HOME CHARGING.
Are you interested in charging your EV at home? Can your electrical panel accommodate the electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)?
It's important to note that while a Level 1 charger can use a regular 120-volt household electrical outlet with no additional equipment, a Level 2 charger requires the installation of EVSE. Learn more below about the EVSE installation process and costs.
Things to Consider Before Installing EVSE at Home
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Residential Level 2 stations begin at approximately $500 for the charging unit
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Installation costs including the permit, range between $200-$1000 when using an electrician and also depend on the location of the installation in the home or garage
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It is recommended to buy an EVSE that can handle 30 amps
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Consider where you install your EVSE. Garages typically provide shelter and accessibility
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Look into buying an EVSE with wireless capability, so you can start, end and monitor charging sessions wirelessly
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If you install a home charger, you can register as a host with Buzze and offer neighbors an opportunity to charge at your house for a fee. In addition, PlugShare offers the opportunity to add your home charger to their map with charging locations.
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Consider installing solar panels to power your charger. Charging your EV using this clean energy makes it completely emissions-free
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Check out the incentives and rebates for home charger installations.
Installing EVSE in Your Home
Many EV owners can fulfill their daily driving range needs by utilizing Level 1 charging equipment overnight without any extra response or installation, as long as they have access to a dedicated power outlet near their parking area. In situations where drivers have irregular schedules, longer commutes, or EVs with larger batteries that necessitate more than an overnight charge, Level 2 charging equipment can be installed. There are incentives available to assist with offsetting the cost of the charging equipment. Electricians are able to advise whether or not your current electrical panel can accommodate the Level 2 charging equipment, and what changes need to be made to your panel if not.
Most Level 2 products incorporate standard safety features and indicator lights. More advanced “smart” Level 2 products offer additional functionalities like data collection, user interface systems, improved displays, charging timers, communication capabilities, and keypads. It is recommended to purchase safety-certified equipment, such as
ENERGY STAR-labeled products, which are subjected to testing by a nationally recognized laboratory and require the involvement of a certified electrical contractor.
EVSE Installation Compliance
The installation of charging equipment should adhere to the codes and regulations set by local, state and national authorities. It is crucial to be aware of any necessary permits from the local building and permitting agencies.
According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), EV charging infrastructure is classified as a continuous load. To ensure a safe and code-compliant installation, it is important for your electrical contractor to possess a comprehensive understanding of the appropriate NEC guidelines. The majority of relevant information pertaining to charging equipment can be found in NEC Article 625. Additionally, it is advisable to consult the guidance provided by the vehicle manufacturer to learn about the specific requirements for charging equipment and to familiarize yourself with the equipment's specifications prior to purchasing or seeking electrical services.
In numerous regions, it is mandatory to submit a site installation plan for approval to the permitting authority before proceeding with the installation process.
For more information on related codes and regulations refer to the Electric Vehicle and Infrastructure Codes and Standards Chart.
Cost of Charging at Home
The fuel efficiency of an electric vehicle (EV) can be measured by its kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles. To determine the cost per mile of an EV, you need to know the electricity cost (in dollars per kWh) and the vehicle's efficiency (how much electricity is consumed to travel 100 miles). For instance, if electricity costs $0.107 per kWh and the vehicle consumes 27 kWh to travel 100 miles, the cost per mile would be approximately $0.03.
To charge an EV with a 200-mile range (assuming a fully depleted 54 kWh battery) at an electricity cost of $0.107 per kilowatt-hour, it would cost around $6 to achieve a full charge. For comparing the fueling costs between specific models of conventional and electric vehicles, you can refer to the Alternative Fuel Data Center's Vehicle Cost Calculator.