Electric vehicles are no longer the future, they’re the present. Public charging stations are growing, but nothing beats the ease of pulling into your own driveway and plugging in. With more EVs on the road, more homeowners are considering a dedicated charger. Installing a home EV charger not only saves time, but can also lower costs and make owning an electric vehicle far more practical.
While some areas have plenty of charging stations around town, using them requires planning your day around charging your car. With one in your home, you can charge your vehicle overnight and start each day fully charged. While some free public charging stations do exist, they are rare and often in high demand. Many of the paid options offer fast charging, though the price is sometimes comparable to or even more expensive than gasoline. The electricity costs for using a home charger are less than public charging stations or purchasing gas. Some utility companies offer discounts for off-peak use, meaning it can be even cheaper overnight. Having an EV charger can also increase home value, especially as these vehicles become more common.
A Level 1 charger can be plugged into most any outlet and set up yourself. The downside is that they charge very slowly. These typically take over 24 hours to fully charge, and for some vehicles, over 50 hours. Many EVs come with portable Level 1 chargers, which are convenient when traveling.
These typically require professional installation since they require a 240V outlet, the same kind that is used by a dryer. They are much faster, with most batteries fully charging between 4 and 10 hours depending on their size. Level 2 chargers are the most common choice for homeowners.
Also called DC Fast Chargers. These are capable of charging a battery about 80% in 30 minutes or less, though they can cost more per mile than gasoline. Level 3 are commercial-grade, and generally cannot be installed in a home due to the cost and the massive amount of power needed.
For a level 2 charger, professional installation from a licensed All Around Sight and Sound electrician is needed. The first thing an electrician will check is your electrical panel to see if it has enough capacity for the added load. It’s possible that a breaker upgrade or even a panel replacement may be needed. They will also discuss where you would like the charger, keeping in mind that if the charger will be outdoors a waterproof model will be needed.
Local building codes may require permits, which an electrician will take care of. They can then run new wire from the electrical panel to the charger location. They can then install the wall-mounted charging unit, ensuring proper grounding and circuit protection. After that, a final inspection is done to confirm compliance and the charger is tested to make sure it works safely and efficiently.
Installing a home EV charger is about more than just convenience, it’s an investment in your vehicle, home, and peace of mind. A properly installed charger makes it easier to keep your car ready for the road while also protecting your home’s electrical system. With professional installation, you’ll gain faster charging speeds, a safe setup, and confidence that your equipment will last. With the right setup, powering your car at home can be as simple as plugging it in and waking up ready to drive. If you’re ready to make the switch, the team at All Around Sight and Sound in Arizona has the knowledge and experience to make the installation stress-free. Reach out today to receive an estimate.
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If you’re considering having an EV charger installed, contact us for an estimate by using the form or by calling us at (480) 656-7377.