Due to a changing lifestyle, people are adopting electric vehicles because of their environmental friendliness. Electric vehicles are sustainable and a good option for people who want to do good for the ecosystem. Electric vehicles are comfortable and efficient, but the only problem is the availability of charging options. Charging at a public station is frustrating, having an EV charger at home is the best option.
Charging at home is the most feasible option. You can charge your EV overnight, and it will be ready to go anywhere in the morning. You don’t need to reschedule your planning around the public charging station and can avoid the fast charging at premium prices.
This blog will provide you with the information needed to buy and install an EV charger at your home. We will also cover why you chose Advisor Solar to install a charger at your home.
Why Install a Home EV Charger Instead of Relying on Public Charging?
When making a comparison between a home EV charger and a public charging station, a home charger always has superiority due to its advantages. Public charging stations are not reliable because they are expensive, and you may have to wait for a long time to get your EV charged.
A home EV charger is the best solution that can resolve all these issues by providing a reliable energy option. Here is a short comparison between the home charging facility and a public charging station.
| Feature | Home Charging | Public Charging |
| Time | Provide overnight charging when you don’t need your car | It consumes your daytime, and you need to plan for it |
| Cost | Use grid electricity, no extra fees | You have to pay service charges |
| Availability | Always available at home | Maybe not near or busy |
| Convinience | Simple and easy, it just requires a plug-in. | Location may be inconvenient or short in time |
Types of EV Chargers Explained
When you want to buy and install an EV charger at your home, it is good to explore the types of chargers available in the market, as it helps you in choosing the best charger according to your needs. The EV chargers come in three levels, and each of them has its pros and cons. Below are the types of chargers explained in detail.
- Level 1: Standard Outlet, Slow
- Level 2: 240V Outlet, Fast Residential Charging
- Level 3: DC Fast Charger For Commercial Use
Level 1: Standard Outlet, Slow
Level 1 chargers can be plugged into a standard electric outlet in the home. They run on 120V, that’s why most EV comes with this charger because of its compatibility with the electric systems of the homes. They have a slow charging speed and are suitable for overnight charging to get your car’s battery fully charged.
Level 2: 240V Outlet, Fast Residential Charging
Level 2 chargers are fast residential chargers and are the best option for those homeowners who have less downtime and a busy routine. These chargers must be installed by a licensed electrician to avoid any safety-related incident. They consume high energy, so it is necessary to check the compatibility of the electric system of your home with this charger.
Level 3: DC Fast Charger For Commercial Use
These chargers utilize direct current and are only used for commercial charging stations due to their direct current requirement. They are the fastest chargers among all types of chargers and can charge more than half of the EV’s battery in thirty minutes.
6 Key Factors to Consider Before Installing a Home EV Charger
Installing an EV charger at home is not an easy task, and it may cause severe safety incidents. EV owners should consider some key factors before installing an EV charger to make sure their system works efficiently and smoothly. These factors have a high influence on your EV charging experience.
- Compatibility of Vehicle: You cannot use a single charger on different EVs, so make sure the charger you are buying is compatible with your EV, which means it has the right connector type and voltage.
- Electrical Panel Capacity: It is necessary to check the capacity of your electrical panel to determine whether it is supporting your charger or not. A high-requiring charger can drastically affect your home’s electrical system.
- Charger Location: Make sure you have available space to install your charger, where you can park your car for charging. Use short distances where less cable is required.
- Local Permits and Code: Some areas require permits or inspections from local bodies. If you don’t know about regulations, hire a licensed electrician who will do these things for you.
- Weather Safety for Outdoor Units: If you’re installing your charger outside of your home, make sure it is protected from bad weather like heavy rain, strong winds, and extreme temperatures.
- Wifi/Bluetooth Connectivity Feature: The latest EV chargers have an option to control and monitor the charging through the dedicated mobile app. It will be convenient if you have this option.
Step-by-Step EV Charger Installation Process
Installing an EV charger at your home requires professional expertise to make sure your charger works efficiently and safely. It is a multi-step process, and following each step is necessary to safeguard the electrical system of your home.
Here are important steps for charger installation.
- Initial Site Inspection
- Load Calculation on Panel
- Permit Application
- Charger Selection and Wiring Setup
- Final Installation and Testing
- Integration with Solar Energy Systems (If Available)
1. Initial Site Inspection
A professional installer will visit your site and evaluate whether the location is suitable for charger installation or not. He will also check the electrical panel and cable reach.
2. Load Calculation on Panel
These electrical chargers consume a high amount of electricity for a long time, which requires a heavy-duty panel. The installer calculates the load to verify if your existing current panel is compatible with your required charger or not.
3. Permit Application
In some jurisdictions, permits are needed from local bodies to install an EV charger. If you don’t know too much about it, then hire a professional installer who will do it for you. Local bodies inspect the place first to issue the installation permit.
4. Charger Selection and Wiring Setup
The installer will recommend a suitable charger according to your charging needs and budget. He will then install wiring and breakers to avoid any huge damage in case of an emergency.
5. Final Installation and Testing
In this step, the charger is finally installed and tested against your EV to check if it is working properly or not. The installer will also look for any possible hazards and eliminate them to ensure safer operations.
6. Integration with Solar Energy Systems (If Available)
If your home is solar-powered, it is good to connect your charger to it to use clean and free energy. It is necessary to ensure whether your solar system can bear the load of the charger.
Why Choose Advisor Solar for EV Charger Installation?
Advisor Solar understands that moving toward electric vehicles is a big step, and installing a reliable charger at home is as important as the EV itself. We have over a decade of experience in providing solutions for custom charger installation according to your vehicle’s needs. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the charger installation process.
Whether you are located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Delaware, our experts will provide fast and professional service related to EV chargers at the doorstep of your home. We will help you transform and move towards green and sustainable solutions. Let us drive you towards a bright future. Contact us now to get more information about EV chargers.
FAQs
Yes, having an EV charger at home is a good facility that protects you from long waiting times and higher charging costs at public charging stations.
Nearly 65% of homeowners have their charging facility at home. More people are moving toward this facility because of its freedom and convenience.
It is better to get help from a professional charger installer to avoid any safety incident. The improper charger installation can also damage your home’s electrical system.
It is beneficial in most ways to install an EV charger at home, as it provides a 24/7 charging opportunity at home. You can charge your EV while you are sleeping.