After this long in the electrical business, we’ve learned that most homeowners never think about needing an electrician until something goes wrong. Sure, swapping busted circuit breakers and changing faulty light fixtures are all part of the job, but sometimes it’s nice to think about all the great things electricians make possible — like one of our favorite new home modifications: electric vehicle charging station installation.
Should You Go Electric?
An electric vehicle may cost more from the onset, but if you’re in the market for a new car, going the EV route could save you tons of money in the long run. Studies show that once you stop hitting the pump, you could save over $5,000 in gas alone in just a few years!
Now we’re not here to sell you on the merits of electric power vs. combustion engines — we are electricians, after all — but we CAN tell you that installing a charger in your home is a relatively easy task. Arnold Electrical Services can help you determine if your garage is EV charging station-ready, or if you’ll need some modifications before you make the switch.
Why A Home Charging Station?
While you don’t necessarily need an EV charging station to own an EV, it’s definitely something to consider if you have your own garage. It’s always an option to charge up your car in parking garages or outside of that one fancy grocery store, but it’s even more convenient when you know can always leave your garage with a fully charged battery. If you do decide to add one to your garage, the big thing to consider is what type of charging station is right for your personal situation.
Types Of EV Chargers
Before you install an EV charging station in your garage, it’s important to understand your options. There are three different types, and Arnold Electrical Services can assess any property to determine the best fit.
Level 1
These basic, low-cost chargers can go pretty much anywhere with a standard outlet. This basic charger will fit the cable that comes with any vehicle and is basically ready to go right out of the box. At only 120 volts, however, they charge at a notoriously slow rate — as many as 50 hours for a full charge — and are best for plug in electric hybrid vehicles instead of fully electric models. But at a $200-$300 price point, they’re definitely a solid choice that always offers the opportunity to upgrade.
Level 2
The next level up doubles the power by using a 240 volt outlet. That might sound intimidating, but it’s the same type used for any home washer or dryer. Chances are, your garage is already equipped with one of these outlets. Our experts can assess any property to see if you’re already set up or to offer estimates for what it would cost to upgrade. If an outlet upgrade is needed, the job will require a work permit and licensed electrician. Between the charger itself and the labor to get it installed, it will set you back anywhere from $1,000-2000 — a small fraction of the amount you’d be spending on gas!
Level 3
The best part about a level 3 EV charging station is you don’t even have to worry about them. These monsters are purely for high-powered commercial charging stations. So even if you do have the $50,000 to install one of these bad boys, your residential electric grid probably won’t support it!
The Future Is Now
If you have been considering getting an EV, don’t let the idea of installing a charger in your garage be what stands in your way. Chicagoland’s electrical experts — Arnold Electrical Services — are here to help you make the switch!
