If you want to buy an electric vehicle (EV), you need a place to charge your car. Communal living spaces often have one or two available to residents, but if you own your own home, you’ll need to have one installed. This level of convenience makes owning an EV all that more appealing.
There are two main types of electric vehicle chargers designed for home use: Level 1, which uses a standard outlet and Level 2, which requires an electrician to install. The Level 2 charger is much faster as it’s able to pass more electricity through to your vehicles batteries and at a faster rate than the Level 1 alternative.
The main benefit of owning an EV is that by using electricity instead of gas, you save on fuel expenses. Nowadays, some new car manufacturers are giving away a free charger and paying for the cost of installation when you buy specific electric cars from their lineup.
How Long Does it Take to Charge My EV at Home?
With a Level 1 charger, you can expect the average EV to take between 12 and 24 hours to fully charge. A Level 2 charger can cut that time down to about four to eight hours. However, it’s important to keep in mind that each vehicle, the type of batteries they use, and the battery storage capacity all play a role in charging times.
What Type of Home EV Charger Should I Go With?
The question is best answered by assessing your specific EV and your driving habits, namely the distance you travel each day on average. If you travel further than your car’s battery can provide with a Level 1 charger, the answer is clear: you should get a Level 2 charger. Note that a Level 2 charger requires a 240V outlet and an experienced electrician to do the installation.
How Much More Will My Electricity Bill be When Charging an EV?
While it depends on your local utility rates, you can estimate that most modern EVs cost between $5 and $15 to fully charge a low battery. Of course, you can save money if your electric company offers off-peak hours.
Get Electric Vehicle Charger Installation Provided by Northern Arizona Electrical Solutions
Looking to have an electric vehicle charger installed in your Northern Arizona home? If so, look no further than Northern Arizona Electrical Solutions for expert installation that you can rely on. We’ve installed countless charging stations for EVs and can get you setup and running within a couple of hours.
