How convenient would it be to connect your electric vehicle to an EV charger every night and have it be fully charged when you get up in the morning? The answer is extremely convenient. But is now the right time to install an EV charger at home? As licensed electricians who have installed countless EV chargers for homeowners over the years, we can say with certainty that now is the right time to do so! Here’s why:
- Why now is better than later
- The benefits of an EV home charger
- How to choose and install the right EV home charger
- How an EV charger works
- How EV Home Chargers Have Improved and Why
This article covers these factors in detail so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about EV home charger installation.
Why Now is Better Than Later
Waiting to install an EV charger can actually cost you more money in the long run. The initial cost may be higher, but you’ll save money by avoiding expensive public charging stations. After all, ChargingAdvisor’s EV Guide reveals that public EV chargers cost people $0.40-$0.65/kWh while home chargers only cost $0.17-$0.18/kWh. The longer you wait to install a home EV charger, the more money you’ll have to spend charging your vehicle publicly. Instead, contact a licensed electrician who can review your current electrical setup and create a plan to install a home EV charger. Their plans should include:
- Upgrading panels if needed
- Choosing the right EV charging station
- Taking advantage of incentives
- Installing safely and correctly
Each of these steps should be performed by a professional electrician who has a strong knowledge of EV charger installations. Experienced and licensed electricians will be able to carry out each of these steps in a timely manner, ensuring you never get a rush job that leads to systems that don’t work. Without professional installation, homeowners are unable to experience the full benefits of their own EV charger.
The Benefits of an EV Home Charger
Home EV charging stations are easier to install now than ever before, but this is just one of the many benefits these stations offer. For example, an EV home charger reduces the need to regularly find and use public charging stations. No more waiting in line to charge your vehicle, you can just plug your car in every night and wake up every morning to a vehicle that’s ready to go.
Despite the convenience, people tend to avoid installing a home EV charging station due to the cost. While initial expenses may be high, having an EV home charger is actually more cost-effective than public charging. This is because charging at home is cheaper than using shared charging stations and charging overnight can further reduce costs. And choosing an EV home charger that best fits your needs could help you save even more money.
Choosing and Installing the Right EV Home Charger
Not all EV chargers are the same, and while most can connect to your home’s electrical system, every scenario is unique. When choosing a home EV charging station, you’ll need to consider charging speed and whether you want indoor or outdoor charger placement. A licensed electrician like the ones at Landis will also need to determine what your home can safely support and recommend the right solution to fit your needs.
But what is the right EV charging solution? Let’s look at the two main types of EV chargers used in homes to see which one meets your needs:
Level 1 Chargers
Level 1 EV chargers are simple, just needing to connect to a standard wall outlet to charge your electric vehicle. However, this outlet needs to be able to handle the amperage of the EV charger that will plug into it. This may require a new, dedicated circuit be installed to adequately supply your electric vehicle with the charge it needs. Additionally, a regular extension cord should never be used to connect your EV charger to the outlet since these cords aren’t built to handle the amount of electricity that needs to be transferred to an EV. Using an extension cord instead of a Level 1 charging cord will result in overheating and electrical fires.
Despite the amount of electricity moving through Level 1 EV home chargers, they are only able to provide about 3-5 miles per hour of charging. This means it can take up to 40+ hours to fully charge your electric vehicle. As a result, Level 1 chargers work best for electric vehicles that travel under 30 miles a day, plug-in hybrid models, or emergencies.
Level 2 Chargers
Level 2 EV home chargers aren’t as simple as Level 1 chargers, but they may provide more benefits for everyday use. Instead of plugging into preexisting outlets, these chargers always require their own dedicated circuit and professional installation. This may be more expensive than Level 1 chargers initially, but the Level 2 charger’s ability to fully charge an electric vehicle in 4-8 hours more than makes up for it. These Level 2 chargers also offer more than just simple charging. They can connect to WiFi, implement charging schedule, and track energy usage. With these tools, you can schedule charging sessions and turn off the charging whenever you want. So, if you have multiple electric vehicles or just need to have a fully charged car every day, a Level 2 EV home charger may be the right choice.
Remember, a home EV charging station connects directly to your electrical system and safely delivers power to your vehicle, often fully charging it overnight.
How EV Home Chargers Have Improved and Why
According to the International Energy Agency, the United States has seen a drastic increase of electric vehicle purchases from 230,000 in 2020 to 320,000 in 2024. As more people adopt these eco-friendly vehicles, is it any wonder the need for EV home chargers is increasing? Originally only offering public Level 1 chargers, electric vehicles can now have their chargers installed in your own home. Not only that, but since people are using electric vehicles for their everyday drives and long road trips, the need for a power Level 2 home charger became absolutely necessary.
These level 2 EV chargers have grown to include attributes that help make charging one’s vehicle even more efficient. For example, Level 2 EV home chargers use a larger voltage to charge faster as well as smart charging technology that allows users to set charging schedules. This prevents overloading as well as electrical fires from starting in your home. With the latest EV chagrining technology, you save money and keep your entire home safe.
Ready to Install an EV Home Charger?
Installing an EV charger is a smart step toward a more convenient and efficient home. And luckily, today’s technology makes home EV charging easier and more reliable than ever before. If you are considering a home EV charging station, Landis Electric can help evaluate your home and install the right solution safely. Call to schedule a consultation today to plan and pick the right EV home charger for your needs.
EV Home Chargers FAQs
Often yes for daily use, especially overnight charging.
Many can, but an evaluation from a licensed electrician is needed.
For most EV owners, yes due to convenience and cost savings.
Typically one day, depending on upgrades needed.
Yes, though charging speed can vary.
Yes, for safety and code compliance.
Typically only for longer trips.
With proper upgrades, yes.
Planning early often works best.
Yes, Landis Electric has installed countless residential EV charging stations safely and correctly. Our licensed electricians focus on doing the job right and not rushing installation.