Upgrade Your Home With an EV Charger

A charging professional discusses which type of electric vehicle charger you need and the process of installing one in your home.

One big benefit of electric vehicles (EVs) is that you don't have to take them to a gas station to fill them up. They can be charged right at home, even while you sleep. But what kind of charger do you need, and what's the installation process? We talked with Sean McLaughlin, an EV charging professional, to get some answers.

Level II charging

More than 80% of EV charging takes place at home, so having a proper Level II charger will really improve that experience. With a Level II charger, you can charge a typical vehicle from zero to full in about eight hours. Most people, however, only need to charge from 20% to 80%, which will only take about four or five hours.

Electric capacity

One thing to be cautious about when installing an EV charger is the capacity available in your electrical panel. About 40% of homes in North America don't have enough capacity. A load management system is only a $200 investment, and it's qualified under the National Electrical Code. It will allow you to avoid the load calculation that goes into determining whether or not you have enough power to install the charger.

Cost of installation

The installation cost can vary greatly and will depend on where your electrical panel is and where you want to put your EV charger. If they are in the same area, a qualified electrician will take less than an hour to install it. If you have to run conduit through your house or under your driveway, it could take an entire day.

Financial incentives

Search the websites of incentive programs because several programs are available, and only certain EV chargers will apply. Some programs can give you up to 100% of the cost of installing an EV charger; others provide bill credits or specialized rates when you're charging your vehicle. Not only can you save money on the cost of installing the charger, but you can save on the cost of charging your vehicle.

Get ready for the future by upgrading your renovation with the right home EV charger.