Home Charging
One of the most common concerns of potential EV shoppers is the cost of installing a charging station in their home garage. Fortunately, the process is fairly straightforward and requires only a few factors to consider prior to installation. Once you learn how simple having a home charging station installed in your garage can be, the only thing you'll have to worry about is what your first electric vehicle will be!
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Level 1 Charging The most common type of home charging solution is known as Level 1 EVSE which offers charging via a 120 volt (V) AC plug. Typically, Level 1 charging adds about 2 to 5 miles of range to a vehicle per hour of charging time. Aside from an outlet, Level 1 often does not require specialized equipment aside from a dedicated branch circuit. Although your needs may vary, Level 1 charging is best suited for plug-in hybrid models for overnight charging situations. Virtually all EVs include a portable Level 1 EVSE cordset that can plug into a standard three-prong household outlet. |
Level 2 Charging Owners of EVs or those looking for a faster charging experience should consider installing a Level 2 station at their home. Using a 240V AC plug, Level 2 can add about 10 to 60 miles of range to a vehicle per hour of charging time, making it suitable for all EVs. However, Level 2 charging does require a dedicated electrical circuit of 20 to 100 amps along with other specialized equipment. The good news is that most homes already have 240V service for larger appliances like clothes dryers or electric ranges, although some may not. Since installing a home charging station must comply with local, state, and national codes and regulations, be sure to work with a licensed electrical contractor. Most stations are installed inside a garage, although some specialized freestanding outdoor stations are. |
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Home Charging Station Installation Cost In general, the cost of installing a Level 2 240V home charging station typically ranges between $500 to $2,000. However, you could potentially qualify for additional state or federal tax incentives that can help offset the installation cost. Also, some manufacturers offer discounts on home charging station installation with the purchase of a vehicle. When you consider the convenience and cost-savings compared to gasoline, adding a home charging station to your garage is certainly an attractive option. There's also a wide range of specialized features available to add to your home charging station for an additional cost. Examples include enhanced displays, charging timers, smartphone connections, and keypads. All home charging stations will come equipped with basic safety features and status lights |