- 24/7 Emergency Service
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- 24/7 Emergency Service
- 281-880-8805
Isn’t the New Year exciting? Most new things bring change and potential. It can be a favorite time of the year. If your new year includes the potential of an Electric Vehicle (EV) purchase, it will definitely bring change into your life. Preparing for the change is essential to making it a GOOD change, so buckle up and get ready.
First, appreciate being able to pass up the gas stations and oil change bays. A stop at the corner convenience store can be for a soft drink and a quick snack without a fuel purchase. The substitute, however, will be learning to charge your EV regularly using a variety of charging options. Currently, there are three charging options, and the average EV owner will need to use all three from time to time.
Level One charging uses a standard cord with an adapter to charge your model of EV. The good news is that it can plug into any standard 110v outlet, so an EV can be charged from about anywhere. The drawback is this type of charge takes a long time to get from 0% to 100% charge—usually about 24 hours. This charger cord comes with the vehicle at no cost. Some will draw more energy than others, but they still only require a normal wall outlet.
Level Two charging requires a 240v outlet, like the outlet used for electric dryers or stoves. This is like having a fuel station inside your garage; Level 2 charging takes about 6 to 8 hours for a 0% to 100% charge. Installing a charging station is not a DIY project, but it costs no more to charge than the Level One charging option. Make sure to purchase the charging connector that matches your EV’s specifications.
Level Three charging happens at commercial charging stations. They are the most similar to gas stations for internal combustion engines. These stations can be found near shopping centers or other heavily traveled areas; a full charge—from 0% to 100%–can be delivered in about 30 or 40 minutes. Expect these options to cost about as much as filling a gas tank. But, they are available for travelers, emergencies, and as a convenience.
Remember, repeatedly letting a battery pack drain to 0% or to be charged to 100% is not recommended by EV manufacturers. Normal usage will allow EV owners to develop charging habits that will enhance the battery life of the vehicle.
If available, most EV owners prefer Level Two charging over the life of the vehicle (which can exceed the lifespan of internal combustion vehicles). Installing a Level Two charging station in a garage takes some planning and comes with a cost. Here are some essential residential EV charger installation reminders to prepare for:
Charging will not be an everyday occurrence for most drivers, since a full charge gives an EV a range between 200 and 400 miles. A full charge on a Level Two charger will cost between $11 and $15 for most Texas locations.
The Federal incentive for purchasing an EV comes in the form of a tax credit, not an upfront down payment. Information for this incentive can be found at the IRS.gov website.1 Incentive details have changed, so make sure that the details are clear. Other state and local agencies may also have financial incentives, so complete your research.
As you consider purchasing an Electric Vehicle (EV) in the New Year, it’s important to prepare for the shift from gas stations to learning how to charge your vehicle using different methods. There are three main charging options: Level One (standard outlet, slow), Level Two (240v outlet, faster), and Level Three (commercial fast chargers). Additionally, a Level Two Residential EV Charger Installation in your home requires professional installation, and there are potential tax incentives to help offset the cost of purchasing an EV and the costs associated with residential EV charger installation.
With our four decades of experience in helping homeowners with their electrical repairs and residential EV charger installation, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge of electrical repairs in your home and addresses any residential electrical repair issues that homeowners may encounter. Call our team of electricians at 281-880-8805.
1 https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/credits-for-new-clean-vehicles-purchased-in-2023-or-after#:~:text=You%20may%20qualify%20for%20a%20credit%20up%20to%20%247%2C500%20under,purchased%20from%202023%20to%202032
