![]() Some local codes require a permit to install an EV charger, which is usually an additional cost. I suggest consulting a certified electrician who will know if the charger is on a dedicated branch circuit (which means other appliances aren’t also drawing on that electricity), and who can ensure the installation is up to local code so it passes fire safety standards. Installing an EV charger at home by yourself is risky. You may be the first EV owner/advocate they are exposed to, but you will not be the last. If there are restrictions or you are approaching the appropriate party to check, have a gameplan to make the case for installing a charger. This is also an opportunity to see if your utility offers any special EV Time-Of-Use rates to maximize your charging hours (and potential savings!).įinally, make sure there are no restrictions on installing home charging equipment with your HOA or landlord. EnelX has a quick tool to start your search for any state and federal rebates you may qualify for. There are at least 18 utilities that offer discounts on charging equipment, and some offer rebates for installing the equipment. ClipperCreek’s Charging Station Selection Tool is one example where you can input your vehicle specifications and receive a variety of options.īefore you come to a decision on a charger be sure to consult your county, local air quality district, and utility (or community choice energy provider) to see if you can obtain discounts on charging equipment. Some charging companies will provide charging equipment recommendations for you based on your car’s make and model. Vehicle manufacturers can provide recommendations on which charging equipment is compatible with their vehicles, and may offer discounts on equipment as well. Next, consult your vehicle handbook or speak to the dealership directly to determine if there are any limitations or specifications for charging your car. You can check your electrical panel to see if you have an unused circuit breaker, but I’d recommend consulting an electrician to see if your existing infrastructure can handle the additional amperage from a L2 charger or if it will require upgrades. Next, you need to determine if you can affordably or logistically accommodate a 240V electrical connection required for a L2 charger at your residence. If you’re in the market for a L2 I’d recommend browsing Plugstar for all available options. Just about every EV or PHEV will come with a Level 1 charger. The average cost of an L1 and L2 charging equipment before installation is $300-$600 and $500-$2,200, respectively. ![]() There are a lot of L1 and L2 options on the market right now at a variety of prices. If you use your car frequently and have a larger battery, then it might be best to invest in an L2 charger. If you don’t drive much and have a shorter range (e.g., under 150 miles), then an L1 charger may be just fine. First, you need to decide what charging speed you’ll need for your EV. I recommend researching and identifying which charging station fits your price range and charging needs. There are many new services and options to make this process as easy and inexpensive as possible. Fortunately, my electrician was able to reconfigure my panel to free up space for the charger, which saved me a lot of money!Īssuming you have a dedicated parking area and no issues with landlords or HOA’s, getting a charger at your home can be done in two easy steps: 1) find an EV charger you like and 2) find a reliable electrician. I got bids from pre-screened electricians that had installed hundreds of EV chargers in my area, and ended up choosing an electrician with fantastic customer service and a fair price (for anyone living in the Greater Washington DC area, I highly recommend Salone Solutions).īecause I bought a 40 amp EnelX Juicebox L2 smart charger (about the same power draw as an electric range), I was worried I would need to upgrade my circuit panel. All I had to do was answer a few online questions and upload pictures of my electrical panel and the location for my charger. ![]() When it came to installing my charger last year, I used a service called Qmerit that allowed me to get multiple bids from several electricians for free. I worry someone will overcharge me for the service or do a bad job, so I procrastinate as much as possible. Normally, finding a contractor to do a service or repair on my house gives me anxiety. Installing a Level 2 charger (L2), typically requires special equipment and a professional electrician. As EVs add more range, a Level 1 (L1) charger (uses a typical wall outlet) may not meet your charging needs either. Installing my EnelX Juicebox was easier than I expectedįor two years, I only needed a wall outlet to charge my Nissan LEAF, but as soon as we brought home our Tesla Y, an upgrade was required to keep it adequately charged.Īccording to Smartcharge America, over 95% of EV charging happens at home.
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