6 Things You Need To Know About Installing An Electric Car Charging Port
With the release of Tesla’s “Model 3,” more homeowners are interested in purchasing electric vehicles and installing electric car charging stations in their houses. Electric car sales are especially popular in the Bay Area, where they double or triple the national average.
But what does it take to install an electric car charging station in your home, and is it worthwhile? Most electric vehicle owners require an electric car charging port in their homes to ensure an appropriate charge for the vehicle. At the same time, it is stored overnight and before long excursions, which is especially important when charging an electric automobile.
If you own an electric car or plan to buy one soon, you should consider installing a home electric car charging outlet that is good for you. Here are six important points to consider before installing an electric car charger.
Examine Your Existing Electrical Infrastructure
Before you consider installing an electric car charging station or simply putting your electric car into your home’s power supply, you should have your electrical infrastructure inspected by a certified electrician. Car parking places, for example, may be well-equipped with existing electrical infrastructure such as cabling and outlets. Yet, your garage may regrettably lack the necessary, safe electrical infrastructure for car charging.
Only an expert and qualified electrician can tell you if your electrical system complies with the regulations. An electrical inspection is also a good idea before connecting a large electrical appliance, such as a car, to your home’s network. When considering installing an electric car charging station, for example, contact your local electrician to conduct an initial examination and determine whether your garage and parking area meet the required standards.
Connecting on the Go and at Home
It’s a good idea to properly examine how you use your car and what type of electric vehicle you have before installing a home electric car charger to discover the best solution for your unique needs. For example, suppose you exclusively drive your car to work, and your workplace has an electric vehicle charging station. While traveling, you may be able to plug in and charge your vehicle in malls, parking lots, and other approved electric vehicle charging stations.
However, most electric vehicle owners will require an electric car charging port at home to refuel and recharge where the car spends the most time. Charging your electric vehicle can take varying amounts of time depending on the charging facilities you have at home, so it’s critical to choose a solution that suits your demands in a time-efficient manner.
Charging Rate
You should leave your house with a full charge when driving an electric vehicle. However, the time it takes to attain this full charge with your home charging solution is determined by your choice. Charging your electric car is as simple as plugging it into a standard outlet at your home. This procedure, however, is slower. This is known as ‘level 1’ charging, which utilizes 120 volts and takes far longer than specifically built electric car charging connections.
The time it takes to charge your battery depends on its capacity and how much driving you’ve done since the last charge. Installing a level 2 electric car charging station, on the other hand, will charge your electric vehicle faster utilizing 240-volt power. Installing a level 2 charger, on the other hand, necessitates a 240-volt power source and, most likely, a wiring update. So, if you’re thinking about improving your charging power, talk to your local electrician about your possibilities.
Home Charging Station Permits and Incentives
In California, installing an electric car charging station in your home requires a permit. Permits typically cost around $200, and some governments have even accelerated permission for electric vehicle charging stations, making it quite simple. After consulting with an expert and licensed electrician, you may also need a construction permit for the new electrical circuit. This permission, however, may be handled by your electrician.
Several incentives are also available for installing electric vehicle charging stations, so contact your utility company about any incentives available before you begin looking at the various possibilities.
Choosing an EVSE Charger at Level 2
If you’ve opted for the higher-powered charging option, you’ll need to select a Level 2 Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) charger. Because your electric vehicle manufacturer may propose a specific level 2 EVSE charger for your car model, it’s always a good idea to start by asking. Next, look for UL or ETL-listed EVSE products, as these Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories guarantee a higher quality charger.
Setting Up Your Charger
The final and most important step is to install your charger. Choosing a qualified EVSE installation and a qualified, licensed, and insured electrician is crucial. Your electrician will assist you in ensuring that your infrastructure and charging space are ready for your charging station installation. To ensure the appropriate performance and safety of your new charging station, the assistance of a high-quality electrician is essential during the preparation and installation process for EVSE chargers.
Following installation, the electrical utilities must be coordinated to power the charging outlet. Your charging station will be available once a building inspector approves the installation.
While there are many elements to consider when installing an electric vehicle charging station in your house, these six critical factors are a fantastic place to start to help you prepare for an efficient, safe, and high-quality level 2 EVSE charger installation.