Medfield MA Electric Car Charger Installation
Electric cars have begun to revolutionize the auto industry over the past decade or so. With their ability to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and shrink our carbon footprint, they are slowly but surely becoming the new standard of vehicle in a more eco-conscious world. And with every revolution comes a need for certain adjustments. For electric cars, it’s the need for convenient charging stations.
While the number of publicly available charging stations is growing every day, the most important place for every electric car owner to make sure they can get their car battery charged and ready to go is at their own home. To do that, you are going to need the help of a licensed electrician.
No, you cannot just run an extension cable from your living room outlet to the garage. Not unless you are willing to wait 20 hours or more for a full charge. To get an adequate charge in a reasonable amount of time, you are going to need a specifically designed electric car charger, which requires the installation of a dedicated 240-volt circuit. Getting that sort of installation done safely and properly requires an experienced electrician.
Types of Electric Car Charging Stations
There are three different types of electric car charging stations. The one that is best for you depends on what vehicle you own and your own particular charging requirements.
Level 1
Level 1 electric car chargers are the type that can actually plug into a 120-volt wall outlet. This option is extremely slow and is generally only good for small battery hybrids, and other small electric vehicles, such as golf carts. The plus side to a level 1 charger is that they are compatible with all cars and you can potentially charge your battery anywhere you can find an accessible outlet.
Level 2
The level 2 charger requires the installation of a 240-volt circuit, and charges significantly faster than a level 1, typically getting anywhere from 25-60 miles of driving range per hour charge. Level 2 chargers are also compatible with all cars.
Level 3
Level 3 electric car chargers are what is known as DC fast chargers. This type of charger is mostly used for long distance driving and cannot be installed in a home, as they require a 440-volt circuit. They can get up to 250 miles of driving range with just a one hour charge. Level 3 chargers can most often be found in commercial or industrial locations.
Benefits of Charging at Home
If you are on the fence about having an electric car charger installed in your home, consider the following benefits:
Save Money
There is an upfront cost to having a charger installed in your home, but the money you will save over time will eventually far outweigh it.
Safe Charging
Relying on public charging stations to get a full charge is not only more costly than a home charger, it is more dangerous. What safer place is there to plug your car in than your own home?
Stress Free
Home charging is the easiest way to do it. Simply pull up to your charging station, plug your car in, and forget it for the rest of the night
Which Type of Charger is Best for Me?
For any Medfield homeowner trying to determine which electric car is best suited for their home, the answer is relatively simple. The only two viable options for home use are a level 1 and a level 2 charger. Level 1 chargers have their pros, but anyone planning on using their vehicle daily may have an issue keeping their car adequately charged using a standard 110-volt outlet. With a level 2 charger, you can attain the same level of charge that requires a level 1 around 20 hours of charging in a matter of just three. For frequent drivers of larger battery cars, level 2 is the best option.
Where Should I Have My Charger Installed?
The best place for you to have your charger installed is obviously wherever you like to keep your electric car, be that in the garage or somewhere outdoors. However, depending on the layout of your home, it may be far simpler to do the install in one place rather than the other.
Garage Installation
Due to it being indoors, and as close as possible to your home, installing your charging station in your garage is often the most convenient option. Your charging station is better protected from the elements, and less likely to be damaged if it’s tucked safely in your garage.electrician installing ev car charger electric car charger garage install
Outdoor Installation
Not everyone has a garage. If that is you, or you simply have a specific outdoor spot where you would prefer your charging station to be installed, an outdoor installation is absolutely possible. Outdoor charging stations are designed to endure the elements and are typically not dangerous to use in rain or snow, however, they will likely wear down quicker than a garage charger.
In Need of an Electric Car Charger Installation Service?
Paul Macrina Electrical Contracting, Inc. can help! Give us a call at (508) 359-7954 or contact us online today!