Are you ready to install an EV charger in your Crofton home? Here we answer a few basic questions about these devices.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. As more manufacturers produce them and more individuals buy them, the installation of EV chargers will increase. If you are considering purchasing a new electric vehicle, you will need to install an EV charger in your Crofton home. However, because of the relative newness of this technology, you may have many questions. Before you call your Professional Electric Inc. electrician to install your EV charger, here are a few answers to questions you may have.
Do You Need to Buy a Charger Before You Get an Electric Vehicle?
All electric vehicles come with a “Level 1” charger. These chargers can plug directly into a standard outlet. So, although they require minimal effort and money, they charge a car’s battery much slower than an official EV charger. You may add dozens of miles of range with an overnight charge, but it will take more than a day to fully charge up an empty car battery when using a standard outlet. Plus, your home’s electrical system may not be equipped to handle the additional burden of charging a car. So, while you can charge your car before installing a Level 2 EV charger, it’s recommended to use an EV charger as soon as possible.
How Do You Know Whether Your Home Can Accommodate an Electric Vehicle?
If you rely on street parking, your home probably cannot accommodate an EV. However, if you have a driveway, garage, or another location to regularly store your car, you can install an EV charger in your Crofton home. However, some factors will influence the ease of your installation. If your charging spot is within 25 feet of an existing power source, that is the easiest option. Your electrician can look at your property to determine what the installation process would entail for your EV charger.
What Are The 3 Levels of EV Chargers?
As mentioned above, Level 1 chargers plug into a standard wall outlet (120V) and often come with the vehicle. However, they are very slow to charge. This may not bother you if you only use your car to run quick errands nearby and only occasionally take multi-hour road trips.
However, if you rely on your vehicle for driving many miles daily, you can benefit more from a Level 2 EV charger. These chargers can take about 4-5 hours to recharge your battery. Level 2 chargers require adjustments to your home’s electrical system, including installing new dedicated circuits and outlets. These are also the chargers you find in some public parking lots.
Level 3 chargers, or “fast chargers,” can charge your battery in as little as 30-60 minutes. However, they are only found in public places, such as highway rest stops. Fast charging requires immense energy that can rapidly degrade any EV’s battery if used daily. This is why Level 3 is not a suitable home EV charger.
Need a Reliable and Experienced Electrician in Crofton? Call Professional Electric Inc.
Our family-owned and operated business has earned the trust of the Crofton community since 1990. Our team of friendly and expert electricians is licensed, bonded, and insured. From electric panel upgrades to lighting installations, and all other electrical services and repairs in between, you can count on Professional Electric to get it done safely and skillfully. Further, our dedicated electricians are standing by 24/7 for your emergency electrical situations. We proudly serve customers in Annapolis, Severna Park, Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, Bowie, Stevensville, Mitchellville, Millersville, Cape St Claire, the surrounding Southern Maryland area, and beyond. To find out more information on our wide range of electrical services, or to get a free estimate from our master electricians, contact us at our website or call 410‐451‐8085, 301‐390‐7620, or 443‐871‐1492. For more ways to stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.