EV Home Charger Guide

Electric vehicle chargers can range from $200 to $1000, so understanding the charging needs of your vehicle, range of miles driven, your daily commute, and the type of charger is essential. For instance, a Level 2 Charger can add around 7-10 kW of energy per hour, while a Level 1 Charger adds between 1.3 and 2.4 kilowatts (kW) per hour.

Because an electric vehicle is a substantial financial investment, it is important to understand that every vehicle has different charging needs, such as the amount of power the vehicle's battery is designed to accept. For example, some vehicles can accept 6.6kW (28A), while others will accept 11kW (48A), which will change the landscape of what type of charger is needed for the vehicle, the charging time, and the costs of the charger.

It is also important to factor in how much power your home’s electric power can deliver for the charger. Most homes have a rating of 100A or 200A (Amperage). The maximum amperage for your vehicle charger will depend on the amount of unused amperage left in your breaker panel available after the normal living of life in the home, such as running the AC, doing laundry, watching television, lights on, cooking, etc.. This makes it essential to be informed about the charging needs of the vehicle, the home charger that is needed, and the power capacity of your home. Even before purchase of the vehicle.

Electric vehicle chargers come in different amperage ratings which determines how much power can be delivered to the vehicle. The amperage ratings range across 30A, 40A, 48A, 60A, or even 80A. With some of the chargers having an adjustable current feature, allowing the amperage to be adjusted to the specific charging requirement of the vehicle.

From Tesla to KIA, Porsche to GMC, the vehicle brand, size, make, and range of miles it can be driven are all factors in the type of home charger is needed. That’s why when deciding which electric vehicle you should purchase, the type of home charger, your home’s electrical system, and your daily commute are all factors in the purchase of which vehicle.

Plug-in or Hardwired Chargers:
While hardwired chargers are connected directly into the home’s electrical system, plug-in chargers can be plugged into a 240V outlet, similar to the outlets used for washers and dryers. The advantage of portable chargers are they can be taken with you, on camping, vacation rentals, or if you move.

Hardwired chargers are directly wired to the home’s electrical system. These chargers reduce the number of electrical connections, thus reducing the number of potential failure points within the circuit. Because outlets in the home can only support up to 40A, a hardwired charger is needed for 48A or 80A.

Indoor or Outdoor Chargers:
If you’re looking to install the charger outside of the home or garage, you’ll need to ensure that it’s rated for outdoor use. Especially in areas where there is harsher weather such as snow, high winds, and extensive rain.

Level 1 and Level 2 Chargers:
Level 1 chargers use a standard 110-volt AC outlet, the outlets that are common in homes. This is the slowest level of charging available and can add 1-2 kW of energy per hour to your vehicle. In an electric vehicle with a 77.4-kWh battery, it can take a few days to charge from completely empty to completely full. In most purchases, the vehicle comes with a Level 1 charging cable that plugs into your standard household outlet.

Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt AC outlet or circuit, similar to what is used for an electric stove or dryer. The higher voltage allows for more power to be delivered to the vehicle in a shorter period of time. A Level 2 charger can add around 7-10 kW of energy per hour, while a Level 1 charger adds between 1.3 and 2.4 kilowatts (kW) per hour.

Want to get started on installing a home charger for your electric vehicle, contact us:

AC Meehan Electric
689 Cherry Tree Road,
Aston, Pennsylvania 19014
Phone: 484.431.0904
Email: anthony@acmeehanelectric.com

Business Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm., Sat: 9am-1pm.

We are: Reliable, Affordable, & Dependable; We deliver on time and within budget.
Over 23 Years of Experience; With an established reputation of excellence.
Family Owned and Operated., Fully Licensed and Fully Insured.

Complete Residential and Commercial Electrical Services, from installations to repairs, indoor and outdoor lighting, remodeling and renovations, our services include wiring, lighting, installation, repairs, upgrades, and maintenance for all your electrical needs, including generator installation, maintenance, and service, to ensure the power is there when it's needed most.