While electric vehicles have many conveniences, charging them can be challenging for some EV owners. It’s unfamiliar territory because we’ve all been pumping gas for as long as we can remember. Instead of heading to the gas station, new EV owners must figure out when and how to charge their vehicles. But with the growing number of incentives for EV drivers, it’s worth making the transition.
So, how do EV charging stations work? Here’s your guide to EV charging at home to help you get started. Let a professional electrician handle the installation if you want a charging station on your property. The electrician will assess your home’s electrical capacity, follow safety standards and ensure your charging station works flawlessly.
How Do EV Charging Stations Work?
Charging your EV is similar to charging any other electrical device. You plug one end of the EV charger into your car and the other into a power source. The EV charger then uses a 240-volt outlet to pull an electrical current, which it delivers to your vehicle. Charging time will depend on the charger you’re using and other factors, including the following:
- Temperature
- Battery type
- Amount of energy the battery can store
- How depleted the battery is
Once your EV is juiced up, it will use the electrical energy stored in its fuel cells to run the motor, which will physically rotate the wheels. Your EV’s range will depend on its specifications. While a model with more batteries can store more power, it can also increase the EV’s weight and require more energy. Meanwhile, fewer batteries mean less weight to carry but could translate to a shorter range.
EV Charging Levels
One of the most confusing parts of EV charging is the levels. EV chargers fall into three levels based on how fast they can recharge a battery. New EV drivers might not know which charging level best suits their vehicle, needs and lifestyle. If you have no idea how they work, here are the different EV charging levels explained.
Level 1
Level 1 chargers plug into standard 120-volt outlets at home—the same ones you use for toasters and smartphones. You don’t have to spend extra for a level 1 cable because it typically comes with your EV.
A level 1 charger can add five miles of range to your vehicle for every hour of charging, making it ideal for short commutes. If you drive less than 40 miles daily, a level 1 charger could be sufficient for your needs.
Level 2
A level 2 EV charger is plugged into a 240-volt outlet, which you might use at home for your clothes dryer, electric oven and other powerful appliances. If you don’t have a 240-volt outlet in your garage, you can have an electrician install one. The electrician will check whether your home’s electrical panel can handle the higher-capacity outlet and upgrade your system if needed.
Level 2 chargers are an upgrade from level 1 chargers, delivering around 20 miles of range per hour. They can add hundreds of miles to your EV overnight, ensuring you always wake up to a full charge. It’s worth investing in a level 2 charger for convenience and peace of mind if you have long daily commutes.
Level 3
Level 3 chargers, or DC fast chargers, have unparalleled speed. They can deliver an impressive 80 miles of range in just 20 minutes, a massive step up over the other levels. They work by bypassing the component in your vehicle that converts alternating current to direct current, allowing them to deliver high electricity levels directly to your EV’s battery.
However, installing a DC fast charger in your garage requires a significant investment and extreme structural changes. That’s why you’ll only spot them along highways and highly trafficked routes. They allow for quick refueling for long-distance trips. Level 1 and 2 chargers are typically enough for your charging needs at home.
Plugs and Adaptors
The J1722 is the standard plug for most EVs and level 1 and 2 chargers. However, that’s not true for Teslas and Tesla charging stations, which use the Tesla combo plug. That means you can’t charge non-Tesla EVs in Tesla charging stations or Teslas in non-Tesla charging stations. That would be like plugging a USB-C cord into a mini-USB port.
One way around this compatibility issue is to purchase an adaptor. However, ensure you know what plugs are on your EV and charger to avoid wasting money. DC fast chargers have two plugs that fit various vehicles. The CHAdeMO plug is compatible with most Kia, Mitsubishi and Nissan vehicles, while the CCS/SAE combo plug fits almost all other EVs. Tesla drivers will need a CHAdeMO-Tesla adapter to use DC fast charging stations. A licensed electrician can help you determine the right plugs and adaptors needed to charge your electric vehicle and get on the road.
Is It Better to Charge an EV at Home or at a Public Charging Station?
While more public charging stations are popping up, home charging still provides the best experience for drivers. Having a charging station at home means never having to drive to your next destination without knowing when you can get your next recharge. There’s nothing quite as convenient as charging your EV from the comfort of your garage. You can also get other tasks done as your vehicle charges.
Aside from the convenience, cost savings are another advantage of EV home charging. Public charging stations can cost anywhere between $0.30 to $0.66 per kWh. Home charging is significantly cheaper at $0.10 to $0.21 per kWh, depending on where you live. In addition, there are ways to bring those numbers down. For example, you can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. You’ll have even more significant savings if your home is solar-powered.
Having a home charging station also boosts your property’s value. That’s great news if you plan on selling your home later on. While a home charging station is an investment, government incentives and rebates can help offset the purchase and installation costs. A professional electrician can handle the installation and ensure your home charging station works safely and efficiently. The electrician will also take care of the following details.
Location
The electrician will suggest the ideal location for the charging station. It should be near your parking space, with ample ventilation and protection from the elements.
Electrical Capacity
Not all homes can handle the additional load of an EV charging station. A licensed electrician can examine your electrical panel and upgrade it if necessary.
Regulations and Permits
A professional electrician is familiar with the permits required in your area for home charging installation. With expert help, you will meet safety regulations for charging infrastructure.
Can You Plug an EV Into a Regular Outlet?
All mass-produced EVs come with a level 1 charger, which you can plug into any standard 110-volt outlet in your home. While it’s convenient that you don’t have to install new outlets or upgrade your electrical system to use level 1 chargers, these chargers are slow. They can only deliver around 5 miles of range per hour, giving you between 36 and 40 miles during an 8-hour overnight charge. That might not be enough for those covering longer distances daily.
Because level 1 chargers aren’t the speediest, many EV homeowners opt to invest in a level 2 home charging station. Level 2 chargers take around half the time to charge your vehicle, delivering a 180-mile range during an 8-hour overnight charge. That makes them an ideal option for owners who are always in a hurry and have many miles to cover.
Level 2 chargers can also save you money because they are more efficient. Some models are even programmable, allowing you to schedule charging during off-peak hours with more affordable electricity rates.
That said, level 2 home charging stations require professional installation. You might also have to upgrade your electrical panel if it can’t handle the additional load.
Installing a home charging station should only be done by a licensed electrician. Contact an electrician to handle the technical requirements to ensure a seamless charging experience at home.
Let the Pros Take Care of Your EV Charging Needs
Having a charging station at home can significantly improve your EV driving experience. It’s safer, more convenient and more cost-effective than public charging stations.
Installing a home charging station is a task for licensed electricians. Contact the pros if you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of home charging. They will inspect your home’s electrical system, make the necessary adjustments and ensure you have a safe and efficient charging station.
ABC Can Install a Home EV Charger
Can you imagine never having to go to a gas station ever again? By having an electric vehicle and an in-home EV charger, you can enjoy all EVs’ benefits. ABC’s licensed electricians can help you decide on the best EV charger for your home and handle the EV charger installation so you can get on the road.
