Keeping Your Car Fully Charged Has Never Been Easier Than With an Electric Vehicle Home Charger
If you are one of the ten million electric vehicle owners or are planning to join the 145 million drivers who will purchase an EV by 2030, you might consider adding an electric vehicle home charger. As electric vehicles become more common, most charging will occur with an EV home charger.
While no one would argue that using an EV garage charger is not more convenient, the concept of hiring an electrician for electric vehicle charger installation is still somewhat new. In some cases, it may even feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are tons of options for charging an EV at home, and the licensed electricians at Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric can help you explore your options to add an electric car home charger to simplify your needs. We have helped hundreds of families in the Gilroy, CA, area update their homes with an affordable and practical electric vehicle home charger.
If you are considering driving an electric vehicle or already own one, here are ten reasons you need an electric vehicle charger at home.
1. Charging at Home Is More Convenient
EV drivers who cannot charge an EV at home often suffer from something called “range anxiety.” This kind of anxiety is linked to the fact that EVs have a limited range. Of course, gas-powered vehicles also have a limited range, but there are plenty of gas stations along every major road in the country, and EV charging stations are not always as available.
There is nothing like being able to charge your EV at home. With an electric vehicle home charger, there is no longer a reason to go out of your way or to sit at a charging station because you can simply recharge at home while making dinner, spending time with your family, or sleeping.
2. You Will Save Money
Charging your EV at home is less expensive than filling up your tank with gas and using a public charging station. While the exact price you will pay depends on your local utility company’s costs and policies, it is almost always cheaper to charge at home, primarily if you use your garage charging station during non-peak hours.
In the U.S., the average residential cost per kWh is around $0.13. An EV with a 66 kWh capacity would cost about $9 to charge fully at home. A public charger, on average, costs between $0.20 to $0.60 per kWh, depending on its location and level. The average EV can travel about 4 miles per kWh. If you drive your car 1,000 miles per month, it will only cost approximately $32.50 every 30 days to charge at home.
3. EV Home Chargers Are Extremely Affordable
You might expect electric vehicle charger installation to cost a fortune. The reality is that EV home chargers and installation fees are exceptionally affordable, especially when you consider the time and money saved by being able to charge at home.
While there is a large variety of options and costs associated with adding an EV home charger to your property, the average Level 2 home charge costs between $350 and $900, and the cost for installation typically ranges between $400 to $1,700 plus local city permitting fees. Check with your local installers to get a full quote.
Keep in mind that it may be necessary to upgrade your home’s electrical system. Some older electrical panels, like those from Zinsco, Federal Pacific, etc., may need completely replaced before a home charger is possible. It may also be necessary to add additional load management devices to ensure EVs can be safely charged at home. These additional upgrades add extra costs, but the overall project is still affordable when you work with the right EV charging station installers.
At Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric, we not only specialize in EV home charger installation, but we also offer free estimates and financing plans to ensure the right EV charging stations are accessible to everyone who needs one.
4. Electric Vehicle Home Charger Stations Come in Various Sizes
The size and capability of your EV home charger are dependent on your needs. You are not stuck with a single solution that is either too little or too much for your car. For example, a plug-in hybrid car does not need the same kind of charger as a large, fully electric EV. That means you can buy the charger that fits your needs and budget.
There are three main types of EV chargers (only two available for at-home use):
Level 1: Level 1 chargers are the most basic type of garage charging station. The 120-volt system does not necessarily require any installation unless you need an electrician to add an outlet to your garage. Level 1 chargers simply plug into a regular household outlet. Because these are the most basic types of chargers, they are also the slowest. You can expect about two to five miles of driving range per hour on the charger. These are fantastic options for cars that do not need to drive very far on electric energy.
Level 2: A Level 2 home charger is the most common type of electric vehicle home charger setup. This kind of station can be installed in a garage or outside, and it uses the same type of 240-volt plug as your home’s dryer and stove. A Level 2 home charger is typically three to ten times faster than a Level 1 charger.
Level 3: The fastest way to charge an EV is with a Level 3 direct current charger. Since this system requires a 480-volt system, it is typically not available for home use. It is, however, a popular option for public charging stations or stations installed at a place of business. One of these units can typically recharge an EV from empty to 80% in under 45 minutes.
5. They Work in Multiple Locations
While most homeowners choose to install their electric vehicle home charger in the garage, that is not the only option. So long as the EV home charger is rated for outdoor use, it can be installed at the side of the house, near the garage entrance, or in an array of other convenient locations.
The garage tends to be the top choice because it is protected from the environment, is more efficient during cold weather, and is more challenging to vandalize or damage. Of course, the exact location of an EV charger depends on several things, including how many EVs take up space in your driveway. Reach out to your local electrician about the best location for your next EV charger.
6. A Home EV Charger Will Help You Save On Your Taxes
There are various tax breaks and benefits available to encourage more people to purchase and drive EVs. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy has a database called the Alternative Fuel Data Center that helps EV owners find government and local utility programs that reward EV drivers.
Buying an EV and installing charging your car at home could open up significant savings. Programs vary by location, so your electric miles may vary.
7. An Electric Vehicle Home Charger Is Safer
While you may have a 120-v or 240-v charger in your garage, a charging station is actually a safer option. You might think that simply plugging your car’s connection cable into the wall socket is the most straightforward option. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
When you plug your vehicle directly into the power grid and charge your car for a long time, the cable and leads can become very hot. This heat could damage the charger or even pose a potential fire hazard.
An actual charging station creates a wall between your home’s electrical grid and your car. These stations reduce the risk of too much heat or other electrical problems that could arise.
8. An Electric Vehicle Home Charger Is an Excellent Home Upgrade
Whether you are a homeowner, a landlord, or a business owner, electric vehicle charging stations makes a property more practical, desirable, and ready for the future. Just like refreshing your home’s landscaping or remodeling the kitchen can raise the value of your property, an EV charger produces an excellent return on investment.
When it is time to sell your property, EV owners will love the idea of being ready to charge their cars from home from day one. That is sure to bring in more competitive offers.
9. Electric Vehicle Home Charger Stations Are Better for Your Battery
Automakers recommend limiting how often you use a public Level 3 charging station. These superchargers are convenient, but they can degrade an EV battery faster than a Level 1 or 2 home charging station. That doesn’t mean you should not take advantage of getting a quick charge while you’re out and about. You should, however, avoid using a Level 3 charger for every charge.
When you compare the cost of replacing a degraded battery versus the cost of an electric vehicle home charger, you’ll be glad that you went with the option to charge at home.
10. Electric Vehicle Home Charging Stations Are More Predictable
When you have an EV charging station installed at home, you can charge on your own terms. That means you do not have to deal with waiting in line at the charging station. A quick trip to the charging station could turn into wasted time waiting for your turn. Your time is too valuable to leave it up to change.
The other aspect of predictability you will enjoy is consistent pricing. As you have probably noticed, gas prices change daily and can fluctuate a great deal from week to week. Electricity rates may change, but they do not change nearly as much as gas rates. You can create a better budget of cost per fill-up when you are charging at home.