Charging your car at home is one of the main perks of owning an electric vehicle, but before purchasing and installing one, here is what you should know about installing a home EV charging station.
How Much Do Home EV Chargers Cost?
The cost of a home charging station is tricky, as the cost can greatly vary. Numerous factors contribute to the huge variations in cost. Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 chargers have varying costs and labor requirements. The cost to install an EV charger might also vary depending on your home’s layout and the distance to the charging station of your choice.
Not every electrical panel can support the extra power requirements of an EV charging station. If this is the situation in your house, installing a home charging station won’t be possible until your electrical panel has been upgraded. Although this additional fee isn’t officially included in the cost of installing an EV charger, many Canadian homes will still have to pay it. This is something to keep in mind when planning your home EV charger budget.
In Canada, the typical cost to install a home EV charging station is between $1,000 and $3,000. While in the U.S., the cost runs between $1,150 to $2,750.
What Features Should A Home EV Station Have?
The best home charger will have a few additional features that allow you to get the most out of your home charging station.
- Certain chargers have built-in Wi-Fi technology, so you can track and manage your power usage from a distance. Utilize this function to schedule your charging at off-peak hours to reduce your electricity expenses.
- An extended cable offers you adaptability. One station is usually sufficient to charge cars in both parking spots of a two-car garage. If the garage door is close to your home charging station, you may easily plug in a car that is parked outside using a long cable. In the unlikely event that the charging port on your next plug-in car is located somewhere else than where it is now, a lengthy cord will also future-proof your installation.
- If your parking space is outdoors, make sure to choose an EV charger that is rated for outdoor use.
- A safety rating is also a must. Reliable, independent safety groups have tested and certified EV chargers, making sure they satisfy industry safety standards. In order to keep their prices low, many of the least expensive mobile charging cords and home charging stations omit these certifications. You do not want to take a chance utilizing an unreliable charger because it could result in a hefty repair bill or, worse, a house fire.
What Kind Of EV Charger Do You Need?
Electric vehicle chargers come in three levels. A portable cord set that allows charging from any regular household outlet is included as standard equipment with all EV versions. The slowest charging pace, known as Level 1 charging, makes sure you can always recharge no matter where you are.
The majority of EV drivers will install a Level 2 charging station at home. This is referred to as Level 2. Since every electric vehicle and charging station sold in North America adheres to the same plug standard, any vehicle can use any Level 2 station located in either Canada or the U.S. Installing a Level 2 station is a straightforward task for any licensed electrician, as it has the same electrical requirements (240 Volts/30 Amps) as a stove or clothes dryer.
The quickest charging stations available right now are level 3 ones. Depending on the power output, an hour of charging at a Level 3 charging station can increase range by 173 miles/278 km to 298 miles/480 km. This station can deliver power between 50 kW and 400 kW.
How To Install It?
In most jurisdictions, a licensed electrician is required to install a Level 2 EV charger, which is a high-voltage appliance with electrical requirements akin to those of an electric stove or dryer (240 volts). This electrician can also assist you in selecting a charger, determining your home’s electrical capacity, and submitting electrical permits on your behalf.
Incentives For Installing Home EV Charging Stations
Across both Canada and the United States, rebates and incentives are offered for homes that install home charging stations for their electric vehicles. These rebates vary from province to province and state by state, so it is best to search up where you live to see what’s offered and how to redeem the incentives.
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