Having An EV Charger Installed At Your House

Buying an electric vehicle can be a great way to save money on fuel and avoid repeated stops at gas stations. However, the ownership experience gets a lot more complicated if you don’t have a home charger or the ability to install one. Public charging is becoming more robust in the United States, but in many places, it can be challenging to charge if you can’t do it at home. This overview will cover the process of buying and installing a home EV charger and should give you an idea of what to expect.

Choosing a Charger

One of the first things you’ll need to do is find an appropriate EV charger. If you plug an EV into a standard 110-volt household outlet, you will quickly discover that it can take a full day or more to recover a meaningful amount of range. Most home chargers take care of the speed problem with Level 2 charging speeds. Though it can still take several hours to reach an 80 percent state of charge, it’s a practical solution that allows owners to plug in at night and wake up to a full battery.

Choosing a home charger that fits your installation space, home electrical configuration, and vehicle needs can be tricky. You’ll need to select a charger with the right amperage rating and a long enough cable to reach your driveway or parking space. Most home chargers are compact in size, but it’s also a good idea to measure your installation space for a fit.

Make Sure Your Home Is Ready

Some older homes, especially those built before the advent of central heating and air, might not have the correct breaker box to support an electric vehicle charger. You’ll want at least a 200-amp breaker to support the charger, which is usually not an issue for newer homes but could make installing in older homes more complicated and expensive.

Carefully select your installation point, finding a spot that won’t interfere with other home activities, such as mowing or home heating fuel tank refills. Some chargers come with 20-foot-plus cables, which can reach almost anything, but it’s a good idea to select a location that makes using the charger easy.

Schedule the Installation

Suppose you’re handy around the house and comfortable with electrical wiring. In that case, you may be able to perform the installation yourself, but for most of us, a professional is the way to go. Most electricians have experience with home EV charger installs, but it’s essential to discuss the project with your contractor to make sure you’re both on the same page. Knowledgeable electricians may also be able to help you take advantage of any state and local incentives that you’re eligible for.

Use the Charger

Unlike public charging, where you have to fumble with your credit card, a phone app, and other drivers, charging at home is usually as easy as plugging in and walking away. Many chargers have companion smartphone apps that let you track your state of charge and other session details, and some companies offer additional devices to monitor your home energy usage and other stats. The only things you need to keep track of are the time it takes to charge your vehicle and any preset charging limits you wish to impose, such as an 80-percent limit for most sessions.

If you have questions about home charging, the best charger for your needs, or how to get the most out of your new EV, Bud Brown VW should be your first call. We’d be excited to walk you through the charging process and show you the best practices for safely and conveniently replenishing your EV’s range.