Thinking of installing an EV charger this year? You have a lot to look forward to! You’ll have more control over your battery. You can skip wait times at stations. Plus, you’ll lower the risk of using bad chargers. Adding an EV charger at home is a big investment. So, it’s key to plan ahead and research before you have it installed. Consider this guide your starting point.
Make Sure Your Home Has the Electrical Capacity
EVs demand a lot of power, and it’s important to ensure your house has the ability to supply it on demand. Check if your electrical panel has the capacity to support an EV charger.
Most Level 2 chargers need a dedicated 40-50 amp circuit, which requires 240 volts. Homes lacking the current capacity must upgrade their panel. This typically costs a few thousand dollars.
The best option is to have a licensed electrician inspect your panel. An electrician can tell you if it can support an EV charger now. If not, you must hire an electrical company to upgrade your panel first.
Determine the Ideal Location
Property layout plays a big role in charging. Some properties have plenty of outdoor space or a dedicated garage. But others might struggle to fit an EV charger. Attached garages are the most affordable to install. Detached garages come next, and outdoor installations are the most expensive.
The closer your electrical panel is to where you park, the more affordable it will be to install a charger. Shorter distances usually mean less wiring, fewer materials, and less labor. This will lower the installation cost for an EV charger.
Consider Charger Specifications
You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of different chargers, along with key features like:
- Power level: A 40-48 amp charger is the ideal range for home chargers, and it can add 25-40 miles to your EV every hour.
- Hardware: Hardwired chargers are permanent. Plug-in chargers cost less and are portable, which is great if you plan to move.
- WiFi Connectivity: You can schedule charging and manage features from your phone if you install a Wi-Fi charger.
Permits
Installing an EV charger usually requires a permit. Check the details on your local city or county building department’s website. Try searching “[Your Town and State] EV charger permits” to learn more. You can also contact an expert EV charger installation company to help. Most of them will handle the permit process for you.
The first step toward unlimited at-home charging starts with understanding your electrical system. Get expert EV charging help from our team at Fisher Electric in Santa Cruz, CA.
