electric vehicles, having a Level 2 charger installed can increase the value of your home.
Installation Costs
Installation of an EV charger will range from $750 to $2000, depending upon any electrical upgrades and the specific EV charger model selected.
This estimated range is an industry average and can vary based on local permit fees (if necessary), electrical issues discovered, or multiple ports installed.
Public Charging Locations
Using many available apps, you can quickly locate the nearest public EV charger. We like this handy resource from the U.S. Department of Energy.
EV Charger Financial Incentives
There are a variety of incentives that may be available to help offset the cost of installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger at your home or business.
These incentives can vary by location, so it is best to check with your local government or utility company to see what options are available in your area. Some examples of incentives that may be available include:
- Federal tax credits: There may be federal tax credits available for the installation of EV charging equipment.
- State and local incentives: Many states and local governments offer rebates or grants to help cover the cost of EV charger installation.
- Utility company incentives: Some utility companies offer incentives to their customers to encourage the use of EVs, such as rebates for installing an EV charger.
- Employer incentives: Some employers offer incentives to employees who install EV charging equipment at their homes, such as a reimbursement for the cost of installation or a discounted rate for the electricity used to charge the vehicle.
It’s important to note that these incentives might change over time, and availability varies by location. It’s always good to check with your local government or utility company to see what options are currently available.
EV Charging Review
With this basic understanding of EV charging, you can feel confident in your ability to charge your electric vehicle wherever and whenever you need to.
Remember to take advantage of government incentives, and always use the charging station locator apps or websites to find the nearest charging station. If you are looking for an EV installer, we may be able to help.
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