One big benefit of electric vehicles (EVs) is that you do not have to take them to a gas station to fill them up. They can be charged right at home, even while you sleep. But what kind of charger do you need, and what is the installation process? We talked with Sean McLaughlin, an EV charging professional, to get some answers.
Level 2 Charging
More than 80% of EV charging takes place at home, so having a proper Level 2 charger will really improve that experience. With a Level 2 charger, you can charge a typical vehicle from zero to full in about eight hours. Most people, however, only need to charge from 20% to 80%, which will only take about four or five hours.
Electric Capacity
One thing to be cautious about when installing an EV charger is the capacity available in your electrical panel. About 40% of homes in North America do not have enough capacity. A load management system (LMS) is only a $200 investment, and it is qualified under the National Electrical Code. If your panel does not have spare capacity for a full-size EV charger, you can still install one if an approved LMS is in place to monitor total load and automatically reduce or shut off EV charging when the panel approaches its limit.
Cost of Installation
The installation cost can vary greatly and will depend on where your electrical panel is and where you want to put your EV charger. If they are in the same area, a qualified electrician will take less than an hour to install it. If you have to run conduit through your house or under your driveway, it could take an entire day.
Financial Incentives
United Power members qualify for exclusive rebates on EV wiring through the EV Home Charge rebate or can enroll in the cooperative’s charging-as-a-service member program, United EV. Not only can you save money on the cost of installing the charger, but you can also save on the cost of charging your vehicle.
Get ready for the future by upgrading your renovation with the right home EV charger.