Which EV Charging Station Is Right for Your Vehicle
Installing an electric car charger at home gives you power on demand, so you can drive anytime, without needing to depend on a public charging station. To choose the right charger, you’ll need to consider factors like charging speed, compatibility, electric infrastructure, safety and reliability, feature set, and cost. Below, we’ll explore the variables involved in selecting a charger so you can pick the best type for your needs.
Charging Speed
If you have an electric vehicle, you want it to be ready to go when you are, especially if you need to drive frequently or cover a lot of miles. Waiting for your vehicle to charge can be inconvenient, especially if it has a large-capacity battery. For this reason, home EV chargers are made to serve different needs, and the more powerful the device, the faster it will work.
The speed of a home EV charger depends on its voltage and amperage ratings, which correspond to the electrical capacity of your circuit and the intensity of the current flowing through it. Chargers with higher numbers charge faster, so a 240-volt, 30-amp charger will get you on the road much more quickly than a 120-volt, 16-amp device.
To make it easier to gauge charging speed, home EV chargers are categorized as Level 1 or Level 2 devices:
Level 1 chargers work with a standard 110-volt or 120-volt circuit and provide eight to 16 amps of current. Many Level 1 chargers are designed to plug directly into a standard wall outlet, just like a phone charger does. Unfortunately, these chargers only add 3 to 5 miles of range to your vehicle per hour of charging time, making them relatively slow. This means it can take several hours, and sometimes more than a day, to fully charge your battery.
Level 2 chargers work with a 208-volt to 240-volt circuit and provide 16 to 80 amps of power, with 30-amp to 40-amp chargers being the most commonly used devices. They are designed to plug into a dedicated outlet for large appliances (like the one you might use for an air conditioner) or be hardwired into your circuitry. Level 2 chargers work much faster than Level 1 chargers, adding between 12 and 40 miles of range to your vehicle per hour of charge time. On average, a Level 2 charger can fully charge your car’s battery in about nine hours.
Electric Infrastructure
Once you decide the level of charging speed you need, you need to pick a plug-in or hardwired charger that will work with your home’s circuitry or upgrade your electrical system to accommodate your charger.
Using a Level 1 plug-in charger is the easiest way to power up your vehicle. These devices require no installation; just plug one end into your car and the other into any available outlet. If you want to use a plug-in Level 2 charger, you’ll need a 240V outlet on a dedicated 60-amp circuit. If you don’t have a dedicated circuit available, an electrician can install one in your garage or carport or near your driveway. An electrician can also hardwire a Level 2 charger into your electrical panel. These permanent appliances often provide the fastest charging speeds available, and they can also raise your property value.
To know how much current your home’s circuits can support, check your electrical panel. In general, your charger’s rated amperage should not exceed 75% of a circuit’s available electrical capacity. Most homes with 100 amp or 200 amp service can accommodate EV charging, but older homes with 60 amp service may need an upgrade. Likewise, if you are maxxing out your system by running several appliances, or you plan to charge several vehicles, you may need to add more capacity.
Connector Compatibility
Electric vehicles have two major connector types, the SAE
J1772 “J-plug” and the J3400/NACS used by Tesla, Usually, you will want to use a charger outfitted with the same connector as your car, but you can also purchase an adapter that allows you to charge any vehicle with the charger of your choice.
Safety and Reliability
When you’re choosing an EV charger, you want it to be safe and reliable. Quality chargers that are Energy Star, UL, or ETL certified will reduce your risk of fire or shock and be less likely to malfunction. Reputable brands also tend to offer multi-year, full-coverage warranties and 24/7 customer support.
Also, make sure your charger is properly designed for your use case. If you’re installing a charger outdoors in your carport or near your driveway, you’ll need a weatherproof model. If you’re using a high-powered fast charger that runs on more than 48 amps, it should be hardwired into your electrical system. For more operating tips, you can check out the Electrical Safety Foundation International (EFSI) guidance on safe EV charging.
Feature Set
EV chargers can be simple or complex. The most basic models plug into the wall and power up your vehicle without giving you much feedback, but typically, modern EV chargers offer a variety of more advanced features. Depending on your needs, you may want a charger that:
- adjusts its power delivery to accommodate your overall electrical demand
- tracks your energy usage
- schedules charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates
- prevents unauthorized access
- is WiFi- enabled
Many EV chargers allow you to customize your settings via a proprietary app. If you’re concerned about energy efficiency, reducing your energy consumption, or preventing overloads, a charger with advanced features may be the best choice for you.
Cost
If money is no object, it may make sense to get the fastest, most powerful charger on the market that’s compatible with your car and home circuitry. Most people, however, will consider their budget when they select their equipment. Level 2 chargers are typically more expensive than level one chargers.
Installation costs will vary by location and the complexity of the job. High-amp chargers, inconvenient placements, and electrical system upgrades usually add to installation costs. You may also need to pay for permits and electrical system upgrades, which can bring your costs into the thousands.
Another way to save money is to look for grants and rebates from hour utility. Local, state, and federal government agencies may also offer incentives like rebates and tax credits for installing an EV charger. Visit Rewiring America or ENERGY STAR Incentives to see what’s available where you live.
Other Considerations
At the end of the day, the best EV home charger for will be dependable, easy to use, and work with your lifestyle. A licensed electrician can help you select and install a charger that meets your needs in a convenient, safe location. They can also advise you about upgrading your electrical system, install surge protection, planning for future needs, performing safety inspections, and obtain any permits necessary to complete the installation.
To Select the Best EV Charger for You, Call Mister Sparky
Getting the right EV charger can make the difference between putting life on hold or being ready to explore the world at any time. When you want to install an EV charger that suits your lifestyle, why leave things to chance? The electricians at Orlando Mister Sparky can ensure your car has power on demand. Remember, when it comes to installing an EV charger or any other electrical equipment, don’t put up with any malarky; call Mister Sparky today!
