Prepare Your Garage for EV Charging
One of the many benefits of driving an electric vehicle is the ability to “fuel” your EV at home without having to take time out of your day to go to a service station. There are various EV charging levels, however, a 240V Level 2 charging station charges much faster than a 120V Level 1 (L1) vehicle charging station, which is often included with the purchase of an EV. Typically, a level 2 charger can charge an EV in less than half the time it takes a level 1 charger. You should make some important electrical installation considerations before purchasing an L2 charger. Let’s discuss the Level 2 electric car outlet requirements so you can get your plug-in car charging as soon as possible.
A professional should assess if you have sufficient electrical capacity. All L2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) models on the market require substantial power, usually several times the requirements of an electric range, a central air conditioning or heat pump system. To be more precise, power is how fast energy is used or transmitted, and in the case of a level 2 charging unit. It is a lot of power if you consider that the EVSE will probably be operating at the same time the range, heating, or cooling system might be operating, so you’ll need to make sure that you have sufficient electrical capacity to handle the EVSE along with these other electric appliances. Generally, charging electric vehicles can easily double or triple the overall power load of a house. And, even if the dwelling has sufficient power coming into it, it might still be necessary to upgrade the electrical distribution panel or other equipment at your home.
Over 80% of charging occurs at home, which will likely increase with longer-range vehicles, and the vehicle stays plugged into a charging station up to 90 percent longer than the time needed to fully charge the vehicle, enabling drivers to take advantage of more affordable electricity rates.
Ready to start the process of preparing your garage for EV charging? Call the team at GDS at 202-930-9091 for your free estimate.
