Discover Convenience with EV Charger Sales and Installation
Electric vehicles (EVs) are popular, and people want to charge them at home. If you live in Camano Island, WA, you can find great options for EV charger sales and installation. This article will help you understand why it's a good idea to have an EV charger at home and how to get one installed.
Key takeaways
Home charging: Having an EV charger at home allows overnight charging.
Types of chargers: There are different types of chargers for different needs. Consider the difference between a charger plugged into an electrical outlet and a hardwired wall mounted charger. The wall mounted charger seems more expensive, but the plug-in outlet has a higher installation cost.
Installation process: A professional can install your charger safely and quickly.
Benefits: Home charging is vastly cheaper than charging on the road.
Local service: Our company offers installation and support.
For more information on our local service, contact us at 425-765-2511.
Why get an EV charger at home?
Having an EV charger at home is convenient. You can charge your car while you sleep or do other things. This means you will have a full battery when you need it. You won't have to stop at charging stations during your busy day.
Benefits of home charging
Cost-effective: Charging at home costs far less than using public chargers.
Convenience: You can charge your car whenever you are home.
Environmentally friendly: Using your home charger eliminates exhaust if powered by solar or another source of renewable energy.
Increased range: You can drive longer distances when you leave home fully charged.
Comparison of EV Charger Types
Charger Type and Charging Speed. Level 1. This gives about 3 miles of range per hour of charging. That means 25 miles of range added over an 8-hour period. This works for short daily commutes. Plugs into a standard outlet. Level 2. These add about 25 miles of range per hour. In 8 hours, that is 200 miles of range, usually enough to top off most EV batteries. This works for daily drivers and longer trips. Plugs into a 240-volt outlet, which typically needs to be installed by an electrician. Level 3: Commercial-type road-side charger. Typically, 3-phase and will top off many vehicles in 30 minutes or so.
Understanding EV charger types & Related Cost
There are several types of EV chargers available. Knowing which one is right for you can help you make a smart choice.
Level 1 chargers
Level 1 chargers use a standard wall outlet. They are the slowest chargers and usually take a long time to charge an EV. This type of charger is best for people who drive shorter distances and can charge their car overnight.
Level 2 chargers
Level 2 chargers are faster and more powerful. They require a special installation and use a 240-volt outlet, unless hardwired. These chargers can fill your battery much quicker. If you drive more often or take longer trips, a Level 2 charger is a smart choice. If you choose a hardwired charger, it will not plug into an outlet. The charger will generally have conduit installed that carries electrical conductors from the charging station to a breaker in an electric panel. The cost of the actual wall mounted charging unit could be anywhere from $350.00 to $1,000.00 not including installation cost, parts, or permits.
It might seem like a wall mounted charger would be cheaper. However, if you choose a charger that plugs into an outlet, the National Electric Code requires a special ground fault circuit breaker for that circuit. Since it is a 240-volt breaker, the wholesale cost to your electrician could easily be $200.00 for that part alone. If you use a standard 240-volt breaker rather than the GFCI breaker, chances are the electrical inspector will flag it and the electrician will have to make a return trip with the code compliant breaker and order a re-inspection. Thus, for installation, for a plug-in outlet type charger, the electrician will need to install the special breaker, run a circuit from the electric panel to the place where the outlet will be installed, cut in a plug-in outlet, hang the charger on the wall, and schedule an electrical inspection. For a hardwired wall mounted charger, the electrician will mount a standard 240-volt breaker in the electric panel, run a circuit to the place where the wall charger will hang, and wire it directly to the wall mounted charger without installing an outlet. The installation cost could easily be $300.00 cheaper than that for a plug-in outlet type charger.
DC fast chargers
DC fast chargers are the quickest way to charge an electric vehicle. They can charge your car to 80% in about 30 minutes. However, they are usually found in public places, like highway rest stops. Most people will not install this type of charger at home due to cost and space.
The installation process
Installing an EV charger in your home is not as hard as it may seem. Here are the steps involved in getting your charger set up.
Finding a professional installer
It's important to hire a qualified electrician. Look for companies in Camano Island that have experience with EV charger installation. Read customer reviews and ask for recommendations.
Assessing your home
Before installation, the electrician will assess your home. They will check your electrical system to make sure it can support the new charger. This step is essential to ensure safety and efficiency.
Installation day
On the day of installation, the electrician will do the following:
Turn off power: For safety, they will turn off the electricity to the affected circuit.
Install the charging unit: The charger will be mounted on the wall or in a garage.
Connect to electrical system: The electrician will connect the charger to a breaker in your home’s service panel or a sub panel after running a circuit between the charger/outlet and the electric panel.
Test the charger: After installation, they will test the charger to ensure it works correctly.
Final steps
After testing, the electrician will explain how to use your new charger. They will also provide any warranty or service information you need. Note that it’s common for customers to research their choice of charger carefully and frequently have one on site ready for installation when the electrician arrives. The warranty is the one that comes with the charger they already purchased.
Common Questions About EV Charger Installation
How long does installation take?
Typically, installation can take 2-8 hours depending on the complexity, the length of wire run, and where it connects to the electric panel. Often, one electrician can do it alone. But it’s common for two electricians to handle the task. Pulling wire is much easier with 2 electricians.
Do I need a permit to install a charger?
In virtually every jurisdiction including Camano Island, a permit is required for an EV Charger.
Can I install it myself?
It's recommended to hire a professional to ensure safety and compliance with local codes, but many homeowners have installed their own EV charger.
Local incentives for EV charging
Snohomish County PUD may have rebates for electric vehicle charging. Check with them for limitations.
Choosing the right charger for your needs
When picking an EV charger, consider your driving habits and the type of vehicle you own. Ask yourself these questions:
How often do I drive my EV?
What is my typical daily range?
Do I have a garage or carport for charging?
By answering these questions, you can better understand which charger fits your lifestyle.
How to maintain your EV charger
Maintaining your charger is crucial for its longevity. Here are some simple tips to keep your charger in good condition:
Regular cleaning: Wipe down the charger to remove dirt and debris.
Inspect connections: Check the cables for any signs of damage.
Keep it dry: Protect the charger from excessive moisture or harsh weather.
Schedule inspections: Have a professional check your charger every few years.
Additional Tips for EV Charger Maintenance
Use surge protection: Invest in surge protectors to prevent damage from power surges. You may already have a “whole house” surge protector mounted in your main service panel as that is a code requirement now for newer homes and some that experience certain electrical upgrades.
Avoid overloading circuits: Ensure that the circuit used for charging is dedicated to your EV charger.
Update software: If your charger has smart features, keep its software updated for optimal performance. This could require a hardwired ethernet connection to the charger. But it could be done wirelessly depending on the brand.
The future of EV charging
As more people switch to electric vehicles, the demand for home charging will surely grow. Communities in Camano Island will likely see more EV chargers in homes and public spaces. This shift will lead to even more people choosing electric cars.
Community impact
Having more EV chargers helps the environment by reducing emissions. It also encourages others to consider electric vehicles. With time, this can lead to a cleaner and greener Camano Island.
For further insights on electric vehicle advantages, visit our page on Benefits of Electric Vehicles.
Conclusion
Installing an EV charger at home is a great decision for anyone with an electric vehicle. It offers convenience, saves money, and helps the environment. By understanding the types of chargers, the installation process, and how to maintain your charger, you can enjoy a seamless charging experience.
If you are considering getting an electric vehicle charger, take the first step today. Research local companies in Camano Island that offer EV charger sales and installation. Make your home ready for the future of driving electric!
