Preparing Your Garage for EV Charger Installation

Have you noticed that almost every automobile manufacturer is now producing electric-powered vehicles (EVs)? Battery technology is improving, which brings the purchase cost down. As the purchase price enters the range of more car buyers, the benefits of EVs become more evident.

• Reduced maintenance costs; no oil changes, fuel filters, or spark plugs.
• Increased energy efficiency: gas-powered vehicles recover about 20% of the energy while EVs recover about 60% of battery energy.
• Reduced noise, since EVs are almost silent.
• Increased range: the average vehicle is driven approximately 260 miles per week (13,476 according to JD Power)¹ The average charge for an EV battery pack is 211 miles.²

Drivers are beginning to consider EVs a viable option.

If you are considering an EV, charging the batteries should be a part of the discussion. Currently, there are three levels of charging available for most brands of EVs. All these times are based upon a complete charge, from empty to full charge.

• Level 1 charging uses a regular 120v outlet, using a charging cord that comes with the vehicle. However, this level of charging might take as long as 24 hours to complete.
• Level 2 charging uses a 240v outlet, similar to your dryer to charge. This level of charging takes between 4 to 6 hours. Level 2 chargers are often installed at home, in a garage.
• Level 3 charging uses 400v or more and is a commercial charging option. This level of charging takes between 30 and 45 minutes.

Preparing Your Garage for Level 2 EV Charger Installation

• Make space for the charging process. Garages often become catchall spaces for odds and ends. Any space that safely utilizes 240v service should be clean, dry, and uncluttered.
• Find the proper space. If you anticipate charging 2 EVs in the same garage, make sure to install the charging outlet in a convenient location to reach both cars. It should be installed at least 18” off the floor, but 36 to 42” is a more appropriate height. Most charging cords are 15’ to 20’ and the average car is approximately 14’ long. Finding the proper space is important for sustained charging.
• Investigate your electrical service panel. When you install an EV charging station, you are adding a 240v service to your service panel. An electrician can tell you whether your home electrical service has a sufficient load to add a charging station. Adding the station might require a service upgrade. By the way, installing the charging station near the service panel is a plus.

Consider insulating the garage. EV batteries come with an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty (become very familiar with warranty details). With current technology, EV batteries are lasting between 10 and 20 years. A known factor that affects EV battery life in extreme temperatures. It is not necessary to make your garage heated/air-conditioned space but shielding the EV from extreme temperatures is a benefit.³ Secure your garage. This protects both the vehicle(s) and the charging station.

The EV Charger Installation in a residence is not a normal do-it-yourself project. Installing an electrical outlet, especially a 240v outlet, should be left to a professional. The project often requires local permits and inspections. An electrician, experienced with EV charger installation will help you determine an advantageous placement for the charging station.

Have Questions About EV Charger Installation?

With our four decades of experience as an Electrical Contractor, we specialize in EV Charger Installation, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your EV Charger Installation questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our teams of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair, Home Generator installation, and electrical installation needs.

¹ https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-the-average-miles-driven-per-year#:~:text=Calculating%20Your%20Mileage%20And%20Average,clocks%2013%2C476%20miles%20per%20year

² https://blog.evbox.com/far-electric-car-range

³ https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-long-do-electric-car-batteries-last#:~:text=Life%20Expectancy,-Every%20battery%20in&text=Generally%2C%20electric%20vehicle%20batteries%20last,not%20pair%20well%20with%20EVs.