As the popularity of electric vehicles grows, finding a convenient way to charge them is essential. While electric vehicle charging stations are dotted throughout the US, there may not be one conveniently located near your home. If this is the case, or if you want to charge your vehicle from the comfort of your own home, EV charging station installation is something that you should consider. Here are three things to know about installing a charging station for your electric vehicle.
You Have Options
The first thing that you should know before installing an EV charging station in your home is that you have two options to choose from when it comes to chargers. There are three levels of electric vehicle charging. Level 1 charging is the slowest option and uses a 120-volt household outlet. A level 2 electrical vehicle charger uses up to twice the voltage of a level 1 charger and is typically sufficient for charging most electric vehicles at home. Level 3 chargers are the fastest option, but installation is not available in most residential areas.
How Much It Costs
Another thing to consider when it comes to EV charging station installation is how much it will cost. Whether you choose a level 1 or level 2 charging station will significantly impact your costs. A level 1 charging station will cost between $300 and $600 to install, while a level 2 station will set you back between $500 and $2,200 on average. Level 3 charging stations are far more powerful and much more expensive. While a level 3 station is not an option in most residential areas, you can expect to pay around $20,000 for the installation if it is an option where you live.
What Will Work Best For Your Home
When determining what charging station to install in your home, there are two things to consider. First, your budget is something to keep in mind. What type of charging station will give you the most bang for your buck. Second, you will want to consider how much charging power you need. For example, if you have a hybrid vehicle or do not drive many miles each day, a level 1 charging station may be enough. However, most electric vehicle owners find that a level 2 station offers the charging power and speed required to operate an electric vehicle every day.
If you have an electric vehicle, adding a charging station to your home may be a good idea, but there are a few things to know. First, you have options to choose from when it comes to charging stations. For most homes, you go with either a level 1 or level 2 station. Second, knowing how much it costs to install a charging station is crucial. Finally, make sure you consider what option will work best for your needs before making a decision.
Okay, we'll admit it. Not every article on this blog will be shocking. We just thought that title was fitting, being that this is a blog about electricity. We can promise this, though: every article you read will be informative. You might read about outlets, circuits, or even light switches. You might read about electrical fires or electrical safety. It won't all be shocking, but it will all be helpful. The next time you find yourself in a conversation with an electrician, we expect you'll have a much better idea of what they are talking about — and all because you read this blog.