Electric vehicles are more popular than ever – in fact, sales increased 72% in 2021, according to Kelley Blue Book. The increased demand for electric vehicles means electric car home charging stations are a must-have. While installation is an investment, the benefits of having an EV charger at home makes it well worth your money. To help you decide what’s best for your home, the experts at Milton Electric are sharing everything you need to know about EV home charging stations.
How Do Home EV Chargers Work?
When you think about installing electric vehicle charging stations at home, you probably think it’s a long, complicated process that will take hours – and cost thousands. However, when you work with an experienced electrician, the process is simple, and your car will be charging in no time. Installation takes about one day to complete by a licensed electrician and if you don’t have a garage, you should use the best outdoor space available.
So how does it work? The EV charger will pull electrical currents from the outlet and provide electricity to the vehicle, where you only pay for the electricity when you use it.
Understanding the Different EV Levels
There are three charge levels, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3:
- Level 1 chargers are the most basic chargers. These plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and require no professional installation. Though these are the most cost-efficient chargers, they also take the longest to charge your vehicle. Level 1 chargers are recommended for those who travel short distances.
- Level 2 chargers give you the most bang for your buck. While these chargers require professional installation, they provide more power and will charge your vehicle faster than its Level 1 counterpart. These are recommended for drivers who are looking for a quick, efficient charge.
- Level 3 chargers are the fastest chargers on the market and are commonly found at public charging stations. These chargers have an extremely high voltage, making them unsuitable for home usage.
Benefits of Installing a Home EV Charging Station
No matter the type of charger you choose, once you install an EV charger at home, you’ll never want to go without one again. Electric car home charging stations will make the charging process safer – no longer will you have to sit in your car for hours at a public charging station! You’ll also enjoy the convenience of an at-home charging station as you’ll never have to drive around searching for a public charging station to fuel your car.
You may even be able to save money! States and the federal government offer an array of tax credits, rebates, and grants because of your EV charger installation. Currently, all 50 states have incentives. For example, Maryland now offers up to $400 for residential charging station incentives.
What are the Best Home EV Chargers?
If you’re ready to add a home EV charging station, you’re probably looking into which charger is best for you. Many brands are available, and we recommend checking sites like Forbes or Consumer Reports to learn which is best for your situation.
If you’re looking for information or have questions on installation, we recommend scheduling an appointment with an expert electrician to guide your decision. Contact the Milton Electric team at (410) 276-3420 to learn more about installing an EV charging station in your home.