According to the Journal of Consumer Affairs, one in five cars sold in the United States are electric. As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, so too does the need for easy access charging stations. Public EV charging stations are popping up all over the country where people can recharge their cars just as they would fill them up with gas. Some people take this one step further and decide to install an EV charger right in their own garage. Many electric vehicle owners struggle to decide if this expensive yet convenient option is right for them. In this blog, we’ll break down when home EV charging stations are worth the cost and factors you need to consider before installing this new equipment.
Understanding Your EV Charging Options
There are two main types of home EV charging station options: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1, or L1 charging uses a standard 120-volt outlet many people already have in their homes that power everyday appliances. And every electric vehicle comes with a basic EV charger that works with this type of outlet, no extra modifications required. However, L1 is also the slowest EV charger option, typically only adding three to five miles of ranger per hour of charge. For drivers with short commutes, this home EV charging station will likely meet their needs.
Level 2, or L2, charging on the other hand uses a 240-volt circuit, the same voltage used by a dryer or oven. This setup requires installing a dedicated EV charging station in your garage or near your parking area. Because of the extra power, L2 chargers can provide 25 to 40 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the vehicle and charger type. For electric vehicle owners who drive every day or make longer commutes on a regular basis, this level of convenience can be a game changer.
Signs It’s Time to Install a Home EV Charging Station
Every electric vehicle should allow for L1 charging, but for some owners this just isn’t enough. For example, regular commutes over 30 miles can be risky if you aren’t able to adequately recharge your vehicle. You may charge your vehicle every night, but without an L2 home EV charging station you won’t get more than three miles an hour back. Not to mention how difficult it can be to find available public EV charging stations, despite their growing popularity. The last thing you need to worry about is rushing to get to work, not having enough charge to get there, and being unable to fill up quickly on your way to the office.
Immediately, home EV charging stations provide a convenient way to ensure your electric vehicle is always ready to go. These EV chargers can also be a good investment in the long run. For example, if you think you might get more electric vehicles in the future, having a home EV charging station just makes sense. Instead of having to find and pay for public EV charging, you can have a reliable power source at home for all your cars.
While a higher cost upfront for installation, between $500 and $1,500 depending on your location and equipment used, an at home EV charger can pay off down the line. At home EV charging costs about $0.15-$0.16 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) while public charging stations charge $0.20-$0.25 per kilowatt-hour. These costs quickly add up, especially if you’re using your EV every day and need to charge it regularly.
Things to Consider Before Installation
Installing a home EV charging station is a smart upgrade, but it’s not something to dive into without preparation. Here are the key factors you must consider before scheduling your installation:
Electrical Panel Capacity
Always check to make sure your electrical panel can handle the additional load of an EV charger. Most L2 EV charging stations require a dedicated 240-volt circuit. If your panel is already maxed out, you may need an upgrade, which will also increase the total EV chagrining station cost. Similarly, most modern homes have 100- to 200- amp main service from the power grid. This means you should try to stick to a 30-amp EV charger, so you don’t overuse the amps for your entire home with continuous EV charging.
Location
Think about where you park your car each night. Is your garage or driveway close to your main electrical panel? The closer your EV charger is installed to your electrical panel, the less wiring you’ll need to install and pay for. To keep wires out of your way and safe from the elements, trenches may be dug to run the cables through if the distance from the electrical panel and the EV charger is massive. This process can be expensive though. Another option is to purchase a longer charger cable. These cables are typically 20 to 25 feet long, providing you with plenty of space to charge your vehicle without having to tear up all the ground around your space.
EV Charging Station Costs and Rebates
Distance from your electrical panel isn’t the only factor that affects EV charging station costs. Where you live, labor costs in your area, and possible upgrades to your circuits to handle the additional load can all raise the price of installing a home EV charging station. A licensed electrician can evaluate the state of your environment and provide you with a cost estimate before work starts so you can budget accordingly.
EV chargers don’t just drain your wallet though, they can also provide tax credits and rebates. Certain utility companies offer rebates or time-of-use rate plans that reduce the overall EV charging station cost. For example, local KC electric company Evergy offers up to a $500 rebate for home EV charging stations. Programs like these can help make installation more affordable and improve your return on investment.
Ready to Install Your Home EV Charging Station?
Home EV charging stations are convenient and cost-effective in the long run. However, installing these EV chargers takes careful planning and should only be performed by licensed electricians with EV experience. Call to schedule a consultation today and have one of our master electricians evaluate your EV charging needs and ensure you get the solution that’s right for you.