Installing A Charging Station For Your New Electric Car

Posted on: 14 March 2020

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Electric cars are a great option to lower your carbon footprint and save money on your commute or transportation around town. While there are a lot of good things about these cars when you buy one, charging is necessary, so understanding the different charge methods is essential. 

Level One Charging

Every manufacturer currently making EVs (electric vehicles) provide the new owner with a charging cord for their car. The level one cord is basically a fancy extension cord with the correct ends on it to plug into a regular outlet, and they plug into your car.

Most EVs will charge complete overnight with the standard charger, but it can take some time, so if you have to go out several times throughout the day, charging the car while you're at home to try and replenish some charge in the batteries is a good idea. If you can find an electric car charging station while you are out, parking and charging your car while you are having lunch or in some shops can help keep your batteries charged. 

Level Two Charging

If you use your electric vehicle a lot, keeping the charge in the batteries can be difficult. Adding a level two charger to your home or garage allows you to recharge the car much faster than the standard 110v level one charger. Level two charging stations use 220v power and need installing by a professional electrician to ensure they are working correctly. 

Most EV manufacturers offer level two chargers that you can buy as an accessory to your car. Still, they can run anywhere from five hundred dollars to well over eight hundred dollars, depending on the type of station you buy and where you get it. Some large retailers offer the chargers at well, but if you are concerned about quality and warranty, you might want to stay with the one the manufacturer sells. 

Charger Installation

Because the level two chargers use 220v connections, you need to have an electrician come and install the charger for you. The electrician will set up a new circuit with a 220V breaker in the electrical panel to shut off the charger in an emergency, 

You can select a location in the garage for the charger so that the end that plugs into the car is near the charging port on the vehicle. This will help avoid cords draped over the vehicle and a lot of cord for people to trip over. Once the charger is ready, the electrician will have you plug it in and test it to make sure it is working correctly.