electric vehicle Archives

3 Benefits of Installing Home EV Charger

Posted on July 20, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

The purchasing of an electric vehicle comes with one big, important question:

How can I charge my car at home?

Driving around you may see EV chargers set up for public use – which is great! It’s always nice to know you have a place to go to get a charge on your car, but what if you want the convenience of charging your electric vehicle at home?

There are actually quite a few options out there. One is to just simply plug it into an outlet. Your car should come with a cord that just plugs into any normal outlet in your home. This is called a Level 1 charger. It, of course, does not produce a very fast charger but will make do until you decide you want to purchase a faster way to charge.

The good news is that there are other options that will get your car charged faster. These options are also surprisingly affordable.

What are the benefits of installing an EV charger in your home? Your own charging station will provide you with a fast and safe charge that should cost no more than pennies a day.

At home, the best options for getting a fast charge is to install a Level 2 charger. This will require an electrician to come out and assess your situation – they might also be able to help you over the phone. When a Level 2 charger is installed, you will have a fast charger that will likely fill up your car within a few hours.

Like the outlet that your dryer uses, the Level 2 charger requires a 240V outlet. This outlet is compatible with all types of electric vehicles currently on the market, from Teslas to Chevy Bolts. There is a cord that plugs into the outlet and then into the car. It can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to get a complete charge on the vehicle.

Convenience plays a huge role when it comes to a home EV charger. No more need to worry about losing a charge when you’re driving around town. Simply plug in at night right in your garage or driveway and the car will be ready for you in the morning. You can charge when you want to get with a charging station installed at home.

Lower costs are also a great benefit of installing a car charger at home. Many commercial properties and businesses charger per hour when you plug in. If you have a charger at home, you can skip the fees and just pay your electric bill, which shouldn’t raise more than a few pennies. There are also studies that say charging your car at home costs less than running an air conditioner.

If you have any questions about why you should install a car charger at home, consult with a local electrician. They should be able to answer any questions you may have about the installation process and the benefits.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing the people of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas with expert electrical services and tips for over 30 years. We are installing electric vehicles charging stations daily. If you have any questions, please contact us at (818) 446-0888.

How To Install An EV Charger

Posted on May 22, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

If you’re considering buying an electric vehicle, you’ll want to have the best charging device for the car. There are two options when it comes to charging your new vehicle. These are referred to as Level 1 and Level 2 charging.

Level 1 Charging: Plug your car right into an outlet with the cord it comes with. You will get a low-level charge that is ideal for those who drive short distances and don’t deplete the car’s entire battery life. It takes about an hour to get 4.5 miles of battery back into your car. A full night of charging, or about nine hours, would be needed to replenish the whole battery.
Level 2 Charging: Charge your car with an EV wall mount or use a NEMA 14-50 outlet. This type of charge fills your battery up quicker. Different cars charge in different ways but with a Level 2 charge, it takes about an hour to get around 26 miles of power back into the car. This might be a more expensive route than Level 1 charging but if your commutes are longer this is the way to go.

How to Install an EV Charger?

When you decide to buy an electric vehicle and want to go with the wall mount, the next step is to install one in your home. Please note that you should have experience with electrical systems before performing any work in your home. If you are unfamiliar with installing electric car chargers, please consult with a professional electrician.

If you do not have electrical expertise, there is still good news. Many utility companies offer incentives for purchasing an electric vehicle, its charging station, and having one professionally installed. Be sure to contact your local utility company to find out what offers are available to you.

The first step in installing an EV charging point for your home is choosing it. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in the US, except for Teslas, all use the same type of plug, an SAE-standard J1772. These may all work in the same way, but some chargers are very different than others. Below are some things to consider when picking out your new charger.

Cost – EV chargers can range from $500 to over $1000 depending on a variety of different things. The two main contributors to the price are cord length and amperage.
Installation type: A Level 2 charger is meant to be permanent. It is mounted to the wall using a bracket. However, there are some chargers that can be removed in case you want to take it with you if you move from your home.
Amperage: Level 2 chargers are available in 16 or 30 amp versions. 30 amps should be the default. It allows for the maximum charge and, if you decide to purchase another car, will allow for charging two cars. 16 amps are perfectly fine for charging a single vehicle, such as the Volt.
Length of Cord: This will depend on the location of the charger and where it has to plug into your car. 16 to 18 feet should suffice but the longer the cord you need, the more you will have to pay.

Once you find the perfect EV charger, the next step is to make sure your home is ready for charging your electric vehicle. You must make sure you have enough electrical service in your home before you can charge your car. If you don’t have enough power, you could constantly be tripping the breakers in your electrical panel. Older wiring in your home might also be an issue. If you have knob and tube or aluminum wiring, your home might need a rewire before you can add the extra load of a car charger.

You can see how important it is to consult with an electrician before attempting to wire an EV charger in your home. A lot of things can go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s best to give a local electrician a call to see if they can help you out. It may cost less in the long run.

The Electric Connection has been providing electric vehicle charging installations to the people of Los Angeles for several years. We have at least one electrician in the city every day doing an EV charger installation. Our technicians also know EV charging for businesses. Please call us today to learn more about what we can offer you. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

New Shops Need Burbank Electrician

Posted on July 28, 2014 | by Kim Hopkins

bigstockphoto_Chair_22955 If you recently had a pole building or shop put up on your property, you are probably debating to have it powered with electricity or stick with a generator. There are clearly some real benefits to a shop having electricity. If you are simply using the building to store items, than electricity is probably not a major concern. However, if you are planning to use your shop to work on various hobbies or use it to repair vehicles, electricity is extremely helpful. You will need a Burbank electrician to go about completing the wiring process. You can depend on the team at The Electric Connection to help you make your shop complete with electricity.

Depending on the amount of electricity you need in your shop, you may need to have a sub-panel installed. This is something your electrician will discuss with you and advise you on. If your home is already using the majority of the breakers available in your existing panel, you will need an upgrade or an additional panel installed to run the shop. The size and type of the tools you will use in the shop will influence your decision.

Once you have decided on the electric panel situation, the next stop is to discuss outlet placement with your electrician. Burbank shop owners can decide how many outlets they need in the shop. You may even need a 240-volt outlet to run certain heavy machinery or to plug in a Level II electric car charging station. These are all options for you to consider when you make the decision to hire an electrician. Lighting is yet another element you will want to think about. Typically, a single fixture is installed along the ceiling and then several lamps will be used to illuminate specific work areas. If you would like to discuss running electricity to your new shop, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Understanding Service Calls by Burbank Electrician

Posted on February 8, 2014 | by Kim Hopkins

When you need electric work done, you may be wondering what the first step is and what you can expect. There are plenty of businesses in the phonebook, but choosing the right one can be a bit of a guessing game. You can rest assured when you call The Electric Connection for service. You will want an electrician in Burbank that you can count on to show up on time. Knowledgeable and honest are also very important factors to consider. You have a busy schedule and will need a company with a record of showing up on time and getting the work done promptly.

When you call for a service call, you likely have a problem, but are not exactly sure what it is. You will be forced to rely on what an electrician tells you is the problem. In order to properly troubleshoot an electrical problem, various tools and equipment will be needed. Hiring an electrician that has a fully equipped work vehicle can help save a lot of time. At times, repairing electrical problems can be expensive. If you are on a budget, you will likely only want to pay for what you need to get your home up and running safely. You will need a Burbank electrician who will provide you with an honest quote about what is necessary and what is optional, but recommended.

An electrical safety inspection is always a good idea. If the electrician is at your home, it just makes sense to have the inspection done then. When it comes to your home’s electric safety, it is imperative you choose a company who only hires electricians who know what they are doing and can give you honest quotes about any work that needs to be done.

The Benefits Far Outweigh the Cost of Solar Panels

Posted on July 6, 2013 | by K Hopkins

If you are considering having solar panels installed for your home, there are several reasons why that is a good idea. Not only are they energy efficient, they will also assist in reducing your electricity use. Solar panels also notably shrink your carbon footprint.

Solar Panels Are Affordable

Almost immediately upon installation, solar panels begin generating electricity. You will see the cost of your electricity bill begin to significantly decrease. Besides the fact that you will be saving money on your monthly usage bill, you can also look into a program that allows you to have solar panels installed with no money down. The cost of solar panels can actually be quite affordable.

Solar Panels Are Energy Efficient

If you are concerned about solar panels and the amount of energy they store for instance, if a cloud cover rolls in and sets up camp for a while, there is no need to fret. When using solar panels, the electricity runs to your home using your existing electrical wiring, and you are still connected to your area’s electrical grid. On cloudy days and during the night, your solar panels aren’t absorbing as much solar energy, but it shouldn’t effect the running of your household because you are still connected to an electrical source. It’s very similar to the concept of a hybrid vehicle that runs on both electricity and gas, because you are getting the benefit of innovative technology and a lower monthly bill, but you still have the convenience of an electric company for backup.

If you are looking for a qualified company to install solar panels, The Electric Connection has you covered. The licensed solar panel installers and technicians that are a part of this company will help you through every step of the solar panel installation process. Give The Electric Connection a call or visit our website today for more information.

Can I Charge My Electric Car Overnight?

Posted on May 16, 2011 | by K Hopkins

The short answer is, yes, you can charge your new electric car overnight and drive out into the world with a full charge in the morning. Both new electric cars, the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt, started deliveries in Los Angeles in December 2010. If you’re anxiously awaiting delivery of one of these vehicles, it’s time to consider your charging options.

The all-electric Nissan Leaf can drive about 100 miles before it needs a battery charge. The Chevy Volt can drive about 40 miles, and then it starts burning gasoline. It’s a hybrid. Both come with a complimentary charging cord called a “Level 1 charger.” It plugs into an electrical outlet in your garage or carport and requires only ordinary house current. But a Level 1 charger works slowly and won’t take you from a depleted battery to a full charge overnight. You may still be able to use a Level 1 charger if you have a short commute which would allow you to top off your battery overnight. Here’s more about Level 1 charging.

Drivers who have longish commutes or who don’t charge up every night will want faster charging with a Level 2 charger. A Level 2 charger takes a Nissan Leaf battery from completely empty to completely full in 8 hours; 4 hours for the Volt. So, even if you totally drain your battery, with a Level 2 charger, you’ll be able to fill it by morning. A Level 2 charger is usually purchased along with the car. It’s housed in a container about 18 inches around and hangs on the garage wall, sticking out about a foot. It requires installation of a 240 volt circuit, higher than ordinary house current.

Both Nissan and Chevy will arrange your purchase and installation of a Level 2 charger if you wish. Both car manufacturers have contracted with electrical contractors that they’ve trained and certified. Or you can make your own arrangements with an electrical contractor.

Purchase and installation of a Level 2 charger costs about $2,000. The price can vary quite a bit depending on the distance of the charger from your electrical panel and on whether you need an upgrade of your panel size to accommodate the additional power demands of the charger. Some lucky homeowners, who registered for a California state research project on electric vehicles, will qualify for a discount, or even free purchase and installation. And, here’s some good news: A few days ago, on April 27th, L.A. DWP announced a rebate of $2,000 to homeowners who install a Level 2 charger as part of their research project. A rebate of this size is significant as, in many cases, it can cover the entire cost of the purchase and installation of a charger. Click here for more information on L.A. DWP rebates for EV chargers.

All homeowners who buy an electric car will benefit by their far-sightedness. No more stops for gas. No more worries about gas prices creeping up to $4 or $5 a gallon (or more?!) any time there’s unrest in the Middle East or a natural disaster. They’ll know that they’re contributing to the solution to our dependence on foreign oil — about 60% of that oil is sucked up by our gas tanks. For this reason, President Obama has set the goal of one million electric vehicles on U.S. roads by 2015. For us in Los Angeles, every electric vehicle makes our skies bluer — when you’re running on electricity, your car is emitting no pollution or greenhouse gases at all.

For more about my company, The Electric Connection — all the stuff you wanted to know but were afraid to ask — If you’re interested coupons for electrical work, for example, $50 off installation of a Whole House Surge Protector in the L.A. area, click here on our coupon page.