Home Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Unlike a gasoline-fueled car, one major perk of an electric vehicle is that you can plug it in to a home electric vehicle charging stations or at an EV charging station on the go.

This blog will provide answers to what is admittedly a very different infrastructure for electric cars than what you are used to with gas cars. Once you work out the basics electric cars are a cinch to charge.

What You Need To Know About Home Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The most convenient places to charge your electric vehicle is where it will be parked most often: home and work.

There are three different levels of charging power available for electric vehicles: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging.

Level 1 Charging: Level 1 charging stations operate on a 120-volt AC system. The same power as a standard household electrical outlet. Level 1 chargers take about 8 hours or more to fully charge a drained EV battery. You will commonly find them in homes.

Level 2 Charging: Level 2 charging stations are the most common chargers. They operate on a 240-volt AC system and charging a drained battery can take as little as two or three hours. Even just one hour of charging can replenish a significant amount of battery. Level 2 chargers tend to be the best popular for restaurants, retail shops, employee parking, hospitals and schools, and apartment buildings.

Direct Current Fast Charging: A third class of EV chargers is known as DC fast charging. These use DC power and can fully charge a battery in under an hour. They are very expensive and require stricter safety measures. Also, older electric vehicles aren’t compatible with them, whereas virtually any EV can plug into a Level 1 or Level 2 charger.

 Home Electric Vehicle Charging Station

At home, you’ll want a Level 2 charger, which requires 240-volt power and you’ll want it located reasonably close to the car. This needs to be installed by a qualified electrician.

The 240-volt electricity is generally easy to add to a garage. The plug needed for a charger is the same as an electric clothes dryer. While there obviously is an expense to have one installed by a qualified electrician, the state and federal rebates for owning an electric vehicle can be significant. Xcel Energy offers a home electric vehicle charging station rebate as well.

The car charger plugs into your 240-volt outlet and features a cable that plugs into your car. Longer cables are available for most chargers for drivers who need the charger inside a garage but must park outside.

An electric vehicle charging station requires a licensed electrician. High West Electric has extensive experience with installing home electric vehicle charging stations. We can help you choose the best option and educate you on all the incentives and rebates available once installed. At High West Electric we help homeowners and businesses tackle electrical projects and issues to create safe, efficient and comfortable spaces. We go beyond the wires to professionally assess electrical systems, troubleshoot issues, and deliver safe, smart solutions. Contact us today for a free estimate on a home electric vehicle charging station.