If you have an electric vehicle (EV) or are considering buying one, you likely spend time thinking about one critical component — charging your car at home. A Tesla™ home charger and other brands can give you peace of mind that your vehicle will be ready to hit the open road anytime.
The next logical question is how to set up a residential EV charger. You may be tempted to install an EV charging station yourself, especially If you’re handy with tools. However, unless you’re an electrician, it’s best to leave the job to certified professionals.
Safe DIY EV Charger Installation
That’s not to say you shouldn’t ever do it yourself. Almost all electric vehicles come with a Level 1 charger that is safe to set up yourself. These 120-volt charging units plug directly into a standard outlet in your garage. Level 1 is the simplest to install, but it’s also the least effective in terms of actual charging power. It takes more than a day to fully charge an empty battery.
Charge Faster with a Level 2+ EV Charger Installed by a Certified Electrician
Many homeowners are choosing Level 2 chargers and beyond as the go-to solution for much faster-charging speeds. At least a 240-volt outlet and a Level 2 electric vehicle energy supply system will need to be installed.
Here’s more on why these more complex charging installations are best left to the pros
1. Electrical Upgrades
Home EV charger installation typically requires some wiring updates. Your wiring may be out-of-date for what is required for a new charger. You may also need support from an electrician to upgrade to a new breaker box to handle the higher voltage required by your EV charger.
2. Accessibility
Most chargers can only reach up to 25 feet away. Suppose your driveway or detached garage is far away from electrical outlets. In that case, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to install an EV charging station that can access your vehicle without the help of a professional.
3. Finding the Right Location
A qualified electrician can advise on the best location for the home charging station. They have the expertise to locate a safe area where the charger won’t be damaged — considering the distance from the main circuit panel and necessary cabling.
4. Permits & Approvals
In most cases, you will need a permit from your city or local jurisdiction to install an EV charging station. You might also need a building permit to do some remodeling to access your charger. A licensed electrician can help you navigate the process of purchasing any required local permits and inspections.
5. Safety
Last but not least — with any electrical work, you can get seriously injured if you make a mistake. Even the most straightforward task can expose you to dangerous voltages. Tampering with electricity comes with its risk of fires or electrocution if you don’t know what you’re doing. The electrical circuit can be hazardous if the EV charging station is installed incorrectly.
Leave EV Charger Home Installation to the Pros
It’s easy to forget how complicated and dangerous electricity can be because we use it with ease daily.
But installing an EV charger safely requires expertise in the charger itself and the home electrical system. If you’re “winging it” or underqualified, the installation process could go horribly wrong — jeopardizing your safety and your charger’s performance. That’s why only a licensed and qualified electrician should install most EV charging stations. There is also the possibility of voiding a charger’s product warranty if not installed by a certified professional.
Paying for an EV Home Charger Install: Incentives Help!
The
average cost for a charger and EV charging station home installation
varies depending on the brands and equipment used including whether it is portable or hardwired into your home. Most chargers range between $1,200 and $2,500 with the cost of installation averaging $450 to $750.
If you’re reading this article, you probably know there are federal, state, and local incentives that help bring down the costs of electric vehicles. What you might not know is there are programs available that cover the majority and sometimes the entirety of EV charging station purchase and installation costs. Our home state of Nevada offers grants, rebates, and other incentives for electric vehicles and charging stations.
A Great Charge Depends on Great Installation
The most important thing to remember is an exceptional working home charger depends on a great installation. Our primary focus is customer satisfaction and our experienced professionals have a proven track record of success with EV charger installation and associated electrical work.
Get in touch with us today for a free, no-obligation quote on an EV home charger installation designed specifically to meet your needs.