How Electric Car Charging Works At Home
One significant upside of an electric vehicle is that you can "refill" them at home. No side trips for gas. No praying you make it to the nearest gas station. No more calling someone for gas because it just kept slipping your mind. All you have to do is plug it in. This fact makes electric vehicles a top choice for those wanting to be more environmentally friendly because burning fossil fuels harms the environment.
Electric Cars - the Environmentally Friendly Choice
Charging an Electric Car
All-electric vehicles come preloaded with a charger compatible with 110-volt home connectors, called Level 1. It's a fancy extension cord that plugs into a standard home outlet. The cars' owners can get by just fine with this charger because it can completely charge an electric vehicle overnight.
According to Consumer Reports, most electric car owners start using this included cord instead of buying a 240-volt (Level 2) wall-mounted-charger, especially people who purchase a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Many people may not need a Level 2 charger. If you drive less than 40 to 50 miles daily, you're probably fine with the Level 1 charger. But if you drive further than this daily, have no access to a public charger, or need to charge faster, it may be worth it to invest in a wall-mounted charger.
Wall-Mounted Chargers
Wall units are easy to find. You can find them on Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe's, or a local hardware or electronics store. The average cost runs from $500 to $700. Some car manufacturers, like BMW, offer helpful advice about wall chargers and may help coordinate installation in your garage. Other manufacturers leave it up to you to figure it out yourself.
If you decide to purchase and install a Level 2 charger, you'll need to hire an electrician to install it. Besides the charger's cost, parts and labor can skyrocket the final price up to $2000. Make sure to shop around for electricians and get multiple quotes. Being an environmentally-friendly consumer costs more upfront but can save you a lot of money on gas in the long run.
Grayson Homes
As electric cars become more popular, having a wall-mounted charger in the garage will be necessary. Grayson Homes specializes in designing environmentally friendly homes. If you are in the market for a new custom home, contact us at 919-578-6222, and our experts will incorporate the latest energy-efficient features into your dream home.