Charging Your Electric Vehicle at Home
Electric vehicle owners in Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia can now get an EV charging station installed with Constellation's home services team. Our installation experts will make sure your desired charger is compatible with your home, as well as handle all the permits, inspections and paperwork needed to complete the install. Plus, all home EV charger installations are covered by Constellation for an entire year.
Understanding Level 1 and Level 2 EV Home Chargers
You have several choices when it comes to EV home chargers. Each option delivers power at a different speed, which impacts how fast you can charge your vehicle. The different levels of chargers also have different installation requirements.
Here’s what you need to know about Home EV chargers. With this information, you can make an educated decision that supports your driving habits and fits your home electrical capabilities.
Level 1 EV chargers
Level 1 EV chargers plug into a regular 120-volt outlet like any other home appliance or electrical device. They are the slowest way to charge your EV. Here is what you need to know about this EV charger type:
- It takes an hour of charging for every 3 to 5 miles of driving range.
- It can take between 24 hours and two full days to charge your EV, depending on your battery size and how much charge it started with.
- You don’t need professional installation of special equipment; just plug your EV into an existing outlet and wait.
Though you don’t need professional installation, you might still want to have someone look at your system, especially if you have an older home. You may wish to make sure the circuit isn’t overloaded.
A Level 1 EV charger makes sense if your daily commute or driving routine is short. If you only have one EV and can leave it plugged in for long periods, a Level 1 charger is an affordable option. You might want to scout out a nearby commercial charging station for times when you need a rapid recharge.
Level 2 EV chargers
Level 2 EV chargers are a popular choice for home charging. They use a 240-volt circuit. Appliances with high power demands, like clothes dryers or electric ovens, use the same type of circuit. Here is why so many EV owners choose to install a Level 2 EV charger:
- It typically takes an hour of charging for every 20 to 30 miles of driving range, which is much faster than a regular circuit.
- It takes between four and 10 hours to fully charge an EV, depending on the level of charge when you start.
- You need to install a charging unit and a 240-volt circuit to run it. You may need to upgrade your electrical panel and must secure a permit. All of these require a licensed professional electrician.
A Level 2 EV charger is ideal if your daily commute is more than a few miles. The faster charging capacity of a Level 2 charger is also more practical if you have more than one EV, and they are relatively easy to use and maintain. Considering the charging speed, cost of installation and convenience, it is no wonder that a Level 2 charger is the most popular option.
Benefits of EV Charger Home Installation
From charging your vehicle faster and more conveniently to increasing the value of your property, installing an EV charger at home can provide short-term and long-term benefits.
1. Charge your electric vehicle faster
Level 2 EV chargers run off a 240-volt outlet, allowing you to charge your car 3-7 times faster than you could using a traditional 120-volt outlet. With these powerful chargers, you can add approximately 10 to 60 miles of range to your vehicle for every hour charged. This means you can wake up to a fully charged vehicle every morning and avoid having to stop for charges throughout the day.
2. Enjoy added safety and convenience
Trying to find a public EV charging station along your driving route takes time out of your day and adds yet another to-do to your already busy schedule. Installing a home EV charger allows you to skip the hassle and charge your car from the safety and comfort of your own home.
3. Reduce your EV charging expenses
In addition to all the time spent locating public chargers, the costs of using a public EV charging station could quickly add up, too. This is especially true for drivers who put a lot of miles on their vehicles. With an EV charger installed in your home and an EV electricity plan, you can take greater control over your charging expenses and may save money over time.
4. Save money on installation with rebates and incentives
If you’re worried about the upfront costs of your home EV charger, there are programs and initiatives that could help make the project more affordable. One way you could possibly reduce the cost of your electric car charger home installation is with government rebates and tax incentives.
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5. Boost your home’s value
As the popularity of electric vehicles continue to rise, getting a home EV charging station installed has become an increasingly valuable home upgrade that could boost your property value. It may also help you sell your home should you decide to list it in the future.