If you are thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle, you might be wondering just what it takes to juice up your new car. Perhaps you’ve already scouted out locations around town that allow you to charge your vehicle while you shop. However, it is more convenient to charge up your car from the comfort of your own home. This ensures that it's ready to go whenever and wherever you need it most.
If you are curious about just what it takes to charge an EV at home, here is everything you need to know:
Every electric vehicle on the market comes with the ability to tie into some sort of power grid. Most come with a 110-volt charging unit that will allow you to plug the car directly into a three-prong outlet in the garage or on the side of the house. These are known as Level 1 connector kits, though you can certainly upgrade to fancier options.
Tapping into this basic electric system is relatively easy and is the most cost-efficient way to go. However, if you stick with this Level 1 system, you should be aware that it is rather slow. It can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours to get a full charge on your battery. If you leave it plugged in overnight, it should completely recharge the battery.
For those who need to charge their EV faster, you can call an electrician and have them install a 240-volt circuit. You probably already have one of these circuits installed in your home for your clothes dryer. With this upgraded power, you can charge your battery fully in as little as four hours.
In addition to the new circuit installation, you will also need to purchase a Level 2 charging unit. You might see this referred to as electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE). They can come as either portable plug-in models or as wall-mounted units, depending on what your local electrical codes may require. If your area requires a fixed-mount, you will likely need a professional electrician to wire this as well.
If this is something you are interested in doing, be aware that it can be quite an investment. Between the hardwired circuit and the Level 2 charging equipment, you could be looking at a cost of somewhere around $2,000.
It is more than possible to conveniently charge your EV at home. If you want to upgrade to charge it faster, you need help from the top electricians in Winnipeg. Powertec Electric can help you organize your electrical needs and get you ready in no time at all. Give us a call today to see how we can help you get a more efficient charge on your electric vehicle.
