Residential EV Charging Station Installation
Electric vehicles (EVs) offer many benefits over gasoline-powered cars. Lower operating and maintenance costs, eco-friendly energy and the added convenience of never having to visit a gas station again are reasons enough to own one. That said, you might have to run a trip to your nearest public charging station if you don’t have the proper charging infrastructure in your home.
With over 85% of electric car charging done at home, it’s clear that an efficient at-home setup has become essential, especially for drivers who want to ensure a full charge before hitting the road.
Charging your EV at home is so simple you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. If you’re considering a home EV charging station installation in the St. Louis area, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, we’ll talk about the basics of residential EV chargers:
Why Install an Electric Vehicle Charging Station?
There are plenty of reasons to have an EV charging station at home. It allows you to charge your car overnight when electricity rates are generally lower and may also increase the value of your property due to the rising desirability of EVs. Depending on the power source, charging from empty can take hours. It’s not the quick 15-minute stop at the gas station we’re often used to.
A residential EV charging station (also known as electric vehicle supply equipment or EVSE) gives homeowners the ability to charge electric vehicles at their residence. However, if you live in an apartment or park on the street or separate parking garage, this solution will probably not work for you.
Benefits of home EV charging stations:
- Convenient: Charge your car while you’re at home during the day or overnight
- Affordable: No additional equipment necessary for slow charging
- Fast: In some situations, you can recharge your EV in just a few hours
Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Stations: What's the Difference?
Charge levels refer to the speed and capacity at which vehicles can be charged. First, let’s talk about the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations.
Level 1 (120v) Charging Stations
Most plug-in vehicles come equipped with a Level 1 charging cord that plugs directly into a standard household 3-prong, 120-volt outlet. Therefore, electric cars do not require special equipment for recharging at home.
However, Level 1 charging is slow, typically providing about five miles of range per charge hour. Therefore, level 1 chargers are best suited for hybrid vehicles, low-mileage, in-town driving and limited electric ranges.
Level 2 (240v) Charging Stations
Level 2 charging uses charging cords compatible with 240-volt outlets, typically used for large household appliances like electric clothes dryers. Level 2 chargers are more expensive and require installation by a professional electrician.
Level 2 charging is much faster than Level 1, typically providing 12 to 80 miles of range per charge hour. Since fully electric vehicles don’t use backup fuel, you must have sufficient charge to get where you need to go. Therefore, Level 2 chargers are better suited to these vehicles.
There are two types of Level 2 chargers: wall-mounted and portable. Wall connectors are larger and more powerful, charging batteries faster. Portable chargers are just that – portable! If you charge at various locations or intend to move, portable chargers are a good choice. However, they do charge vehicles more slowly than wall-mounted chargers.
Note: Level 3, or DC Fast Charging, is the type of charging seen at many commercial charging stations. While it is currently the fastest charging level, it’s not suitable for use in homes due to its exorbitant cost and strain on local power grid usage.
How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV?
How long it will take to charge your electric car depends on three primary factors:
- Your vehicle’s charge capacity (how large the battery is)
- How depleted your EV’s battery is
- The type of charging station you have
Level 1 charge time takes the longest, typically providing about five miles of range per charge hour, meaning an EV with a 200-mile range could take 40 hours to charge fully. However, most plug-in hybrid vehicles have a limited electric range and can charge completely in less than five hours using a Level 1 charger.
Level 2 charging is much faster than Level 1, typically providing 12 to 80 miles of range per charge hour, meaning an EV with a 200-mile range could fully charge within 12 hours.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Residential EV Charger
The following are key factors to consider before an EV home charging installation.
Compatibility with your EV make and model
Double check that your charger is compatible with your specific make and model of EV. Some chargers only work with certain EVs (Tesla being the most common example), so it's crucial to confirm this before purchasing.
Available power supply at your home
Make sure you have enough power to accommodate the charger you choose. Depending on the age of your home, you may need to consider an electric service upgrade to support an EV charger or any other high-powered appliance.
Cost and budget
EV chargers vary in price, so choose one that will make the most sense for your wallet.
Desired charging speed
Consider how quickly you want to charge your EV. Some chargers offer faster charging speeds than others, so it's important to choose a charger with a high charging rate if you're looking for a quick charge.
EV Charger Installation with Brda Electric
As with all electrical work, hiring a qualified technician with the appropriate experience is the only way to ensure a safe and reliable installation.
Brda Electric’s professional EV charging station installers make the process seamless and hassle-free.
- Assessment: We ensure your home is suitable for EV charger installation and help you determine the most appropriate charger for your needs. This includes checking the available power supply and any necessary upgrades and obtaining any required permits and inspections.
- Installation: Our team installs the charger itself, taking care to follow all safety protocols and guidelines.
- Testing: Once the installation is complete, we test the charger to ensure it is working correctly and provide you with any necessary instructions for use and maintenance.
Choose Brda Electric For Your EV Home Charging Station Installation
From convenience to cost-savings, energy-efficiency to increased property value, having a residential EV charger offers endless benefits.
With the growth of the EV market and the push for clean energy, switching to an EV and installing a home charger would be a worthwhile decision that will pay dividends in your daily life and the future of our planet.
Are you ready to harness the power of EV charging at home? Finding a licensed electrician for EV home charger installation just got easier -- choose Brda! At Brda Electric, our team is highly knowledgeable in residential electric vehicle charging station installation.
When you need top-notch service in the St. Louis area, Brda Electric is here to help.
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