Home EV Charging 101

Whether you just purchased an electric vehicle (EV) or have had yours for a while, you need a plan for charging it. New EVs come with branded charging cords. These Level 1 chargers offer plug-and-play functionality. Compatible with standard 120-volt outlets, they allow drivers to power up from the comfort of home. But the best way to fill your battery to capacity is to install a Level 2 charger. The following is what you need to know about charging your EV in your Weatherford, TX home.

The Limitations of Level 1 Charging Cords

Despite their ease of use, Level 1 chargers are hardly the most convenient charging solution. These chargers can take up to 56 hours to restore full battery power. If you do lots of daily driving, you’ll have to pair Level 1 charging with frequent stops at public charging stations.

The Drawbacks of Using Public Chargers

While once entirely free, public charging is available at a rapidly increasing cost. Many local charging stations offer pay-as-you-go charging and charging subscriptions. With fluctuating rates and lengthy wait times, public chargers can make frequent EV use a real hassle.

Public chargers aren’t always well-maintained. Connecting your EV to a malfunctioning charger could shorten the lifespan of its battery. Poorly maintained chargers can have software glitches, fluctuating voltage, and faulty connectors. There’s even the potential to encounter low-performing, inexpensive adapters that cause damage at charging connections. Installing your own Level 2 charger at home will help you sidestep these problems and cut your charging costs.

The Requirements for Level 2 Home Charging

While Level 1 chargers can take more than two days to get the job done, Level 2 chargers can power EV batteries to capacity within just 4 to 12 hours. This means that you can plug your vehicle in before going to sleep and wake up to a full driving range. Unlike using a Level 2 public charger, using a Level 2 home charger gives you complete control over your battery’s health.

However, installing a Level 2 charger isn’t as easy as plugging it in. Due to their faster charging speeds, these chargers draw more power. For any major home installation that increases demand on your electrical system, it’s important to schedule an electrical safety inspection to ensure your panel and wiring can handle the additional load. Electricians can also recommend and complete any necessary electrical panel upgrades.

Plug-In Level 2 Chargers

You have two options for Level 2 home charger installation. You can plug your charger in or hardwire it directly into your electrical system. For plug-in Level 2 EV chargers, special 240-volt outlets are required. Even if you already have a 240-volt outlet, have an electrician confirm that it’s properly rated for your charging equipment.

Level 2 chargers also need dedicated circuits. Connecting your charger to a shared circuit could result in frequent circuit breaker trips, overheating, and electrical fires.

Hardwiring Your Level 2 Charger Instead

Hardwiring home EV chargers allows for faster charging speeds and greater electrical system safety. Installing high-quality Level 2 charging equipment enhances the value and marketability of homes. This is especially true when homeowners opt for hardwiring rather than plugging their chargers in. Even if you’re hardwiring your charger rather than plugging it in, it will still need a dedicated circuit and a properly rated electrical panel to support it.

Installing an Outdoor Charger

EV home chargers must have adequate clearance. Professional installation will help you strike the right balance between protecting your charging equipment and making sure that all cords and cables reach your vehicle. If you have a smaller garage or if you use your garage as a workspace, you might opt to install your charger outdoors.

Whether indoors or out, hardwiring is the popular choice for long-term, permanent installations. It also provides the best level of weatherproofing.

It’s important to shop for outdoor charging equipment with the help of a licensed electrician. An electrician can point out models that will hold up well in the natural elements. You can also work with an electrician to identify the right location for your outdoor charger and select any protective barriers or covers that you might need.

Why Fast-Charging Isn’t a Long-Term Solution

Also known as Level 3 chargers, DC fast charging stations definitely live up to their name. These chargers can power EV batteries to capacity in under an hour. Given their substantial power demands, DC fast chargers are only available at public charging stations. Given their rapid charging speeds and overall convenience, these chargers work well for long road trips and harried professionals. However, using them too often can significantly shorten your battery’s lifespan.

Using EV Chargers to Save Money

High-quality home charging stations go far beyond powering batteries up. With integrative smart features, they allow for remote monitoring, remote disconnection, and effective energy consumption management. You can integrate an EV charger’s smart features with your smart home controls to connect and disconnect your battery with your mobile phone, tablet, or other personal device.

Smart features also allow for the greatest energy savings. With scheduled time-of-use (TOU) charging, you can take advantage of off-peak energy rates. Load-balancing capabilities protect residential electrical systems, and they’re especially helpful for households with multiple EVs and setups for simultaneous charging.

Why Whole-Home Surge Protection Is Important

A quality home EV charging station represents a significant investment. It makes good sense to protect it with high-quality surge protection. Whole-home surge protection directs excess energy into the ground before it enters electrical systems.

Whole-home surge protection devices (SPDs) protect chargers and the wiring and other electrical system components that support them. If you don’t have an SPD already, your installer will likely recommend one. Installation companies can also inspect and test existing SPDs and make as-needed recommendations for replacements or upgrades.

Enjoy Impressive Rewards

The State of Texas, Weatherford City, and various utility companies offer generous rebates and other incentives for home EV charger installation. These rewards are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and to qualify, your charger and installation must meet several requirements. To find out about these opportunities and select qualifying equipment, hire a reputable electrician at the very start of your project. Licensed electricians will assist with and expedite the permitting process, and can give you the most current information on applicable rebates.

Schedule Home Charger Installation Today!

Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical has proudly served Weatherford and the surrounding communities since 1983. With over 40 years of industry experience, we offer expert EV charger and electrical installation services. We also provide electrical inspections, panel upgrades, whole-home surge protection, and wiring and rewiring services. When you work with us, you’ll get everything you need for a successful and code-compliant EV charger install. To experience the benefits of having a Level 2 charger in your Weatherford home, get in touch with Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today!