EVs are good for the environment and cost less to run and maintain than traditional vehicles, but recharging their batteries can be a chore. There are often long lines at public EV charging stations, and waiting around while your batteries are being replenished can be tiresome. A home EV charging station will eliminate these hassles and make your life easier. However, what steps will you have to go through to install one? Here is what you can expect.
Choosing Between a Level 1 and Level 2 EV Charging Station
Homeowners who want to charge their EVs at home almost always choose either Level 1 or Level 2 charging stations. Level 1 charging stations cost less because they connect to standard 120-volt household outlets, but they are slow. If you want to recharge your EV’s batteries in under 10 hours, you will need a Level 2 charging station that connects to a 240-volt outlet.
Assessing Your Electrical System
If you live in an older home, your electrical panel may not be able to support an EV charging station. Electrical panel upgrades will increase the cost of a residential EV charging station installation, so it would be wise to consult with an experienced electrician before work begins.
Deciding Where to Place Your EV Charging Station
Your EV charging station should be located as close as possible to the place where you park your EV. Your chosen location should be well ventilated and protected from the elements, and it should be mounted at least 18 feet above the garage floor. Ideally, your EV charging station location will be no more than 4 feet from a 240-volt outlet and no more than 20 feet from your EV’s charging port.
Obtaining a Permit
You will almost certainly need to obtain an electrical permit if you decide to install an EV charging station in your home. You may also need an engineering permit. Obtaining the permits you need will be relatively straightforward if you complete and submit the necessary paperwork and provide all of the required information, but the process could drag on for weeks or even months if you make a mistake. If you hire experienced electricians to install a residential EV charging station, they will know how to apply for and obtain the permits you need.
We Can Answer Your EV Charging Station Questions
If you are thinking about installing an EV charging station in your home, professionals can provide you with the information you need to make a smart decision. They can install Level 1 and Level 2 residential EV charging stations. And if you need to schedule EV charging station installation services for your Delray Beach, FL, home, contact our team at Assurance Power Systems. Our services include a site and electrical system assessment. We can also help you obtain the permits you need.
