Key takeaways:
- Installing a Level 2 charger in your home is cheaper and more convenient than charging your EV in public.
- A local licensed EV charger installer can walk you through the process of upgrading your home for EV charging.
Did you know 100% of EV drivers prefer charging at home?
It’s cheaper, meaning you can charge around the clock without a wait line. But you’ll have to plan a residential EV charger installation before you can plug in at home.
What’s this process like? What kind of EV charger is best for you? We’re here to answer all these questions and more.
EV Charger Types Explained: Level 1 Vs. Level 2
You’ve probably heard of the different charging levels if you’ve been researching EVs for a while. If not, here’s a quick recap:
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 is the easiest way to charge an EV, but not the fastest. You plug your EV into a 120V outlet (a standard outlet in your home) and charge it with a special cable.
This means you can use an existing outlet with no special upgrades or installations, but your electric car will only get a range of two to five miles per hour of charging. If you do the math, that’s at least 40 hours of charging for a full battery.
Because charging takes so long, Level 1 isn’t ideal unless you have a Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV), which can get a full charge in five or six hours with a Level 1 charger due to its smaller battery size.
Level 2 Charging
With Level 2 charging, you can get a full charge in four to 10 hours. It’s much faster because it uses a 240V circuit and a home EV charger that you must install.
This same type of circuit also powers electric dryers, ovens, and some AC units without added safety features.
It’s the safest way to charge your electric vehicle at home, and installing a Level 2 charger is a quick and easy electrical upgrade with the help of the right contractor.
DC Fast Charging (or Level 3)
There is a third level of EV charging that can fully charge your battery in an hour or less. However, due to the electricity requirements, you’ll find DC Fast charging at public stations, where the electrical infrastructure is much more robust than your residential system.
How to Choose a Level 2 Charger
Now that you know more about charging speeds, you understand why most EV owners get a Level 2 charger installed in their home.
Before you can start planning for this upgrade, you should know a few things about picking the best Level 2 EV charger.
Hardwired Vs. Portable Chargers
Level 2 chargers come in hardwired and portable models:
- A hardwired charger connects directly to a 240V circuit, which means it can support faster charging speeds.
- A portable Level 2 charger plugs into a special 240V outlet that your electrician can install. It’s usually cheaper, and you can take the charger with you if you move.
Charger Capacity
Level 2 chargers have a capacity of 3 to 19.2 kW, and this spec can greatly impact your charging experience:
- A 19.2 kW charger is much faster than a 3 kW model.
- However, your EV has a top charging speed that your charger can’t exceed.
- Since high-capacity chargers cost more, you don’t need to spend more to get a charger that exceeds your EV’s top charging speed.
Compatibility
Compatibility isn’t really an issue since electric car and charger manufacturers now follow the same standard. Regardless of the brand of charger you pick, it should work with your EV as long as it’s a relatively new model.
If you’re unsure what kind of home EV charger is best for you, a local electrician specializing in EV charging installations can help.
Home EV Charging and Electrical Upgrades
Your local electrician will also determine if your home needs any electrical upgrades before you can safely charge your EV.
After doing an assessment, they might recommend the following upgrades:
- Installing a NEMA 14-50 outlet for a portable Level 2 charger.
- Adding a new 240V circuit for your charger or rewiring an existing 240V circuit to bring it up to code.
- Wiring a disconnect switch for Level 2 chargers over 60 amps.
- Upgrading your panel if there isn’t enough space for this new circuit.
- Replace your old panel with a new one if it’s outdated or cannot handle the additional load from EV charging.
- You might also need additional upgrades to install the charger in a safe and accessible spot and run wiring to it.
Since Murfreesboro has a mix of new and older homes, the process of installing an EV charger is unique to each property. You’ll know more about the upgrades needed after an electrician completes an assessment and discusses your options with you.
Get Your Home EV Charger Installed With Airstream
Level 2 charging is fast, convenient, and usually only requires a simple electrical upgrade. The investment is definitely worth it since you’ll pay a lot less to charge at home compared to public EV charging.
Airstream can help if you’re ready to upgrade your home with an EV charger. Our team of licensed EV installers can do an assessment and guide you through this entire process while offering a great experience at every stage. Plus, you can buy your home EV charger through Airstream to make things easier.
Get started today by booking your EV charger installation service online.
Common Questions About EV Charger Installation at Airstream Services
What’s the best home EV charger?
It depends on your unique charging needs. Generally speaking, you should pick a charger from a trusted manufacturer and match its capacity to your EV’s specs.
How can I find an EV charger installation near me?
Look for an electrician who is licensed and insured. An EVITP certification is also an indication that you’ll get a quality installation.
Why do I need a Level 2 charger?
Level 1 charging is too slow for daily driving. It’s best to do a few electrical upgrades and install a Level 2 charger in your home.
How fast can a Level 2 charger charge my EV?
It depends on the charger and EV model, but you can typically get a full charge in four to ten hours.
