Whether it’s the cost of gas or wanting to better the environment, you’ve decided to purchase an electric vehicle. Wondering if you should rely on public EV charging stations or install an EV charging station at your house? Let’s discuss the benefits of a home EV charging station, as well as the types of chargers to consider.
Benefits of Installing a Home Charging Station
There are benefits of installing an EV charging station at home rather than depending upon a public EV charging station. With a home EV charging station, you can take advantage of the low residential electricity rates, particularly at night when rates are even lower. The cost of charging your car over the year is less than running an average air conditioner, and a depleted battery would only cost the same as running an AC for six hours.
If the battery level on your electric car is low, then it makes more sense to charge at home. Sure, you could take your car to a public charging station where you have to pay a fee, but then you would have to wait in the parking lot until it charges. You could do some shopping nearby, but then you’re at risk of having your car broken into or stolen. Also, what if all the chargers are occupied and you have to wait?
Electrical Requirements and Types of Home Chargers
There are two types of home chargers, Level 1 and Level 2. There is a Level 3, but that is mainly for public use. The Level 1 charger needs an AC plug that can handle 120 volts. The Level 2 charger needs an AC Plug that can handle 240 volts. Also, the Level 2 charger needs to have a dedicated electrical circuit of 20 to 100 amps with a dedicated branch circuit that doesn’t supply anything else. They also need to install special charging equipment, and the price ranges anywhere from $500 to $2,000 before applying installation costs or incentives.
If you want to avoid waiting for a public charger or don’t want to pay fees, then a home EV charging station is right for you. If you’re looking for a residential electrical service in White Marsh who can install a home EV charging station, contact Tim Kyle Electric today.