When you own an electric car an EV charging station at home is almost a necessity. It offers you convenience and the chance to have your car charged and ready to go when you need it. Depending on the charging option you use, the installation can be easily affordable or expensive.
Read on as we explore the types of EV charging and how they are installed.
- Level 1 electric car charger
Level 1 chargers are the most accessible and affordable option. The charger comes with your electric vehicle and requires no special installation. You only need a 120volt wall outlet to plug in the charger. It’s easy to set up yourself and bears no extra costs, as a standard 120volt outlet can be found in almost every home.
The major drawback with this option is the slow/trickle charge of level 1 charging stations. You will need to charge for longer and not drive many miles.
- Level 2 electric car charger
While level 1 chargers are slower and more affordable to use, level 2 EV chargers are the opposite. To use a level 2 charger you need a 240volt outlet run from your breaker to the charging station. This installation will require the expertise of an electrician. The electrician will first determine if your breaker panel can accommodate the addition. If not, you will need an upgrade to have enough power for the charging station. The installation process involves attaching a double-pole circuit breaker at once to two 120volt buses using a 4-strand cable. Be sure to turn off the power in the electric panel during this project to prevent shocks or accidents.
After connecting the circuit breaker to the buses, run the fully insulated 4-strand cable to the location for the charging station. Mount your charging unit and attach it to a 240volt cable. Permits and inspections are often required for this charging station installation. The cost to hire an electrician for the installation is often between $200 and $1200.
- Level 3 electric car charger
Level 3 chargers are the most expensive and power-demanding. They are mainly used in commercial and industrial buildings. Level 3 chargers are also known as DC Fast Chargers and are easily recognized in public charging stations. They cannot be installed at home. Level 3 chargers offer the fastest charge and are not compatible with all electric vehicles. The costs to use public EV charging stations vary.