In today’s generation, Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche product for environmentally-minded people. They are rapidly becoming one of the primary modes of transportation, and the numbers don`t lie. As the popularity of Electric cars continues to grow, this raises the question of how to charge electric vehicles efficiently and safely at home.
It may seem difficult to install an EV charger at home, but with the correct planning and information, it can be a pretty easy and quick task. In this blog, we’ll explore the different EV charging levels and the cost of installing an EV Charger in your home.
3 Different EV Charging Levels
There are three different levels of EV charging that every electric car owner should know about, and each of these EV charging levels has its own charging time, power level, and corresponding charging stations. Aside from the 3 different EV charging levels, there are also several forms of EV charging, including wired and wireless options. To know more about EV chargers, here are the three different EV charging levels for Electric Vehicles that you should know before buying your first electric car:
LEVEL 1 EV Charger
The first of the 3 EV charging levels is the Level 1 EV charger. It is the simplest and the most basic type of EV charger and is already included when you buy an electric vehicle.
The Level 1 EV Charger uses the conventional 120-volt electrical outlet and can provide a charging range of approximately 5 km per hour. The problem with the Level 1 EV charger is that this is only a trickle charger and it will take a long time for it to fully charge the battery of your car, which isn’t an issue if you have plenty of time to charge your car. However, if you are planning on using your electric vehicle for your daily commute, level 1 EV charging may not be the best option for you.
The good thing about this type of EV charger is that it does not require any electrical work or special installation compared to the other two.
LEVEL 2 EV Charger
A Level 2 EV charger is a more powerful charging option for electric vehicles than a Level 1 charger. They are the most common type of home charging station for electric vehicle owners and you can purchase a level 2 charger for roughly $1000.
Plug it into a 240V outlet and you can fully charge your battery overnight, or sooner! The bad news is Level 2 chargers require professional installation as most houses don’t come equipped with a 240V outlet in the garage.
We recommend Level 2 chargers for electric vehicle owners who have a long daily commute and need to charge their vehicles overnight. They are also a good option for those who have multiple electric vehicles and need to charge them quickly and efficiently.
LEVEL 3 EV Charger
The Level 3 EV charger, also known as DC fast charging, is the fastest charging method and uses a 480-volt direct current (DC) power source. A level 3 EV charger is the best choice for long-distance travel or quick top-ups while driving because it can deliver up to 80% charge in 30 minutes or less.
The Level 3 EV chargers are the most powerful EV charger that is currently on the market and is the most expensive among other EV chargers. And since it uses a 480-volt DC power source, you are required to hire a licensed electrician for EV charger installation and secure installation permits.
Level 3 EV Charger is commonly used for businesses with multiple electric vehicles that need to be charged quickly on a daily basis such as public charging stations along highways and in towns.
Installing an EV Charging Station at Home
Installing an EV charging station at home is a great way to ensure that your electric vehicle is always charged and ready to go. With more and more people switching to electric vehicles, the demand for home EV charging stations has increased, making installing one in your home easier than ever.
Does your electrical service have enough capacity?
A 100A electrical service in a basic 2000-3000 sq ft house with a stove, dryer, gas heat, and hot water should be fine. If you have a suite, AC, hot tub, electric heat, shop, welder, etc., you could overload your electrical service by adding a car charger. There are options such as load-sharing switches to overcome this. You may also need to upgrade your electrical service.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home in Canada?
The cost of installing an EV charger at home in Canada can vary depending on several factors, including the type of charger, the location of the installation, and the cost of electrical upgrades (if necessary). Here are some rough estimates to give you an idea:
Level 1 EV Charger: These chargers are typically the least expensive option and may cost around $300 to $500 for the charger unit and installation.
Level 2 EV Charger: The cost of a Level 2 charger and installation can range from $800 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the installation.
Level 3 EV Charger: A Level 3 EV charger and installation cost can range from $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the charger model and installation complexity.
Need Professional Help?
If you need Professional help with an EV charger for your home or a commercial property, contact Pacific Star Electric today for a free quote.
