All Charged Up
The Toyota Prius may be the most recognizable name in the electric-car market, but electric vehicles are appearing in more and more automakers’ lineups. From the Chevy Volt to the VW Golf and the Tesla Roadster, they are becoming more available, and more popular, than ever.
It’s easy to see why. Greater environmental awareness coupled with fluctuating gas prices have convinced many people that these are the cars of the future.
Pros and Cons of Plug-Ins
Aside from the savings in fuel costs, electric cars have other distinct advantages over gas-powered cars:
With fewer parts that can wear out, maintenance is easy and low-cost.
- They produce zero emissions.
- They have smooth acceleration and braking.
- Prices for them continue to drop.
- It is still possible to get tax credits for buying electric cars.
On the other hand, there are a few things that make them less convenient than conventional cars:
- Except for the Tesla, they can only go up to 100 miles per charge.
- You can’t drive the car while it’s charging.
- Recharging stations are not as common as gas stations.
Because of these limitations, if you buy an electric car you must install a charger for it at your home. Depending on the setup you have, an electric car home charging unit can have your vehicle fully charged in just a few hours.
Choosing a Home Charging Station
There are many types of chargers on the market and the one you buy will depend on several factors.
Practical Considerations
Before buying your charger or having it installed, take the following into account:
Plugincars.com
- Location; it must be close by and convenient to use.
- Amount of amperage you need; you should have at least 30.
- An article at Plugincars.com suggests having an electrician use a NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) 14-50 outlet with a matching plug on a pigtail mounted to your charger. This way the charger stays portable and you can easily take it with you if you move.
Safety Considerations
Car charger installation is not something you should attempt on your own and best left to professionals:
- Fire is a very real hazard if you don’t know what you’re doing.
- Electric car home charging requires 240 volts; make sure your home’s wiring can handle it.
- If you have to store the charger outside, the unit and wiring has to meet NEMA ratings of 4X.
- Almost all experts say this is a job best left to professionals.
- Most local governments require an inspection of the home charging station. That’s another good reason to hire a professional to do it.
Get Ready to Ride
You don’t need specialized knowledge to keep your car humming. You just need a reliable, expertly installed charger that will keep you riding worry-free.
Southern Electrical Service Company is a family-owned business that combines up-to-date knowledge with an old-fashioned belief in personal service. When you call us, you’ll see why we’ve been in business for over 50 years, and why our customers count on us for every electrical need, big or small, delivered with professionalism, integrity and a smile.
Call us today and see how easy it is to get a car charger installation that’s easy to use, safe, and compliant with state and local codes. We’ll get you on the road, riding clean and green, in no time. Check out our EV charging station special.