With gas prices always fluctuating, and with the benefits of an eco-friendly car, it’s no wonder many people are making the switch to electric vehicles. While having a fast charger nearby is convenient, many homeowners seek the ease of car charging at home.
Organize Your Garage
If you’re not used to parking your car in the garage, now is the time to prepare and organize. Clean out your garage and declutter to make room for your vehicle. Not only will you get a breath of fresh air from having your garage clutter tackled, but you’ll also create the valuable space needed to park and charge your EV.
Understand Charging Levels
An EV can technically be charged on a 120-volt plug (a regular household outlet). This is referred to as a level 1 charger, and you often do not need to do any additional work to charge a car at this level. Unfortunately, this can take an excessive amount of time to reach full charge–50 hours on a modern electric vehicle with a range of 200 miles. A level 2 charger requires more prep and installation but can charge the average EV in 5-6 hours, making it convenient to charge overnight.
Hire an Electrician
Even simple electrical installations are not without risk, and much electrical work is illegal to perform without a license. Evaluate your garage to assess your current available outlets. Some models of level 2 chargers allow a novice to mount a charger to a wall and simply plug it into an existing outlet. If you have an unused 240-volt plug–like one used for most dryers–you may be able to skip hiring an electrician. If you do not have an outlet available, or an outlet in an ideal spot for charging, you will likely need an electrician to install a new outlet or potentially install the charger itself.
Enjoy Your New Charging Capabilities
Charging an EV at home is far cheaper and more convenient than paying at the gas station with a conventional vehicle. While your electric use will go up, you’ll likely find that the savings will still be significant, particularly if you choose to install solar panels on your home to offset the costs further. Along with the cost benefits, as the world transitions to more eco-friendly living, you may find that an installed charger sets your home apart from the competition once you’re ready to sell.
