Is an EV Charger Installation a DIY Project?

With any new car purchase, significant sales attention is placed on the comfort and amenities of a particular model. With internal combustion engine vehicles, fueling options abound; however, an important side note to purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is an EV charger installation at your home. If you have not considered this challenge, here are some basic observations for you to consider.

Three Levels of EV Charger Installation

There are three charging options for EVs—Levels 1, 2, and 3. Chances are, you will probably have opportunities to use all three levels, but one option will be your everyday choice.

• Level 1 charging is a basic outlet connection—an extension cord for your car. The good news is that any outlet in the US can be used to charge your vehicle. The bad news is that it is very slow (compared to other charging options). Level 1 charging from 0% to 100% can take 24 hours.
• Level 2 charging is a 220v connection, similar to your dryer or range plug. The good news is it is 5 times faster than Level 1 charging, and 0% to 100% charging can happen overnight. The bad news is it requires professional installation in a secure location.
• Level 3 charging is a public, commercial option. The good news is Level 3 charging is very quick—0% to 100% can be achieved in about 30 minutes or so. The bad news is that it is the most expensive of the three options.

Most EV owners will adapt and use more than one—probably all three EV charger installation options—in the useful years of an EV.

Two Home EV Charger Installation Options

Levels 1 and 2 are optionally accomplished at home, but there are differences and similarities between the options.

• The cost of charging for either Level is the same. The cost can be determined when you know the cost per kilowatt hour charged by your utility company. The kilowatts used will be the same; Level 1 just takes longer than Level 2. A general figure for charging cost would be in the $10 to $15 range.
• The average driver in the US drives about 40 miles per day or about 280 miles per week. How close do you come to being an average driver? This information can help you determine the charging level that suits your driving needs. Do you have a whole day of the week that you will not drive to allow for a day of charging?
• EV manufacturers recommend charging patterns that prolong battery life. That includes avoiding extremes for normal charging—do not let your EV discharge to 0% or fully charge the EV to 100%. (While commercial charging may be a convenient or necessary option from time to time, it is hard on battery life and should not be the go-to method of charging.)

Charging options are available to meet the needs of most US drivers. Before an EV purchase, a car buyer should predetermine the charging plan that suits normal driving patterns.

EV Charger Installation Home Options

For most EV owners, that will include both Level 1 and 2 charging stations, and the most obvious location will be in a garage.

• Level 1 charging might be accomplished with no home modifications. However, if this is a long-term solution, it would be best for an electrician to create a dedicated circuit to avoid overloading.
• A Level 2 charging option will require some minor modifications, requiring the services of a professional electrician. The charging station will be wall-mounted, with dedicated 220v wiring behind the garage wall. The station will be a small box with a sufficient charging cable to access the vehicle. Work with the electrician to mount the station in an easily accessible location.

The Home EV Charger Installation Experts

With our four decades of experience as a Residential Electrician Contractor, 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 team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair, electrical safety, Home Generator installation, and electrical installation needs.