If you already own or are considering buying an EV, you’re likely also considering the best way to charge it. For most people, the answer to that question is to install an EV charger in their home. But with so many EV chargers on the market, you may struggle to select the right one. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right EV charger for your Federal Way, WA, home.
Understanding Home EV Charging Options
The first thing you need to know when choosing a home EV charger is what your options entail. Home EV chargers generally fit into two categories: Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Level 1 EV chargers are essentially all the same. They let you plug your EV directly into any available 120-volt household outlet. Level 2 chargers, by contrast, require 240-volt circuits and boast some advanced features.
Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger as part of their standard equipment. Some, like Tesla, do not. The reason is the limited utility of Level 1 chargers. Since they rely on ordinary outlets, they offer extremely slow charge times. A typical Level 1 charger may take over 50 hours to charge an EV to just 80% capacity from empty. As a result, such chargers are only suitable as an emergency charging option at best.
Level 2 chargers, by contrast, can charge an EV much faster. Most can charge the average EV to 80% from empty in a maximum of 10 hours. That’s fast enough to ensure an overnight charge for most EV owners. Many Level 2 chargers can work even faster than that, too. That’s possible because some Level 2 home chargers deliver up to 80 amps of current to an EV battery. Level 1 chargers never exceed 15 amps.
The Advantages of Level 2 Home EV Chargers
Quick charging isn’t the only advantage you’d get from installing a Level 2 home charger. Here are some of the others.
Extends EV Battery Life
Level 2 charging is the fastest way to charge your EV with no added strain on its battery. Public fast chargers that promise a full charge in as little as 30 minutes do so by delivering up to 500 amps of current. That amperage generates significant heat because of electrical resistance inside your EV battery. That can decrease your EV battery’s useful lifespan and harm its capacity over time.
Maximizing EV Charging Cost Savings
Installing a Level 2 home EV charger lets you do most of your charging while paying residential electric rates. Residential power rates are almost always lower than you’ll pay at a public charger. Plus, there are no membership fees or service surcharges. You can also pair a Level 2 home EV charger with solar power to further reduce your costs!
Provides Secure Charging
One of the biggest downsides of using public chargers is that you often need to leave your vehicle unattended for long periods. That can expose your vehicle to significant risk. With a Level 2 charger in your home, you always have a safe place to charge. If you have your charger in a garage, you never need to worry about the safety of leaving your vehicle unattended.
The Level 2 EV Charger Installation Process
You should understand the installation process if you want a Level 2 EV charger in your home. That helps you know what to expect and the potential changes to your home’s electrical infrastructure you might need. At a minimum, a Level 2 EV charger requires a 240-volt circuit to power it. If you want your charger in your garage, we’ll run a new circuit from your home’s electrical panel to that location. Depending on the Level 2 charger you purchase, the circuit may need between 15- and 80-amp capacity.
If you have a high-amperage charger installed, it could exceed your home’s electrical capacity. In that case, you’ll need an electrical service upgrade and an electrical panel upgrade. A panel upgrade should suffice if you already have enough capacity but lack space in your panel for a new circuit.
Choosing the Right Level 2 Charger
The first thing you’ll need to consider when choosing a Level 2 charger is compatibility with your EV. Most EVs use a standard charging connector, except for Tesla EVs. However, many EV manufacturers are switching to the connector Tesla uses. So, you must check your EV’s charging port type before selecting a charger.
The easiest way to choose a charger is to purchase one made specifically for your vehicle. We sell and install an array of EV chargers for specific vehicles, including:
- Honda Clarity
- Chevrolet Bolt
- Tesla
- Nissan Leaf
- BMW i3
- Kia Soul
You can also base your charger choice on specific features you want. For example, some chargers include Wi-Fi connectivity and app-based controls. That allows you to monitor the charging status of your EV from anywhere. Some chargers have smart scheduling capabilities, too. They can help you take advantage of time-of-use electricity rates. In that case, you’d set restrictions on your charger to only charge your EV during off-peak rate periods.
There are also charger models that can vary their power output. They can be an excellent option in a few specific use cases. One is if you want a charger that’s more future-proof. In that case, you can set your charger output to an amperage that makes sense for your current EV. Later, you can change the settings if you purchase a new EV that could benefit from a higher power output. The second use case is if you’re already close to your home’s maximum service amperage and don’t want an upgrade. In that case, you can restrict the output of your charger to avoid overwhelming your home’s electrical system.
Is Installing a Level 2 Charger Worth It?
The bottom line is that there are plenty of reasons why installing a Level 2 EV charger in your home is worth it. The convenience alone makes it a wise choice for most EV owners. However, if you’re looking for a more concrete reason to install one, we can provide it.
According to the Automobile Association of America, you’ll pay an average of $.32 per kWh using a public charger. In Federal Way, the average residential electricity rate is $.14. That means using a Level 2 charger at home should cut your EV charging costs by more than half. If you drive like the average US resident, you likely travel about 1,250 miles monthly in your EV. At that rate, you’d spend over $133 monthly charging at public chargers. At home, your cost drops to $58. That adds up to $7,200 in charging savings over the 8-year average ownership period of an EV.
Your Local Home EV Charging Experts
Fuller Electric has been the go-to electrician Federal Way homeowners have trusted since 1990. Our team of expert electricians has ample experience with home EV chargers. We also carry multiple models to suit any need and budget. When you work with us, expect transparency, fair pricing, and exemplary workmanship. But don’t take our word for it. Instead, check out our long list of positive customer testimonials.
If you want an EV charger installed in your Federal Way home, call Fuller Electric today!
