Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular over the last few years. If you have recently made the switch to an EV, you may be looking to install a charging station in your home. Most EVs today come with a Level 1 charging cable, but this might not meet your driving needs. You might also want some additional features like wifi-enabled “smart” charging or DC faster charging options if you have more than one EV in the home.
Choosing the right EV charging station for your home can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be with our quick guide.
Output Needs
When selecting an EV charging station for your home, one of the most important factors to consider is the output needs. Many EV charging stations offer different levels of output, so it’s important to make sure that you select the right one for your needs. You will want to look at the amperage and voltage of the station to make sure that it meets the requirements of your vehicle.
For example, some EV charging stations are rated up to 30 amps, while others may go up to 80 amps. The higher the amperage, the faster your car will charge. In addition, you’ll also want to look at the voltage of the EV charging station. Most vehicles require a 240-volt outlet, but there are some that require a 120-volt outlet. It’s important to make sure that you select an EV charging station that can provide the appropriate voltage for your vehicle.
Charging Station Amperage Guide
| Circuit Breaker Rating Required | Station Amperage | Estimated Driving Range per Charging Hour |
|---|---|---|
| 20A | 16A | 12 mi (19 km) |
| 30A | 24A | 18 mi (29 km) |
| 40A | 32A | 25 mi (40 km) |
| 50A | 40A | 30 mi (48 km) |
| 60A | 48A | 36 mi (58 km) |
| 70A or 80A | 50A | 37 mi (60 km) |
Choosing Location of EV Charger
When selecting the location to install an EV charging station, the most important factor to consider is how accessible it is for all vehicles.
Depending on your available space and accessibility, you can choose to install the charging station outside or in a garage. If you are charging multiple vehicles, you want to make sure that the location is easily accessible for all of them.
When installing outside, make sure to look for areas that are protected from extreme weather conditions like rain, snow, and high temperatures. EV charging stations must be installed properly and safely, so be sure to research local regulations to ensure compliance with any local electrical codes.
On the other hand, if you plan to install in a garage, there are several factors to consider. You’ll need to make sure that the charging station has enough clearance from the ceiling and any potential obstructions like boxes, bikes, or shelves. It’s also important to make sure that there is sufficient ventilation and airflow around the station.
Lastly, check that the power outlet is located close enough to the station and is rated for the amperage you’ll be using.
Overall, selecting the right location to install your EV charging station is crucial. Doing proper research before installation will ensure that your charging station is easy to access and safe for all vehicles.
Features You’ll Want
Today’s EV charging stations are amazing pieces of technology, with features like WiFi-enabled or “smart” charging. Smart charging enables the user to control and monitor the charge remotely and schedule charging around low electricity rates.
Some EV chargers also feature LED lights that indicate when the car is fully charged and can even be programmed to automatically shut off when the charge is complete.
When it comes to deciding what type of EV charger you want, you should also consider amperage and speed of charging. Most household outlets have a standard 15 amp charging output, while others have 50 amp charging outputs.
Speed of Charging
The fastest way to charge is with more amps. While this may cost more upfront, it can end up saving you money in the long run as your electric bills will likely be lower since your vehicle will charge quicker.
The speed at which you can charge your electric vehicle will vary depending on the type of charging station you choose. Level 1 charging is the slowest method and is typically done through a 120V outlet. With this option, it can take up to 10-20 hours to fully charge a battery.
Level 2 charging is faster and offers more power than Level 1 charging. This option requires a 240V outlet and it can take up to 6-8 hours to fully charge a battery.
Both Level 1 and Level 2 are alternating current (AC) charging methods.
Level 3 charging, also known as direct current (DC) charging, is the fastest charging method available and requires an industrial-grade outlet. You must have an extreme need to install a Level 3 charger in your home, such as 3+ EVs in the home that need quick rotation in the charging queue. It can take as little as 30 minutes to fully charge a battery with this type of charger and might just be overkill than convenience. If you have most overnights to charge a vehicle, a Level 2 charger should do just fine.
When choosing an EV charging station for your home, consider the speed of charging you will need and make sure the charger you select can provide it.
Save Money
When it comes to EV charging stations, there are many ways to save money. First, electric vehicles are much less expensive to fuel than gasoline-powered cars. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric vehicles cost about $1.18 per gallon compared to $3.89 per gallon for gasoline. The cost can really come down to where your city or county get it’s power from, such as oil, natural gas, coal, or (hopefully!) more renewable forms of power production, like hydroelectric, geothermal or solar power.
Additionally, there are several tax credits, rebates, and other incentives available to help make EV charging stations more affordable.
In order to maximize cost savings, it is important to understand the types of EV chargers available. There are level 1 chargers, which plug into a standard 110-volt outlet and provide about 4-5 miles of driving range per hour of charging; and level 2 chargers, which plug into a 220-volt outlet and provide 10-20 miles of driving range per hour of charging. Most level 2 chargers are also 50 amp chargers, which can charge an EV much faster than level 1 chargers.
When deciding which type of EV charger to install in your home, it is important to consider both the short-term and long-term savings that come with each option.
For example, a level 1 charger may be more affordable initially but will take longer to charge an EV than a level 2 charger. It is also important to research potential state and federal incentives to see if any discounts or other cost savings are available.
Conclusion
When choosing an EV charging station for your home, it is important to consider the output needs, the speed of charging, and the features you will want in your charging station. An EV charger with a 50 amp charging capacity and level 1 charging will be able to charge your car faster than a level 2 charger with less than 50 amps. Additionally, you should think about how you can save money by taking advantage of smart charging technologies. With these considerations in mind, you can choose the right EV charging station for your home.