EV Charger Installation, Service & Repair
Driving an electric vehicle comes with enormous benefits to the earth and your budget. Whether you’ve bought an EV to go green, to save on gas money, or because you love new tech, there’s no doubt electric vehicles are paving the way to a more convenient and eco-friendly future. The only downside to an electric car is that you don’t want to get caught out on the road with a dead battery. A professional EV charger installation in your home creates peace of mind and saves time from having to sit at public charging stations.
Are you interested in outfitting your home with an EV charger? Trust our experienced electricians with the EV charging installation process.
What is a Home EV Charger and How Does It Work?
In purely technical terms, the charging component of an electric car is located within the vehicle itself. Most of us think of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) as the charging device. However, an EVSE merely carries electricity from your house into the car, where it is converted to a usable form.
Home EVSE chargers come in multiple levels. The level of an EV charger dictates how quickly the charger can fill your car battery, as well as a few other elements.
Here is a brief description of the different EVSE charger levels:
- Level 1
Sometimes called slow chargers, Level 1 charging devices come included with an EV. They plug into a standard 120V outlet and provide between 3kW and 6kW of power. These types of chargers take approximately 20 hours to recharge a vehicle. - Level 2
Also known as fast chargers, these are sold separately from the car and refuel EVs more quickly. These chargers require a dedicated 240V circuit installation in your home’s garage and provide between 7kW and 22kW of power. Level 2 chargers generally charge three to seven times faster than a Level 1 charger, depending on the car and charger model. - Level 3
Level 3 chargers, also called rapid chargers, are generally not found in homes. They can fill the battery of an EV in 30 minutes to one hour because they provide as much as 50kW of power. These devices typically appear on major roadways and serve as “gas stations” for EVs.
While Level 1 chargers come included with the car, the slow charging speed makes them less convenient than Level 2 chargers. The increased charging speed of a Level 2 charger ensures that your car can drive at a moment’s notice, even if you only plugged it in a few hours ago.
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While it’s always good to know where you can plug in when you’re on the road, it’s easy to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a quality home EV charger installation from B&T Services!
EV Charger Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Install an EVSE Myself?
Professional installation from an insured, trained B&T service professional is recommended for the safety of your home, family, and vehicle.
Should I install my EV charger inside or outside?
Typically, you want to install your EV charger inside your garage. If you don’t have a garage, consider installing it under a car port or other covered area to protect it from inclement weather. Most chargers can withstand all types of weather, but installing them indoors further minimizes issues.
Does installing an EV charger increase home value?
Electric vehicle sales are just now reaching the level where having a home charger is an enticing incentive for home buyers. A quality home EV charger can slightly increase your home’s value.
How long does it take to install a home EV charger?
How much does it cost to install a home EV charger?
Does your electrical panel require upgrade or replacement?
When you’re adding an EV charger, consider having your panel inspected to make sure it’s up to date and working properly.
Features To Look For In An EV Charger
While the key differences between EV chargers are their levels and rate of charge, those aren’t the only features that matter. Here are some other elements to consider when choosing an EVSE for your home:
- 30-Amp Charging Service
A 30-amp charging service offers the capacity to add 30 miles of range in about an hour. If your current EV can’t take full advantage of this faster rate and currently accepts only 16-amp level charging, that’s okay — you don’t want to have to upgrade your EVSE later when you buy a new EV with a faster onboard charger. - Appropriate Charging Cable Length
Most cables run from 15 – 25 feet. Consider this when choosing the location of your EVSE to ensure that it can reach the area where you park your vehicle. - Connectivity
Wi-Fi enabled EVSEs with touchscreens cost more, but offer features that can be controlled remotely for metering, monitoring, and changing charging events (some chargers may already be controllable from your car or other mobile apps).
Have you thought about an emergency generator?
In the event of an extended power outage, a backup generator will keep you driving. Ask your B&T technician to learn more!
Why You Should Hire a Professional for Home EV Charger Installation Services
The installation of an EVSE unit can be a tall order, even for those with DIY experience in wiring. There’s a slim chance that your home won’t be able to handle the load of the charger, which could force you to upgrade your electrical system by installing a new meter and breaker. In this case, we highly recommend hiring an experienced electrician.
If your garage is aging or detached from the main house, there could be problems with erosion or damage to the wires that would almost certainly require a professional eye. Don’t attempt a DIY EVSE installation. Even the most minor oversight or error can lead to electrical fires and other serious issues.
Our highly trained team is uniquely qualified to handle all your electrical needs. We’re dedicated to providing timely and efficient service. With upfront pricing, flexible, we make EV charging station installation affordable and accessible to Triangle area families and businesses. Get the smart electrical solutions you need for your home from the team you can trust. Call 919-362-5846 now to schedule EV charging station installation!