The number of residential stations installed in American homes has more than doubled since 2020. According to surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center, the current rate of new home EV charger installations has surpassed 50,000 per month. The market for home stations is expanding at a much faster rate than the commercial market, and it is estimated that 70% of EV owners charge exclusively at home.
When you purchase a new EV, the dealership will include a portable charging cable you can use at home for Level 1 trickle charging, which is the slowest option with speeds around 3.3 kW. This speed is less than ideal because it only adds a few miles of range per hour. What you want are Level 2 and Level 3 home EV charging stations, and this is how you can plan for their installation.
Standard Level 2 Home EV Chargers
EV chargers at all levels are standard, but Level 2 stations are described in this manner because they are supported by all EVs. These stations offer charging speeds that are significantly faster compared to Level 1, typically ranging from 25 to 50 miles of range per hour depending on your EV model. This means you can fully charge your EV overnight in most cases, ensuring it’s ready for your daily commute.
The first consideration is the cost of installation and how you can cover it. Many EV buyers have been taking advantage of the $7,500 tax credit extended by the Internal Revenue Service for new EV purchases; the eligibility is determined by the model. Check with the sales center at your dealership for automaker incentives in this regard.
Installation costs can vary depending on your electrical panel setup and amperage requirements. In some cases, no additional electrical work is needed if you have a spare 240-volt outlet in your garage. Even when electrical panel upgrades are required, installation costs are reasonable and fully covered by financial incentives. If you qualify for the maximum IRS credit, it will be enough to cover a smart home EV charger or a Level 3 charging station for supported EVs.
Fast-Charging Level 3 Home EV Chargers
With EVs such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and others equipped with Level 3 charging ports, a DC fast-charging station is the way to go. Many EV models can charge from 0% to 100% in an hour when plugged into Level 3 stations.
Now comes the decision of where to install the station. For many EV owners, outdoor installations work out better, but they may need a weatherproof enclosure for safe and reliable operation. If you have a garage with a 240-volt outlet, the installation will be simpler, and you may want to keep the station indoors.
When you are ready to install an EV charger at home, feel free to contact Current Electrical Systems in Ann Arbor, MI.
