With zero tailpipe emissions, their carbon footprint is exponentially smaller than that of gas-consuming vehicles.
Electric vehicles are the future, too.
When you’re at home, you want your EV there, too.
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You need it for convenience, as well as for emergencies.
Tip
If you want to charge your EV at home, you’re not alone.
The availability and performance of public charging stations can be spotty.
The EVSE receives its power from the home’selectrical system.
Home-based EV charging stations technically are not chargers.
Electric vehicles have chargers built into them.
The other end plugs into an ordinary home 120 V outlet.
Most garages already have a 120 V outlet.
If one needs to be installed, thecost ranges from $130 to $300.
A short overnight charge of eight hours takes the vehicle to 40 miles.
A 12-hour charge gives the vehicle a 60-mile range.
The other end is hardwired into the home’s pre-installed EVSE wall station.
The EVSE is powered by a 240/208 V outlet.
Level 2 EV chargers charge at a rate of about 10 to 20 miles per hour.
That’s more than enough to charge up for the following day at work.
What About Level 3 DC Fast Chargers?
Most garages already have a 120 V outlet installed.
If not, a qualified electrician can install one for up to $300.
This throw in of charging station is not Wi-Fi-equipped and it has no permanent wall station.
Models with Wi-Fi and a wall-mounted station cost from $500 to $800.
Contact an experienced electrician if you want to hardwire the EV charger.
For Level 2 EV charging, install a 240 V outlet near the intended location of the EVSE.
A plan review may be required.
After installing the circuit breakers, turn thebreakers to the OFF position.
The cable can be hidden in the walls and ceiling of the garage.
If the cable will be exposed on the surfaces, it must be contained withinmetal or PVC conduit.
For increased 48 A service, use the thicker 6 AWG cable.
EVSEs in the 48 A and greater range may not have a plug-in option and must be hardwired only.
Turn on EVSE
Plug the wall station into the outlet.
Turn on the double circuit breakers on the electric service panel.
Other chargers may have a built-in cable holder.
A Level 2 EV charger costs from $1,500 to $1,800, including installation and materials.
Homeowners may may lower or much higher depending on several factors.
At a minimum, this side should have direct access to a 120 V outlet for slow charging.
Most electric vehicles come with a Level 1 EV charger that can be plugged into 120 V outlets.
Most EVs do not come with Level 2 chargers.
For now, you cannot run your house off of your electric vehicle.
In fact, some areas, like California, expressly prohibit backfeeding a house from an electric vehicle.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Census Bureau Estimates Show Average One-Way Travel Time to Work Rises to All-Time High.
United States Census Bureau.
Median Driving Range of All-Electric Vehicles Tops 250 Miles for Model Year 2020.
U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Electric Car Charging is Easy.
California Air Resources Board.
Monteray Bay Plug-In Electric Vehicle Plan.
