Setting Up Your Home Vehicle Charging System and the Benefits

If you own an electric vehicle you should consider installing a home vehicle charging station. The convenience and savings by charging your vehicle overnight when rates are lower make it well worth it. Not to mention how much easier it is to plug it in and forget it. Just walk away and let it charge while you are free the rest of the night. Especially if you have the app that takes control of when to start charging.

Benefits

Charging at home means no searching for a public charging station and waiting for your car to charge. Sometimes there is a long line waiting to charge. It means always having a fully charged battery when leaving home. Electric bill rates at home are cheaper than public bill costs. This station can be installed in your garage or driveway. Having a home charging station can increase the value of your house. It’s a desirable option to a buyer now. The home charging station saves you money therefore it pays for itself over time.

When you have taken that first step and made the decision to install a charging station at home you need to determine the best location. It should be easily accessible to the EV and located close to the electrical panel. The closer the charger is to panel the better and less expensive. If you get a charger with scheduling built in it will charge during off peak hours automatically. Smart EV chargers are wifi enabled and connect to an app to manage charging and send convenient reminders. There are apps to track charging costs and miles driven. Check out the apps that come with the chargers.

Choosing the type of charging station depends on several factors. A basic model will plug into a standard three-prong outlet and advanced units need professional installation. A basic model is a level 1 charger with 110-120 volt A.C., which is a slow charger. That means if your EV has a 200 mile range on a full battery then it would take between 35 – 50 hours to recharge that battery on a level 1 charger. You need to know your battery size, budget, features, and how fast you want to charge your car. There are 3 different levels of charging stations. The higher the output power, the faster the output speed. Level 3 chargers are usually not available for home use. They charge very fast and are public use chargers. Your typical home charger is a level 2.

It is important to consult an electrician when installing a charging station. They will also help you with location. The electrician will install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. They will install the wiring, dedicated circuit and make sure it is up and running for you.