As electric vehicles (EVs) become more widespread, the market for EV charging infrastructure at home is on the rise. Installing an electric vehicle charger at home is a fantastic way to guarantee your EV has a full battery charge every day, and it’s also a step towards a more sustainable future.
In this article, we’ll examine how to install an EV charger at home, what equipment you’ll need, and why this is a significant step towards potentially clean, or “green” transportation.
First, let’s look at the different types of chargers available for EVs. There are three main types: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging.
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet and provides a charging rate of about 4-5 miles of range per hour.
Level 2 charging demands a 240-volt circuit and can provide a charging rate of up to 25 miles of range per hour.
DC fast charging is the fastest charging method and can provide up to 80% of a full charge in as little as 30 minutes. You could listen to all of our podcasts and be finished by the time the charge is FULL. However, DC fast charging is not normally installed at home (millionaires- feel free) and is more commonly found at public charging stations.
For home charging, we’ll focus on Level 2 charging, which is the most sensible and cost-effective option for most EV owners. To install a Level 2 charger at home, you’ll need to buy an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) unit, which is essentially the charger itself. You’ll also need a 240-volt circuit and an electrician to install the circuit and the EVSE unit.
The first step in installing a Level 2 charger at home is to determine where you want to install it. You’ll want to choose a location that is easily accessible and close to where you park your EV.
You’ll also need to make sure that the location you choose has access to a 240-volt circuit. Most garages and outdoor areas near the house will have the necessary electrical infrastructure to support Level 2 charging.
Next, you’ll need to purchase an EVSE unit. There are many different brands and models available, but most offer similar features and charging rates. Some popular brands include ChargePoint, JuiceBox, and Blink.
When choosing an EVSE unit, consider the charging rate, the length of the cord, and any additional features such as Wi-Fi connectivity or scheduling.
Once you’ve purchased the EVSE unit, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician to install the 240-volt circuit and the EVSE unit. The electrician will need to pull a permit from your local government and will need to observe all building codes and regulations.
Installation Costs
The cost of installation will vary depending on the complexity of the job and the location of the charger. However, on average, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for installation.
After the EVSE unit and circuit are installed, you’ll be ready to start charging your EV at home. Simply plug your EV into the charger using the supplied charging cable, and the charger will start charging your battery.
Depending on the size of your battery and the charging rate of the EVSE unit, it may take several hours to fully charge your EV. However, by charging your EV overnight, you’ll always wake up to a full battery and be ready to go in the morning.
Charging Costs
According to a recent JD Power study:
Generally speaking, a reasonable estimate is that charging an EV will cost the typical consumer between 3.1 and 11.3 cents per mile driven. Compare that to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, which costs between 4.4 and 38.75 cents per mile driven.
JD Power
Installing an EV charger at home is not only convenient but also a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future. EVs are a cleaner alternative to gas-powered vehicles, when they are charged using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. In addition, by installing an EV charger at home, you’re helping to create a network of charging infrastructure that makes clean transportation more accessible to everyone.
In conclusion, installing an electric vehicle charger can be a sustainable option and results in guaranteed charging from the comfort of your home.
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