If you purchase or lease an electric vehicle (EV), you’re going to need an EV charger to go along with it.
Here are some basics about what to expect when you’re planning your EV charger installation.
A Level 2 Charger Will Make Your Life Simpler
Your EV will come with a Level 1 charging cord that can plug into a standard 120-volt outlet, like the kind you use for everyday household appliances.
The trouble is, the Level 1 charger takes a really long time to fully charge your EV. Think longer than overnight, up to 10 or 12 hours.
A Level 2 charger can charge in half that time, typically in four to five hours, assuring that you wake up to a fully charged EV battery every morning.
The Level 2 charger requires a 240-volt outlet, like the kind you use for a clothes dryer. The chargers you see in public spaces, like grocery store parking lots, are typically Level 2 chargers. To have one installed, you’ll need an electrician who can properly install the outlet and connect it to power.
If faster is better, then why not get a Level 3 (DC fast charger) installed? These super-chargers can charge your battery in 30-60 minutes.
The problem: they also wear down your battery if they’re used too often. Daily use will degrade your battery. Fast chargers are helpful in limited in certain circumstances, like when you’re on a road trip, but they’re not designed for everyday use.
Installation Costs Ultimately Depend On Your Situation
If you want to have an EV charger installed in your garage and your garage also happens to be where your electrical panel is located…and if that panel is both up-to-date and has enough space to accommodate your charger, then you’re looking at a pretty seamless charger installation process.
If, however, your panel is located far from the place where you park your vehicle, it will take more work and materials to connect it to the charging station. This will make the price rise.
And if your panel is outdated or too small to handle the extra load, you may need a panel upgrade. (This will also nbe the case if you have a Federal Pacific or GTE Sylvania (Zinsco) electrical panel. Both have been recalled and need to be replaced immediately.)
There are other factors that can raise the price of EV charger installation. Watch this helpful explainer for more details.
Be Prepared: Cost, Rebates & Wait Times
According to Qmerit, you can expect a bill of about $800 to $2,500 for a Level 2 home EV charging station. Based on the information above, however, the price may climb if connecting your charging station requires a lot of extra work.
No matter how much the total turns out to be, however, there are rebates available.
Through 2032, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides an EV charging equipment federal tax credit that covers 30% or up to $1,000 for residential charging station equipment and installation. To claim the rebate, you’ll need to fill out a special form to submit with your yearly tax return.
In addition to the federal tax credit, you may also have access to one or more rebates in your area offered through your utility company, city, county, region, or state. On the Rebates4EVChargers website, you can search for EV charger installation rebates in your area by entering your zip code.
And remember that you may need to wait several weeks before your electrical contractor can schedule your installation.
As you’re waiting for your vehicle to arrive, contact your contractor and get on the clendar. This will give them time to order any equipment they don’t already have in stock and to find a time that works for you and for your technician. If you plan ahead, your EV charger will be installed and ready by the time your EV arrives.
Sources:
Charging an EV, pse.com
Inflation Reduction Act & EVs, electrificationcoalition.org
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation in Washington, evsupport.com
Everything You Need to Know About Charging an EV at Home, motortrend.com
What to Expect When You Have an EV Charger Installed in Your Home, pcmag.com
What to know before installing a home electric car charger, axios.com