Factors Why Albuquerque EV Owners Should Install a Home EV Charger
Have you recently purchased an electric vehicle? Or are you considering making the switch to an EV in the near future? If so, installing a home EV charger should be at the top of your to-do list.
Most people don’t think much about charging when they buy their EV. They figure they’ll just plug in at home or stop by a public station when they need a charge. Makes sense, right? But here’s the deal – installing your own home EV charger can make your life way easier and cheaper. Let me break it down for you…
Skip the Charging Station Hassle
Here’s the sitch when it comes to public charging stations: they’re crowded, expensive, and time-sucking. We’re talking sitting around for an hour or more waiting your turn to plug in. Who’s got time for that noise? Especially when you can charge up at home while you’re sleeping.
With a home EV charger, you can wake up to a fully charged ride every single morning. No more planning trips around charging stops or hunting for stations.
Save Some Serious Cash
Charging up at public stations gets real pricey real fast. We’re talking premium electricity rates and pricey fees. But charging at home? That’s the cheap stuff!
Electric companies offer way lower rates at night when overall demand is low. So you can charge your EV overnight for bargain prices. We’re talking shaving thousands off your charging costs over your car’s lifetime. Now that’s what I call a value meal!
No station fees and jacked-up electricity rates if you charge at home, baby. Just sweet, affordable home charging to power your daily commute. Cha-ching!
Pimp Your Crib for More Cash
Here are some fun facts for you – EV sales jumped over 80% from 2020 to 2021. And major carmakers plan to go all electric soon. So EVs are blowing up like hot cakes right now!
With so many peeps going electric, your home becomes way more valuable if you have a charger installed. It gives you a leg up when selling your place.
Rather than making the buyers install their own charger, yours adds convenience from day one. You can sell faster and likely get more cash in your pocket. Total win-win.
It’s a smart upgrade when selling your casa. Definitely gives you an edge over other listings.
Be Ready for the Electric Future
Let’s say you don’t have an EV yet – no worries! Installing a home charger now means your crib will be ready to roll when you go electric.
Because most homes need electrical upgrades to support a Level 2 charger, it saves you cash to do it now instead of when you actually buy your EV. Get your infrastructure primed for the electric future in advance.
Some cities even require EV charging capabilities on new homes. So upgrading now prevents mandatory upgrades when selling. Look at you being all forward-thinking!
Know Your Charger Options
Alright, charging basics time! There are two main levels of EV chargers:
Level 1 Chargers:
These plug into normal household outlets. Cheap but sloooooow charging. We’re talking 2-5 miles of range per hour. Level 1 works best for very low mileage EVs. Most drivers will want a more powerful option.
Level 2 Chargers:
Now we’re talking! L2 chargers use 240-volts to deliver faster charging. We’re looking at 10-25 miles of range per hour. Perfecto for the average daily commute.
More amps = faster charge speed. Expect to pay $400-$700 for the unit. But installation $$ varies a lot based on your home’s setup.
I’d recommend a qualified electrician take a look and help you choose the right charger. Safety first!
Make Sure It’s Installed Right
DIY charging might be tempting, but it’s just not smart. These things need to be installed correctly so they don’t overload your home’s system.
Leave it to the pros! A good electrician will:
- Check your home’s electrical load capacity. Upgrade if needed.
- Install a dedicated circuit for your charger.
- Get all the right permits and arrange inspections.
- Connect any detached garages or carports.
Do it right from the start and your charger will give you years of service. Don’t take risks with electrical safety!
Start Charging Smarter Today
Alright, let’s wrap this up. If you joined the EV revolution, do yourself a solid and install a home charger.
You’ll save time, money, and hassle charging at home versus public stations. It adds value when you sell your house. And it preps your home for the electric future.