Facts Albuquerque Homeowners Should Know About Installing an EV Home Charging Station

Most motorists need to realize how simple and convenient it is to install a charging station in their own house. According to EEI’s latest study, sales of electric vehicles are on the upswing. More than 1.18 million electric vehicles are already driving throughout the United States, and sales have climbed drastically year over year, according to recent studies. Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) increased by 81% in 2018 compared to 2017 and 10% during the first quarter of 2019; over 61,000 persons purchased EVs.

These motorists, and others seriously considering an EV purchase shortly, should prioritize getting a charger set up as soon as possible. Setting up a charging station in your garage is far more practical and straightforward than most people realize. Let’s look at everything you need to know to have an electric vehicle charger in your garage.

Find Out How It Operates

Know what you’re getting into before bringing one of these high-tech gadgets into your house. A home charging station, also known as “electric vehicle supply equipment,” does not power your automobile, as Green Tech Media blogger Tom Konrad pointed out. Instead, your car’s built-in charger takes standard home alternating power and transforms it to direct current for charging the vehicle’s battery. The charging levels and rates that can be achieved with various chargers vary. Drivers should do their research to make sure they have enough electricity at home, but they should consider their needs. 

Think About the Various Fee Structures

Today, consumers may choose from three distinct charging options. Consumer Reports recommend Level 1 and Level 2 chargers in private garages. However, Level 3 chargers are high-voltage, fast-charging stations that may be pricey and could be better for use at home. A Level 3 charger is capable of rapid charging. However, its use is not recommended since it might harm the battery in an electric vehicle. A Level 1 charger is convenient for use at home because it can be connected to a standard wall socket. This makes it very easy to charge your EV at home through a standard household outlet. Still, because of the lower voltage, the process can take significantly longer (20 hours or more for a completely electric car or 7 hours or more for a hybrid). In contrast to full charges, they are ideal for occasional use as a boost.

In contrast, a Level 2 charger is a 240-volt station with a maximum 32-ampere output. Compared to a Level 1 charger, a Level 2 can supply a full charge in around half the time. Think about the vehicle you drive, the number of times you drive, the distance you go, and how soon you need the battery charged before making a purchase. 

Utilities and Home Charging Expenses

Drivers should factor in not only the cost of the charging station but also the cost of the electricity used to power it. The U.S. government’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy estimates that 12.6 cents per kilowatt hour is the standard rate charged by utilities across the country. 

Either Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Pro.

The process of installing a home EV charger is another crucial consideration. Some motorists prefer to do this on their own, and depending on the charging station used, this is possible. Some charging stations, however, might greatly benefit from expert attention. An expert technician will install your charger when you choose a service provider. Making sure your newly built EV charging station is fully functional entails having all the required gear.

• Add On Electric is a professional electrician service, and their normal installation includes a 240-volt circuit breaker and up to 30 feet of the feeder from the current utility panel.
• Set up the NEMA 6-20 plug or electric vehicle charger.
• After installation, the machine is put through its paces and given a clean bill of health.
• Drivers need specialized instruction on operational procedures and troubleshooting.

There are many advantages to driving an electric vehicle and having a charger at home means you never have to worry about running out of juice or finding a charging station. If you’re thinking of adding an EV home charging station to your Albuquerque home call the pros at Add On Electric at 505-804-9534.