About Home EV Charging Station?
Hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) continue to rise in popularity. In Virginia, the percentage of EVs among all cars sold has doubled since 2017. If you’re thinking about buying one or already have one, you’re going to need an EV charging station in your home.
What’s the best way to keep your new car charged and ready to drive? The answer depends on the type of car you drive and the amount of driving you do.
Plug It in and Drive
Many plug-in EVs come with a 120-volt charging cable. You can plug this into any standard 120-volt outlet in your home. A standard 15- to 20-amp plug will work fine. This allows you to charge your car overnight and gives you enough miles to take on a normal commute the next day.
If you have a longer commute or want the car to charge quickly, you can install a 240-volt circuit. This is known as Level 1 charging.
Level 1 EV Charging
What does that translate to in actual miles?
Level 1 charging delivers from 12 to 16 amps of power over several hours. Charging your car overnight on that power level gives you the equivalent of 40 to 50 miles of driving the next day.
For most people, that’s enough. If you need the car in an emergency or have an especially long commute, however, you may want Level 2 charging.
Level 2 EV Charging
Get faster charging with a 240-volt cable and 240-volt outlet for your car charging station. The best way to do this is to set up a dedicated charging area in your garage, carport, or other areas near your house.
To do this, you will need an additional circuit. Level 2 charging requires wiring a 240-volt wire from your breaker panel to your charging station. Some people attach a double-pole circuit breaker to attach two 120-volt outlets for the same amount of power.
Increasing the amps your EV receives can increase your driving time. A 32-amp charger will give you roughly 25 miles of driving for each charging hour. This can save a lot of time if you have a high-mileage commute or more than one EV to charge.
Level 3 EV Charging
Level 3 charging is the fastest charging level, but it’s only available for commercial and industrial use. Even if you could get it at home, the price is prohibitively high for most people.
Where Should You Install Your EV Charger?
The best place to install your charging station is your garage, carport or any covered area close to your house. If you must install it at a distance, you will need to run a conduit.
Don’t attempt to run all this wiring yourself. The safest way to install an operational EV charging station is to hire a professional electrician.
Are You Confused by Your EV Charging Options? Talk to SESCOS
If you’re unsure about your EV charging needs, talk to us. We offer expert advice about the amount and type of charger you need based on your car type and driving needs. We’ll help you choose a charging station and provide expert installation. Contact SESCOS for all your home electrical needs.