Electric Vehicle Articles Archives

How Do Electric Vehicles Impact Electric Bills?

Posted on June 7, 2022 | by K Hopkins

Electric vehicles have become more common these past few years and have begun to take over from gas-run vehicles.

One reason people turn to electric vehicles is because they are generally less expensive. You can charge them at home before you drive out, and you don’t have to make any stops on the road to “refill your tank”.

Also known as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), an electric vehicle has in place of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

But are electric vehicles truly less expensive? What does it really cost to own one?

Does it affect your electric bill that much?

Are Electric Vehicles Inexpensive?

When compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, an electric vehicle is less expensive because while ICEs require a lot of maintenance, an electric vehicle does not require much of the maintenance required for an ICE.

For example, ICEs may get oil leakages from time to time, and need fixing. They also need new spark plugs often, fresh oil and filtered fuel, and new brake pads for when the old ones fail. Now that is a lot to handle, whereas an electric vehicle does not need any of these.

Much of the components you’ll find in an ICE are not in the EV, which means less cost of maintenance.

Does Charging an Electric Vehicle Affect Electric Bills?

As far as charging an EV goes, it impacts electric bills, no doubt. You’ll be paying for extra electricity consumption, but, don’t be scared, it will only be a moderate increase.

Your electricity bill, however, will depend on the normal cost of electricity in your area.

Although charging EVs affects electric bills, it’s still less expensive than an ICE.

What is the Actual Cost for Charging an Electric Car?

The cost of charging an electric vehicle varies based on the electricity rate in every given region, the car you own, or the charger you install.

Regardless, it costs an average of $50 to $100 to charge an EV in a month.

Depending on what kind of charger you use, your EV can be fully charged in three hours or you may have to charge it through the night to have a fully charged battery.

A level one charger can work for overnight charging, but a level 2 charger (240V) can charge your EV in three hours.

Electric vehicles are worth the hype, and research shows that owning an EV saves about $4600 in maintenance—less than what it takes to maintain an internal combustion engine vehicle.

Not only is it cost-effective, but it is also energy efficient, and the carbon emissions from an ICE that results from fuel use are significantly lower than an EV.

If you are considering purchasing a vehicle, these are good enough reasons to opt for an EV. Don’t worry about your home charger installation. The Electric Connection handles this perfectly with our team of licensed and experienced electrical professionals. Give us a call!

inside of tesla vehicle displaying dashboard

What Happens if Tesla runs out of charge?

Posted on May 13, 2022 | by K Hopkins

Electric cars, especially Tesla, seem to be the newest evolution when it comes to automobiles. Especially with their eco-friendly specifications, such as reduced noise and air pollution.

However, since EVs run on electricity, you may find yourself suddenly stuck, if your battery runs out.

What Happens if Tesla runs out of charge?

Before a Tesla runs out of charge, it issues warnings a couple of times. Eventually, though, if the warnings are ignored, it will come to a halt.

If this happens, you’ll need to hire a flatbed truck to come to pick it up and transport it to the nearest charging station.

While Driving The Tesla Does The Following

The Tesla alerts you when you’ve gone beyond the range of all known charges. It notifies you that you’re leaving a recognized charging region.

If you’re driving to a location, the Tesla will calculate the remaining range and distance to your destination. You’re frequently passing through a SuperCharger on your way to the next SuperCharger. If your energy consumption is much higher than planned while you’re near the final SuperCharger, Tesla will tell you to go back to it and charge some more.

If you’re running low on power and approaching your destination, Tesla will suggest a particular speed reduction to guarantee you arrive safely. It may, for example, advise driving at 65 mph rather than 75 mph. Every few minutes, it will remind you again. It will also adjust the recommended speed as necessary. These warnings are difficult to dismiss.

The battery sign becomes yellow and eventually red as the remaining range drops below 10%

There’s still hope if you’re still out of range of a charging station. Your Tesla isn’t going to die on you. Even when your range has been reduced to zero, it has a few over 10-20 kilometers.

This isn’t to say you should bank on it, but knowing that you can drive at 65 mph for that 20-10 miles gives you some hope that you’ll make it to your destination and charge it up is reassuring.

A buffer is the number of extra miles you get in a Tesla. You won’t be able to maintain a 65mph speed until it runs out. Instead, you’ll find your car slowing down gradually. It allows you plenty of time to pull over to the side of the road and park while you plan your next move.

Your Tesla will warn you it won’t be able to drive for a while as it slows down to roughly 15 mph, and then it will come to a halt and park itself.

You’ll need to call for roadside help or a tow truck to go to the nearest charging station at this point. To avoid damage to your Tesla, make sure it is transported on a flatbed. When roadside help arrives, put the automobile in “transport mode” so that the tow truck drivers can simply pull it into the tow truck.

Install a Tesla Wall Connector or other charger at home to help with this issue.

Can a Nissan Leaf Charge at a Tesla Charging Station?

Posted on April 8, 2022 | by K Hopkins

If you just got a Nissan Leaf or are planning to get one, one of the many questions you probably have is whether you can charge your Nissan Leaf at a Tesla Charging Station.

Those Tesla superchargers are everywhere and they are sweet. It would be nice if you could get some of that too for your Nissan Leaf.

So, the big question is, will you be able to charge your Nissan Leaf at a Tesla Charging Station?

Unfortunately, the answer is No

Why Can You Not Charge a Nissan Leaf with a Tesla Charger?

You cannot use a Tesla charger on a Nissan Leaf because Tesla’s charging connector can only work on a Tesla car, especially if it is a Tesla Supercharger.

Tesla is the sole proprietor of its charger, and handles everything from the power delivery, to payment and control via the car’s infotainment system. This does not give room for this charger to work on a different EV except Tesla somehow decides to open up its network and protocols to other automobile manufacturers.

Plus, the plug design of the Tesla is quite unique and it is impossible for the Nissan Leaf charging cable to directly plug into its Supercharger/destination charger.

How Do You Fast Charge Your Nissan Leaf?

The Nissan Leaf uses a different fast-charging connector known as CHAdeMO. This means, instead of looking to a Tesla Supercharger, you will have to search for an EV Charging station that allows for CHAdeMO charging.

Some stations that support CHAdeMO are ChargePoint, Electrify America and EVGo. You can also search for charging stations using the PlugShare app – simply install the app, register and it will search for charging stations closest to you that support your car’s charging type.

Will Tesla Ever Accommodate Other EVs?

It is difficult to tell whether this will ever happen, but there have been rumors that Tesla will in fact let other EVs charge cars with its supercharger. The details are still unclear but this may mean a lot of things, both for other EVs and Tesla.

For the Nissan Leaf, its fast-charging days are looking bleak with Tesla not opening up to it and Electrify America stopping installation of fresh CHAdeMO plugs in its new stations.

Tesla allowing Nissan Leaf to use its Supercharger will be a big deal, especially for the older Nissan Leaf versions because these cars have a limited range and it is difficult to find charging stations that support its charging.

The downside to Tesla accommodating Nissan Leaf charging is how long it takes for a Nissan Leaf EV to charge completely. On average, it takes about an hour, and this may be inconvenient for Tesla cars.

In conclusion, it would be a great thing for Nissan Leaf if Tesla’s Supercharger could accommodate it. However, it may not be such a great thing for Tesla. It is best to have your own EV home charging station so that you can charge your Nissan Leaf whenever you want and for as long as you want, especially overnight.

Book an appointment with us at The Electric Connection to install a home EV charging station.

What to do when Tesla Charger is flashing red?

Posted on August 6, 2021 | by K Hopkins

So you finally have your Tesla charger installed and after some time you notice a flashing red light.

Red hardly ever means well, so you’re right to worry about it.

We’ve gathered the troubleshooting tips you need to handle this situation on your own or with a Tesla certified electrician.

If the light is a solid red

A solid red light on your Tesla charger could mean an internal fault and that the wall connector needs to be replaced. An electrician can confirm this. But your troubleshooting solution is to turn off the breaker supplying your Tesla charger with power and turn it back on.

If there’s no change and you still see the solid red light, contact Tesla with your product information.

If you see one red blink

One red blink on your Tesla charger could mean there’s a GFCI. Start your solution with an inspection of all the parts, including the handle, cable, Wall Connector, and vehicle charge port for damage or signs of water ingress.

Then, call an electrician to check that the ground wire is not directly connected to a conductor wire in the branch circuit.

If you see two red blinks

Two red blinks indicate a different problem from one red blink. It might mean there’s a ground assurance fault or possibly a high ground resistance has been detected.

Call an electrician to see if your charger is properly grounded or if any physical connections have such issues.

For three red blinks

This indicates a high temperature detected by your charger.

Inspect the physical parts of the wall connector, including the faceplate and cable, for warmth. Regardless of if you notice excessive warmth or not, call an electrician quickly to verify that the conductors used are sized correctly and there’s no danger from the connector.

For four red blinks

Thankfully, four red blinks just mean a disruption with the internet connection. Check for the cause of this interference. Like a changed password, working router, etc.

Fixing the reason should solve the problem.

For Five Red Blinks

If your Tesla charger is flashing red in five red blinks, it could mean there was a power-sharing communication issue. Hence, the charging speed has been reduced. Troubleshooting this is just like that of four red blinks, check for the interference, and try re-linking your wall connector.

When no lights come on

It’s not just flashing red lights you might have to worry about. An absence of light from your Tesla charger means there is no power supply coming in from the breaker panel.

Check if the breaker was turned off. Switch it on and off yourself and if there are no changes, call an electrician to check.

For Six Red Blinks

Flashing red lights 6 times means there’s too much voltage or poor grid quality detected. If you’re using the level 2 charger, the power supply should be nominal 200-240 volts. Have an electrician remove the Wall Connector from the wire box and confirm that voltage readings are correct.

For most problems with your wall connector, you can either reach out to Tesla or call an electrician to take a look.

Do I Need To Charge My Tesla Every Night

Posted on April 1, 2021 | by K Hopkins

This question is more common than you think and often asked by new Tesla owners. You’d want to know if there is any risk involved with charging your electric vehicle daily or not charging as much. In this article, we have gathered all the facts to help you decide on what’s best for your EV.

What Tesla says

You may have heard the funny phrase ‘A plugged-in Tesla is a happy Tesla’. This phrase comes from what Tesla says in the owner’s manual about battery charging –

“The most important way to preserve the Battery is to leave your vehicle plugged in when you are not using it. This is particularly important if you are not planning to drive Model S for several weeks. Model S wakes up when needed to automatically maintain a charge level that maximizes the lifetime of the Battery. There is no advantage to waiting until the Battery’s level is low before charging. In fact, the Battery performs better when charged regularly,”

From this, you can see it’s safe to charge your Tesla not just every night, but every time it’s not being used.

The manual also gives more suggestions on charging your vehicle the right way.

Setting a charging limit

Tesla owner’s manual also recommends setting a charging limit for your vehicle to 80-90%. Besides, your Tesla is already set to a default charging limit of 90%. If you’re wondering about the minimum low battery limit for your EV, the manual equally states to stay above 20% if possible.

Everything Tesla says about battery charging boils down to driving between 90% and 20% of total battery capacity. For many drivers, that’s more than enough for their daily miles.

Benefits of charging every night and using Tesla’s recommendations

The benefits include:

Charging every day increases the range available to you for driving.
Using only between 90 and 20% of your battery capacity helps to extend battery life. This is because Lithium-ion batteries are prone to damage when in the very high and very low ends of the charge spectrum.
Also, when you charge your Tesla every night, you make up for the amount of battery life drained by Tesla’s auxiliary system each time your car is idle.

Drawbacks to charging your Tesla every night.

While all we have explained so far says it’s okay and even necessary to charge your Tesla every night, there are still drawbacks to consider before deciding for yourself.

Charging daily increases energy loss used in preconditioning or heating the battery for charging. There is also the cost of electricity and an increase in your battery cycle count.

Conclusion:

If you’re like most Americans who drive an average of 37 miles per day, you could easily skip charging for a few days and still have enough battery capacity for your use.

Charging fewer days a week at night or in off-peak electricity pricing periods will help you deal with the drawbacks listed above and increase the battery life of your Tesla.

Looking for a way to charge your Tesla at home? Contact us, your Los Angeles Tesla Certified electricians.

Installing Tesla Charger in Los Angeles Condo

Posted on March 1, 2021 | by K Hopkins

When you are an electric vehicle owner, dealing with charging becomes the next thing to do. For some, it’s easy to stick to public charging options. For others, home charging options are the best, but the same rules do not apply to every home.

If you are living in a condo or apartment, the power to your home comes from a house panel that serves all occupants. This means it won’t be so easy to just install a Tesla charger without approaching your building manager.

Since many occupants share the power from a panel, the building manager can’t allow occupants to install individual charging units. The reason is that such installations will overwhelm the panel in the long run.

Does this mean you have no choice but to depend on public Tesla chargers? Not exactly. It’s possible to get a Tesla charger installation in your Los Angeles condo by following certain steps, working with the right electrician, and knowing the problems to avoid.

Read on as we guide you through it.

Start by locating your service panel

In your Los Angeles condo, the service panel may not be in an accessible area. However, to even begin the process of installing a Tesla charger in your condo or apartment, you have to locate this service panel. Once found, a professional electrician can help you find out if the panel can accommodate another breaker or the charger installation.

Know the parking arrangement

From knowing what your panel can and can’t carry and its location, you can move on to your parking arrangement. Where you park your EV is vital to install a charging unit. Parking arrangements in a condo or apartment usually include assigned parking spots, shared parking lots, or personal garages that can be inside or outside.

Level 2 EV chargers often come with a cord that is up to 20ft long. Hence, identifying your parking arrangement helps to know what is involved in running power from the main panel to the spot where the Tesla charger can reach your vehicle.

Meet your building manager

This is usually where it gets tricky for EV drivers in condos or apartments. After you’ve determined the factors above, you will need to send a request to your HOA or building inspector/manager. Some managers who are familiar with installing EV chargers can help you through the process and granting permission. While others may make you go through a series of hoops or refuse to grant permission.

To help with your request, here are some things you should include;

The charging station you need – Level 1 or Level 2.
Where the charging unit will be installed.
Any construction implications.
The real estate benefits of installing an EV charger.
Who will pay for the installation, charger maintenance, and electricity costs?
Access to a licensed electrician to install the Tesla charger.
A permit from the city.

A licensed electrician will get the permit from the city and be able to provide insight on most of the details you need such as the type of charging station and installation details.

How to Become Tesla Certified Electrician

Posted on February 10, 2021 | by K Hopkins

If there’s anything we know about Tesla, it’s that they keep doing better and better. This leads to more people wanting to join the movement for sustainability by owning one of their sleek vehicles.

More EV drivers on the roads increase the need for home charger installations. It’s not surprising because a home charging station offers convenience and reliability. This is where hiring an electrician for the installation also comes in.

The term Tesla certified electrician simply means an electrician or company that has undergone training by Tesla and is certified as a capable installer.

Becoming a Tesla certified electrician comes with many benefits such as:

Having the certification shows that you invest in your career as an electrician and you probably have more knowledge and experience than others in your field.
You get to stay updated with the latest trends in consumer and industrial electricity.
You will be shown to EV drivers in your area as a Tesla certified electrician.
Tesla always recommends that owners get their charging equipment installed and serviced by one of their certified electricians.

How to become a Tesla certified electrician

When you decide this program and its certification are just right for you, you’ll have to apply for it. The application is done via the Tesla website and you will be required to fill a form. Here is some information Tesla will ask you to provide in the form:

Your full name
Email address and phone number
Region
Address
Company name
Products you will work with
The number of installations you hope to install in a year?
Company address
Website
Number of employees
The certifications/licenses you currently have
Insurance document

The data may depend on if you are an independent electrician or electrical contractor/company. Further directions will be given after you submit the form. Due to great interest, the form and program may not be available at any given time.

What to expect?

As a Tesla certified installer, you would often be required to take the pictures of your completed installations and send them to Tesla.

You would need to have an electrical license and be an electrician to apply for this certification.

The Electric Connection is proud to be featured as a Tesla certified installer. We are currently installing multiple Tesla and other electric vehicle charging units and receptacles daily. It’s usually a simple job for our electricians to tackle and we’re happy to help out! Complete this simple online form for a free quote emailed to you in minutes.

Find A Tesla Certified Electrician

Posted on February 7, 2021 | by K Hopkins

All EV drivers have to find a solution to charging their electric vehicles. The best option is to always charge at home overnight so you are powered up and ready to go in the morning. To do this, you will need a Tesla certified electrician but not all homeowners know where to start or why this is even necessary.

Why install a home charger for your EV

Yes, installing a home charger for your Tesla means investing some money. The thing is, it’s more beneficial and cheaper in the long-run. Here are some reasons why:

You get to decide everything. Installing a home EV charger for your Tesla gives you a convenient charging option. Hence, you get to control everything. You can decide the type of charging you prefer such as a level 1 or a level 2. You can also indicate where you’ll like the charger installed.
It saves you money. Investing in a home Tesla charger saves you charging costs in the long run. Most public charging options come at a cost that will only add to your monthly bills.
Your home will rise in value. Having a Tesla charging station at home can increase your home’s value in case of a sale. A Tesla charging station is a modern installation that is relevant to a green future as more and more people buy EVs.

Why a Tesla certified electrician?

When it comes to installing a home car charging station, you may hear the term Tesla certified electrician. Yes, this differs from hiring a regular electrician to connect your Tesla.

A Tesla certified electrician has;

Undergone an intensive EV service training program
An understanding of all Tesla vehicle products
Passed a written general automotive exam not specific to Tesla vehicles
Relevant education and training
Compliance with all local and national electric code installation requirements.
Experience in Tesla vehicle charging needs
License and insurance

Why would you want to hire someone any less qualified to handle the charging needs of your sleek EV?

How to find a Tesla certified electrician

Contrary to what you may think, there are not so many Tesla certified electricians around. It takes dedication and professionalism to opt for this certification.

To find a Tesla certified electrician, you can start by searching on the Tesla platform for a certified electrician near you. When you find a few options, be sure to confirm their certifications beyond EV charger installations. An electrician with experience in other electrical services is best.

Aside from installing your home car charger, the electrician could inform you of other problems with the electrical wiring in your home. They can determine if your electrical panel is of the right capacity for the new addition and also recommend surge protection.

Check for reviews of this technician and get their quote. Choose from your options if you have more than one and schedule a time for the installation. Be sure to keep all your invoices from the service.

Don’t want to look too far? Contact us here today for your home electrical and Tesla charging needs.

Install a Tesla Charger in your Burbank Home

Posted on December 24, 2020 | by K Hopkins

As an EV owner, you are going to need a solution to charging your electric vehicle at your convenience. While Burbank offers up to 42 public charging stations across various sites, you might still prefer installing a Tesla charger in your Burbank home. We have put together all the information you need to do this easily and affordably.

What Charger Should I Buy?

This is often the most common question first time EV drivers ask. Various electric car electric chargers serve diverse purposes. Your options include mostly a level 1 and level 2 charger for home charging stations. The level 1 chargers comprise a 120-volt cord that can be plugged in regular home outlets. They are best for drivers who drive less than 30 miles in a day. Level 1 chargers are the slowest charging at 3-5 miles per hour. Hence, if you drive over 30 miles in a day, you might want to consider a faster charger which is usually level 2. Level 2 EV chargers use a 240-volt cord and dedicated outlet that often have to be installed by an electrician. This charger charges at 10-20 miles per hour.

The Best EV Chargers in 2020

One of the best things about electric charging stations for your Burbank home is that you have a wide range of options. Here’s a list of various top chargers in 2020 and how they compare against each other.

JuiceBox Pro 40A

This charger is a US-made, powerful, 10kW charging station suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It includes an app that gives you control of everything from notifications to scheduling, energy metering, and LED charging light indicators. It is Wi-Fi equipped and portable in structure and appearance. The JuiceBox Pro 40A can either be plugged into an outlet or hard-wired. It is compatible with Amazon Echo/Alexa.

ClipperCreek HCS-40P Plugin

The HCS-40P Plugin is also US made and popular for its durability. It is a level 2 charging station suitable for outdoor use and with the special inclusion of a 3-year warranty. It is a hard-wired charger with a 7.7kW power output. Just like most EV chargers on the market, it has a compact build.

Siemens VersiCharge Home Charger

The brand provides 3 models of this charger, which are hardwire, universal, and smart grid. The hardwire models are the most affordable of the 3. Each model is a level 2 charger with 72kW power output. They are easy to install and use.

EV Charger Incentives in Burbank

By installing a level 2 EV charger in Burbank, you become eligible for a rebate from Burbank water and power (BWP). To apply you must be an active BWP electric customer. Burbank EV owners who charge their vehicles at home/at night can also enjoy the time of use (TOU) electric rate. TOU rates vary across different times of the day and are mandatory for those who apply for the EV charger rebate. The rates are optional for residential customers.

EV charger installations in Burbank should be done by an experienced electrician. The cost of the installation can be anywhere from $200 to $1000, depending on your EV charger needs.

Tesla Vehicles Outshine Competition

Posted on December 17, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Electric vehicles are popular, but even more popular is the brand Tesla that has consistently led others in the industry. For over 15 years, Tesla has been in business and each time they have delivered what EV drivers and the world need.

This has taken Tesla’s market capitalization worth to $300 billion- ahead of other automobile brands even beyond electric vehicles.

There have been several feats that took Tesla from one stage of greatness to the next, and the most recent is the show of efficiency supremacy by the brand.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency just released its rating on 2021 electric cars, and Tesla can be seen standing tall and ahead.

2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range has an impressive efficiency rating of 134 MPGe.

How or when did this happen?

It all started when Tesla introduced many new 2021 model vehicles and announced changes to others, especially the Model 3.

The most outstanding feature in both the changes and the new lineup was the increased efficiency confirmed by the EPA.

Barely a year ago the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD got a 121MPGe same as the Model Y Long Range AWD. Now the EPA has confirmed a boost in the efficiency of 134 MPGe rating for combined city and highway driving for the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD. And a smaller boost of 125 MPGe for combined city and highway driving for the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD.

Other brands and models such as the Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40, which compete directly with Tesla Model 3 and Y fall at 92 MPGe and 79 MPGe, respectively. The efficiency supremacy is clearer than ever.

These Tesla vehicles now offer drivers more miles and more range on less energy capacity. It also translates to faster charging at the same charging output you’ve likely used before on your EV.

Tesla continues to outshine the competition at every turn, and hopefully, others will take up the challenge to impress sooner than later.

To enjoy your Tesla vehicle regardless of model, improvements, and so on investing in a home charging station is always best.

Be sure to call in the experts at The Electric Connection to help make installation and charging convenient and dependable for you. If you are also experiencing charging issues, electrical problems or need a Tesla Wall Connector installed, we answer promptly to restore order and your peace of mind.