EV Charging Tips Every EV Owner Should Know

A quick internet search concerning the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) and you will find that:

• The sale of EVs is both going up and going down.
• The impact of EVs will both save and destroy the environment.
• The electrical grid is both robust enough and inadequate to handle the current EV fleet.

It seems that statistics can be used to propel both sides of agendas at the same time. This is very confusing for anyone exploring an EV purchase.

If you are considering the purchase of an electric vehicle, here is some crucial information that can help your decision-making process.

Things to Know About Your EV Charging Range

Knowing the range available from a battery charge is the equivalent of knowing the MPG for an internal combustion engine vehicle. It tells how far the vehicle can go before it needs a refueling. A 30 MPG car with a ten-gallon tank will go approximately 300 miles before it runs out of gas. A fully charged EV with a 200-mile range will need to be recharged before that 200-mile range to reach the desired location.

• Researchers are improving the range of EVs constantly: even inexpensive EVs boast of a 200-mile range, while some luxury models claim a 500-mile range.¹
• The average driver in the U.S. travels 18,500 miles per year; that is between 300 and 350 miles per week or 50 to 60 miles per day. When you determine how close you come to the average, you can determine how well an EV will meet your daily commute needs.
• Battery manufacturers recommend keeping the battery charged at approximately 80% instead of 100%. This extends the life of the battery, improving the longevity of the battery/EV. If this principle is followed, it limits the daily range a little, so keep this in mind as well.
• Battery life is an extension of range, and the projection looks good. The current expectation is for EV batteries to last between 15 and 20 years or between 100,000 and 200,000 miles. This estimate gives a good comparison to internal combustion engine vehicles.

Things to Know About EV Charging

Knowing the cost of charging is equivalent to knowing the price of unleaded gasoline; if local sources price unleaded at $4/gallon, 300 miles costs $40 for our sample gas-powered vehicle. With EVs, charging costs may vary.

• EV car owners have the option of three charging levels; the charging cost and time of charge is different for each level.
• Each EV comes with a Level 1 charging cord. This is a standard 120v cable with the proper connection for the vehicle. This allows EV owners to charge the vehicle anywhere a standard outlet connected to the power grid is available. However, the charge with a Level 1 charger is very slow; from 0 to 100% charge may take 24 hours.
• Level 2 chargers must be installed by an electrician since they use 240v cables that are connected directly to an electric service panel. Level 3 chargers are not portable. Charging time for a battery-powered EV at 0% charge to 80% charge takes approximately 6 to 8 hours, and for plug-in hybrid vehicles, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
• Level 3 chargers are usually commercial chargers, similar to a gas station for internal combustion engine cars. The charge rate is incredibly fast—between 15 and 55 minutes. While this is very convenient, Level 3 charging is hard on the battery and may reduce battery lifespan. It is important to locate Level 3 chargers in your vicinity or on your travel route.
• The cost of charging varies considerably. Level 1 and 2 charging from 0 to 80% charge will cost approximately $10, while Level 3 charging can cost between $25 and $50.
• Chances are, EV owners will use all three levels of charging during the 15 to 20 years of battery life.

Air Pro Electric has experienced electricians for installing a Level 2 EV charging station in your home.

The Houston EV Charging 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 Charging 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.

¹ https://www.motortrend.com/features/longest-range-electric-cars-evs/#:~:text=Even%20the%20cheapest%20EVs%20can,miles%20of%20range%20or%20more