Fuse Electrical Services News

Is Your Home Ready for Electric Vehicle Charging?

Useful Tips
If you are considering charging your electrical vehicle at home, you should know how to prepare your electrical system for that. Unfortunately, it’s not simply plugging in and charging, but we are here to help you and share our knowledge.

Assess Your Electrical System

First and most important step is assessing your electrical system. If your home is not that new it might simply be unsuitable. Most EV chargers require 240-volt outlets. So before installing a charger check your system and upgrade it if necessary. What to look at?
  • Amperage: Check if your electrical panel can handle the additional load from an EV charger. Many Level 2 chargers require a 40-amp circuit, and your home’s total capacity should ideally be 200 amps or more.
  • Professional Evaluation: It’s recommended to have a licensed electrician inspect your system to ensure it can safely accommodate an EV charging station.

Choose the Right Charger

Electrical vehicles are struggling with the same problems as our smartphones—there is no “one-fit-all” charger. But this time chargers are not Type-С or Lightning but Level 1 and Level 2. Let’s find the difference so you can choose one that suits you the best.
  • Level 1 Chargers: These chargers plug into a standard 120-volt outlet, but they charge vehicles really slowly. A full charge can take up to 20 hours, depending on your EV.
  • Level 2 Chargers: These chargers require a 240-volt outlet and can charge your EV much faster, typically within 4 to 8 hours to 100%.
If you drive a lot or have a bigger battery than consider getting a Level 2 charger.

Location of the Charger

Obviously you are free to choose your charger’s placement in your home and no one forbids you to put it on the rooftop or in the bathroom. But we advise you to consider the next three places to make charging both convenient and safe.
  • Garage or Driveway: Most homeowners install EV chargers in their garages, but if you don’t have a garage, you can also install one in a carport or driveway.
  • Proximity to Electrical Panel: Placing the charger close to your electrical panel can reduce installation costs, as it minimizes the need for extensive wiring.
  • Weatherproofing: If the charger will be installed outdoors, ensure it’s designed for outdoor use and weatherproofed to handle rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.

Installation Permits

This question might be the most worrying one. Keep in mind the following:
  • Permits: Some local jurisdictions may require a permit to install an EV charging station. Check with your local municipality to ensure you’re compliant with all regulations.
  • Installation: For safety reasons, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician to install your EV charger, especially if you’re upgrading your electrical panel or need to install a new circuit.

Energy Usage and Impact on Utility Bills

Even if with EV you won’t spend money on gas anymore, your energy bills might slightly increase. So it’s important to understand how this will impact your utility bill.
  • Off-Peak Charging: Many utility companies offer off-peak rates, which can significantly reduce the cost of charging your EV if you charge it during certain times, such as late at night.
  • Home Energy Management: Consider installing a smart charging system that can help manage and optimize energy usage, ensuring you charge your car when electricity rates are lowest.

Future-Proofing Your Home

If you are planning to move out and sell your house don’t put the idea of the EV charger away! Installing one now can future-proof your home for resale, particularly as more buyers look for EV-ready homes.
  • Resale Value: Homes equipped with EV chargers may attract eco-conscious buyers or those who already own electric vehicles.
  • Scalability: If you plan to own more than one electric vehicle in the future, consider an electrical system upgrade that can handle multiple charging stations.

Conclusion

Preparing your home for electric vehicle charging is an important and smart step to keep your home safe and green. Following our tips you can build a convenient and affordable EV charger station. With proper planning and installation, your home can be fully equipped to support your EV and provide efficient, cost-effective charging.