Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, with more than 1.8 million EVs registered in the United States alone. They’re good for the environment, save you money on gas, and are a lot of fun to drive. However, if you’re thinking about switching to an electric vehicle, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your home for one. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the things you need to take into account when preparing for an electric vehicle.
Should You Purchase An Electric Vehicle Charger Before Buying An EV?
While you might think it’s necessary to purchase a charger prior to taking delivery of your new EV, that’s not always the case. In fact, most electric car manufacturers include a level-one charger with the vehicle—all you need to do is plug it into a standard 120-volt outlet. It’s important to note that this charger will take a long time to fill up your EV’s battery—anywhere from eight to 12 hours. If you want a faster charge, you’ll need to invest in a level-two charger, which can be installed in your garage or driveway. Regardless, wait until you have the car to gauge if it might be time to upgrade to a higher-quality residential charging station.
Is My Home A Good Place For An EV?
Not every home environment will work for an electric vehicle. If you live in an apartment or condo, you might not have easy access to charging stations. In this case, it might be best to wait until you have a home with a garage or driveway before making the switch to an EV. The most important thing to consider is that you need somewhere you can install an electric vehicle charger, which may be a garage, driveway or even a parking spot.
Do I Need To Prepare My Home’s Electrical System For An Electric Vehicle?
If you want to install a Level two charger, which we recommend, you will need to have your home’s electrical system inspected by a certified electrician. This is because Level two chargers require a circuit that can handle a higher amount of amps, which is more than the average home can handle.
How Much Will It Cost To Install An EV Charger?
The actual cost of the charger will depend on the make and model of the charger, as well as the specific needs of your home. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $4000 for a quality EV charger. It may cost more if your underlying electrical service or panel needs to be upgraded.
Is An EV Worth It?
Yes! With the federal tax credit coming back and the cost of batteries and charging stations dropping, there has never been a better time to switch to an electric vehicle. Not to mention, they’re great for the environment! So start researching and see if an EV is right for you.
