Having an EV charging station in your home is one of the best investments you can make. Not only will it save you money on your electric bill, but it will also help the environment by reducing emissions from your car.
If you are thinking about installing an EV charging station in your home, there are a few things you need to know. Read on as we discuss everything you need to know about home EV charging stations.
What is a Home EV Charging Station?
A home EV charging station is simply an electrical outlet that can be used to charge an electric vehicle (EV). They are also known as “Level 2” chargers since they deliver 240 volts of power, which is twice the voltage of a standard household outlet.
Most home EV charging stations come with a built-in cord that can be plugged into any standard outlet. However, there are also “hardwired” models that need to be installed by an electrician.
How Does a Home EV Charging Station Work?
Charging an EV is simple. Just park your car in the garage (or wherever you have your home EV charging station installed) and plug it in.
Most home EV charging stations have a “smart” feature that will automatically shut off when the battery is full, so you don’t have to worry about overcharging your car.
Installing An EV Charging Station At Home
If you are looking to install an EV charging station at home and are trying to decide which one to buy, you should know that you have a wide range of options.
It all depends on the level of sophistication you are looking for. However, whichever one you get, the basic purpose of a home charging station is to move the electric current to the car batteries without damaging the batteries in the process.
Here are some factors to keep in mind when deciding on a charging station for your EV car.
Basic Terminology
Before we delve into what to look at when installing a charging station at home, it is helpful to know some basic definitions. They will help you decide on the one you would like to buy.
Volts: When you think of volts, imagine water flowing through a pipe. If electricity were water, the voltage would be the water pressure.
Amps: This is short for amperes. This measures the rate at which the electricity flows. When you read product descriptions of charging stations, information about amps will be prominent. This is because the time you must spend charging the car is a primary consideration.
Kilowatts: Simply put, kilowatts = volts x amps. Remember that all level 2 charging stations operate on 240 volts, so if you compare two 48 amp charging stations, the kilowatts will be the same.
Level 1 Charger vs. Level 2 Home Charging Station
When you use a home charging system to charge your electric car, you will use either 120 or 240-volt power. The chargers that use 120 volts are known as level 1 chargers.
If you use such a charging system, it will take you approximately 10 to 12 hours to charge your car. On the other hand, if you use a 240-volt circuit, your car batteries will be fully charged in about 5 or 6 hours.
All electric cars come with level 1 chargers. Since they are so slow to charge, most electric car owners choose to buy a level 2 charging station. However, you can plug a level 1 charger into any regular outlet in your home, so they are convenient.
Charging stations, on the other hand, use 240-volt circuits and can charge your car much faster. These circuits are the ones that power appliances like clothes dryers.
Schumacher SC1455 Level 1 and Level 2 Portable EV Charger
How Many Amps Should a Home Charging Station Use?
Whichever home charging station to choose, make sure you buy one with enough power to charge your car quickly. Chances are, EV cars will accept more powerful chargers in the future. Consequently, you should consider buying the most powerful unit you can.
Don’t worry about over-charging your car. The car’s mechanism determines how much of a charge the vehicle can accept. So, even if your car only accepts 16 amps, you can safely use one that provides 40 or more amps without damaging the car.
Plugin or Hardwired?
You can buy chargers that are either hardwired to your home’s power supply or require an electrician to remove them. Or, you can buy the kind that plugs into an existing outlet.
When considering which one to buy, you should consider several factors, such as whether you would like to take the charger with you to a different location and whether you would mind paying for an electrician to install a hardwired version.
With the hardwired option, you won’t need to install a junction box. However, if you install your charging station outdoors, you might have to use this option.
Home Charging Station Safety
Safety is always paramount. You must install your charging station outdoors if you don’t have a garage.
Your home EV charging station should have a NEMA 4 rating for outdoor use. If you install an outdoor charging station, ensure the connector is always protected from the elements.
The Juicebox Pro 40 Smart EV Charging Station
The Juicebox Pro 40 is one of the best level 2 charging stations we have found. You can buy either the 32 or the 40 amp model. Both models are hardwired. It is UL listed and is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
With smart technology that is second to none, you will be in control of all aspects of charging. Control things like charge scheduling and energy metering.
Receive notifications and know exactly when a charge is complete with LED light indicators. In addition, this charging station comes with Amazon Echo/Alexa voice controls.
This charging comes with a 24-foot cable so you won’t be tied down. In addition, it comes with a J1772 plug that makes it completely safe for outdoor use.
You will also get:
- Real-time and historical charging data, either on Juicebox’s website or through an app on your smart device.
- Complete control over the time of charge, amperage, etc.
- Notifications at the beginning and end of charge. In addition, you will know when the unit is offline, back online, and fully charged.
- Option to change 40 amps to 30 amps max output and avoid tripped circuit breakers.
Siemens US2 VersiCharge Universal
Now, you no longer have to decide between a hardwired and plug-in charging station. The Siemens US2 VersiCharge can do both! This charging station uses 30 amps, which means you will charge your car 4 times faster than a level 1 charger!
It comes with a 20-foot cable and a NEMA 6-50 plug. Consequently, you can plug this into any dryer outlet. In addition, it comes with a 3-year warranty and is built to last!
Customers report that, even when hardwired, this unit is very easy to install:
- Remove the front panel from your breaker box
- Install 40 Amp breaker in off position.
- Make a hole for the dryer plug box and receptacle beneath your breaker box
- Put the junction box in the hole.
- Attach the junction box to the stud.
- Attach two wires to the new breaker.
- Add a copper ground wire to the ground bar.
- Remove one of the plugs on the bottom of the breaker box
- Put your three wires through the hole and into the junction box
- Attach wire to the dryer plug
- Screw the plug into the box.
- Install the faceplate on your plug.
- Mount your charging station bracket on the stud. You should ensure that it will reach the plug.
- Hang the charger on the bracket and secure it with the screw.
- Turn the breaker to the on position.
- Plug the charger into the dryer outlet.
What is a Level 3 Charging Station?
A level 3 charging station is also known as a direct current fast charger (DCFC). These are usually only found in commercial or public locations.
A level 3 charger can charge an electric car up to 80% in 30 minutes. Consequently, this is the fastest way to charge an electric vehicle.
However, they require a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) connection. This is different from the alternating current (AC) that your home uses. HVDC can only be provided by a transformer, which increases the cost of installation.
Level 3 chargers are much more expensive than level 2 chargers. They also require special electrical infrastructure that most homes do not have. Consequently, they are not a practical choice for most people.
Types of Level 3 Charging Stations
There are two types of level 3 charging stations: AC and DC.
AC level 3 chargers use alternating current to charge the battery. They convert the AC to DC before it enters the battery. AC level 3 chargers are less expensive than DC chargers. However, they are also slower.
DC level 3 chargers charge the battery directly with direct current. DC charging is faster but more expensive.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Level 3 Charging Station?
The cost of installation can range from $1,000 to $20,000. The main factor that will affect the cost is whether you need to install new electrical infrastructure.
If you are only installing a charger, then the cost will be on the lower end of the spectrum. However, if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or run a new electrical line, then the cost will be on the higher end.
The price of the charger itself will also affect the total cost. Level 3 chargers can range in price from $500 to $10,000.
Finally, the cost of labor will also play a role in the final price tag. The average electrician charges $50 to $100 per hour. Consequently, a complex installation could take 40 hours or more to complete.
To get a more accurate estimate of the cost of installing a level 3 charging station, you should contact a local electrician.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Level 3 Charging Station?
There are several benefits of installing a level 3 charging station. The most obvious benefit is that it will allow you to charge your car much faster than a level 2 charger.
If you frequently drive long distances, then a level 3 charger can be a real lifesaver. It can give you peace of mind knowing that you can quickly recharge your car if you need to.
Another benefit of level 3 chargers is that they can be used for commercial purposes. If you have a business that relies on deliveries or transportation, then a level 3 charger can help you keep your fleet running.
Finally, installing a level 3 charger can increase the value of your home. Electric car ownership is on the rise, and many people are willing to pay more for a home that has a charger already installed.
If you are thinking about selling your home in the future, then a level 3 charger can be a valuable selling point.
How to Install a Level 3 Charging Station
Installing a level 3 charging station is a complex process. It is not something that most people will be able to do on their own.
The first step is to contact your local utility company. They will need to assess your electrical system to see if it is up to code. They will also need to determine whether you have the capacity to install a level 3 charger.
Once you have the green light from your utility company, you will need to purchase a charger. As mentioned previously, chargers can range in price from $500 to $10,000.
After you have purchased a charger, you will need to hire an electrician to install it. The cost of labor will vary depending on the complexity of the installation.
Finally, you will need to apply for a permit from your local municipality. The permit process can vary depending on where you live.
Installing a level 3 charging station is not a quick or easy process. However, it can be very rewarding. If you are an electric car owner, then a level 3 charger can make your life much easier.
If you are thinking about installing a charger, then you should contact a local electrician for a quote.
Final Thoughts on Installing an EV Charging Station
Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging station can have many benefits. It can make your life easier if you own an electric car, and it can increase the value of your home.
However, installing a charger is not a quick or easy process. You will need to contact your local utility company and hire an electrician. You will also need to apply for a permit from your municipality.
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