What You Should Know About Installing Electric Car Chargers
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular choice with consumers these days. EVs are slated to be environmentally friendly compared to gasoline-fueled cars and offer cost savings in the long term due to their higher efficiency.
When researching electric vehicles, it is important also to consider your charging needs.
Does your daily commute require travelling long distances?
Will you only be charging your vehicle at home, or are public charging stations available at your workplace?
Does your home electrical supply have the capacity to provide the necessary power to your EV charging system?
How long does it take to charge your EV fully?
What Is an EV Charging Station?
There are three types of EV charging stations that can be installed depending on your needs.
Level 1 Chargers
Level 1 charging stations connect the vehicle to a standard 120-volt outlet. On this type of charger, it takes about 20 hours to fully charge the vehicle, giving it a 200km range on average, depending on the vehicle. This type of charger is used most commonly in the home.
Level 2 Chargers
Level 2 charging stations require a dedicated connection to a 240-volt outlet similar to the type of outlet used by home appliances such as washing machines and electric ovens. Level 2 chargers can fully charge an EV in between 6 and 14 hours which makes these chargers very popular due to their improved speed and efficiency. You can find Level 2s both in homes and businesses.
Level 3 Chargers
Level 3 chargers are also known as fast chargers. They can fully charge an EV battery within 1 to 4 hours and are predominantly used in businesses and common areas. However, they require a more complex installation as they use a direct connection to an electrical system.
The type of electric vehicle charging station you install in your home will likely be either a Level 1 or Level 2 station. While the cost will increase with level type, choosing a charger that fulfills your needs is important.
Installing an Electrical Vehicle Charger at Home
The Level 2 charger is the most popular type of EV charger that is installed in the home. The benefit of this charger over the Level 1 charger is the faster charging time, but it does require adaptations and upgrades to the electrical system.
Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240-volt connection to the circuit breaker. The additional load may require an upgrade to the electrical panel if there is no space for a double pole breaker on the existing panel. With regard to the electrical capacity of the service panel, a 100 to 200-amp service is recommended to support the additional power requirements of your home charging station.
When installing an electric vehicle charger, it is important to have a licensed electrician perform the installation in order to ensure safety and that it meets the requirements of the electrical code.
Smart Chargers
Smart chargers automatically adjust the amount of electricity delivered to your vehicle based on other power requirements within your home. At times of greater power consumption, the amount of electricity sent to your EV will reduce so that the overall demands on the electrical system are lower.
Other EV Charging Features
One important consideration is where you will be charging your EV. Some chargers are designed for indoor charging only, so if you plan to charge your vehicle outside, check that it is rated to be used outside in the rain, snow, and in cold temperatures.
You'll also want to determine how long your charging cable needs to be. While the most common cord length is 5 metres, 7.6-metre cables are also an option when the car is located at a greater distance from the charging station.
Install an Electric Car Charger for Your Home
At MMi Electrical, we are committed to providing a high level of service to EV owners. We'll ensure your car charging needs are fully met, and the safety of any electrical upgrades is guaranteed. Call us today and gain peace of mind knowing that our licensed electricians have your electrical needs covered.