In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular as a more environmentally-friendly and efficient alternative to traditional gas-powered cars. While the initial cost of an EV may be higher than a comparable gas-powered car, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance can make EVs a more economical choice in the long run. However, the tricky part lies with charging.
EV chargers are tricky to install and can be expensive. Additionally, finding a place to charge can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a garage or easy access to an outlet. Otherwise, a house won’t be ready for an EV because it will require an upgrade to the electrical system. Regardless, many homeowners want to get their homes EV-ready, especially if they own or are planning to own one. Few people know how this works, so we’ll discuss the details in this article.
How EV Charging Works
There are three types of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt outlet, while Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt outlet, similar to the one used for an electric dryer. Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, can charge an EV in minutes rather than hours, but they require special equipment that is not yet widely available.
Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger that can be plugged into a standard outlet. Level 1 chargers are the slowest but are also the most convenient since they can be used anywhere there’s an outlet. Level 2 chargers are faster, but they require an electrician to install a special outlet. Level 3 chargers are the fastest but are also the most expensive and require special equipment that is not yet widely available.
The time it takes to charge an EV depends on the charger type and the battery’s size. A Level 1 charger will take much longer to charge an EV than a Level 2 or Level 3 charger. The time it takes to charge an EV also depends on the size of the battery. A smaller battery will take less time to charge than a larger battery.
The Cost of Installing an EV Charger
The cost of installing an EV charger depends on several factors. These include:
Type of Charger
The charger you install will have the biggest impact on the installation cost. A Level 1 charger is the most basic and least expensive option, while a Level 2 charger is more costly but will charge an EV much faster. Meanwhile, a Level 3 charger is the most costly option but will charge an EV the fastest.
Battery Size
The size of an EV’s battery will also impact the installation cost. A smaller battery will require less electricity to charge, so the installation will be less expensive, and vice versa.
Your Home’s Electrical System
A typical residential charger will be rated at Level 2, meaning it can charge a car up to 7kW. If your home’s electrical system can’t handle this amount of electricity, you may need to upgrade your electrical panel. You’ll also need to consider where your electrical panel is located. The installation will be more expensive if it’s far from where you want to charge.
Location
The location of the charger matters because it determines accessibility for your EV. If you want to charge in a garage, the installation will be more expensive than installing a charger outside.
What Charger Should You Get?
Ideally, you should get a Level 2 EV charger. Aside from being the standard for residential use, a Level 2 charger is also faster and can charge your EV in about 4-6 hours. The other option is a Level 1 charger, which is slower and can take up to 12 hours to charge your EV. Otherwise, getting a Level 3 charger may take some time because not all EVs and electrical systems can accommodate one so easily.
Conclusion
An EV charger is not a one-size-fits-all purchase. Your charger will depend on several factors, especially your home’s electrical system. Be sure to do your research and consult with an electrician before making your final decision.
Design Electrical provides top-quality services for EV home charger installation. Our EV chargers are made with heavy-duty materials from the best manufacturers, all for affordable prices. Reach out today via 028 9521 5070 or info@designelectricalni.co.uk and allow us to help you!