EV Charger Installation

When drivers buy an electric vehicle (EV), they respond to the advantages that it offers over a traditional gas-fueled car. Many choose to install an EV charger in their home in order to reduce their emissions, save money on fuel, and maximize their driving range. Installing an EV charger can be a complicated job, involving a fair bit of electrical work. Even if you are feeling brave and watching instructional videos on YouTube for guidance, it is likely best to hire a professional electrician for the job. Not only will this ensure that everything is done safely and correctly, but you will also benefit from having somebody who is experienced enough with EV chargers to walk you through the whole process – starting with choosing the right charger for your vehicle and ending with all of the final touches.

Level one chargers are the most common type of charger, and the least capable. They have a low power output, relying on 120V plugging into your standard wall outlet. This makes them impractical for daily use; however, they come included with all new electric cars except for Tesla vehicles. Level one chargers do not require any extra installation or electrical work. All you have to do is simply plug the charger’s cable into the wall socket and then connect it to your car – that’s it!

A level 1 charger can be good for those with short commutes who want to top up their battery level overnight before heading off to work in the morning. There is also cost savings associated with Level 1 charging thanks to its lower electricity rates and lack of installation costs. However, while this type of charger offers convenience and cost effectiveness, it comes with the downside of lengthy battery recharge times. On average, recharge time for an EV utilizing a Level 1 charger takes about four to six miles of battery range per hour of charge time. This means that if your EV has 300 miles of range on a full battery, up to 60 hours may be needed for a full recharge.

Level 2 charging stations are an important technology for those who drive electric vehicles. Level 2 chargers are more powerful and therefore faster than their level one counterparts. They usually require professional installation from an electrician due to their much higher wattage (240V). The time it takes for a full charge alters depending on the type of charger; however, most can charge in about 4-6 hours for a typical electric car battery. Home installations are increasingly becoming Level 2 EV Chargers as homeowners strive for convenience when charging their electric vehicles in the comfort of their own homes. Level 2 charging is particularly beneficial for those with longer commutes, or cars such as the Tesla Model 3, which have larger batteries requiring longer charging times.

Sometimes the cost of buying or leasing a Level 2 charging station can seem like cause for concern, but if you consider that switching to an electric vehicle permanently eliminates the costs of fuel and maintenance that otherwise accompany combustion-engine cars. Plus, there are often significant tax incentives available when you install electric-vehicle charging equipment at your home or office. With this in mind, investing in a level 2 charger is a great idea to ensure long journeys and for getting back on the road sooner.

Level 3 charging stations are the most powerful type of electric vehicle charging station available. These stations use high-powered direct current (DC) fast charging, which is capable of dramatically reducing the time it takes to charge an EV battery when compared to lower levels of chargers. Utilizing these ultra-fast charging speeds, an EV can be charged from empty to full in as quickly as one hour—depending on the model and battery size. Newer electric vehicle models are equipped with 400-volt or 800-volt charging systems that can significantly reduce the time it takes to charge the EV from empty. These level 3 charging stations will be able to charge an EV to 80 percent in less than 20 minutes.

Thanks to this rapid destination DC charging technology, electric vehicle owners will be able to charge up quickly while making their journeys more convenient. As we look into the future of EV refueling, the goal is to eventually rival refueling a conventional gas station with a Level 3 charger. By continuing development in higher power chargers and improved battery load ranges, we could soon see Level 3 chargers power electric vehicles just as quickly as they can be fueled up at a traditional gas station—even quicker!

Having the right length of charging cable for your electric vehicle is essential to ensure that your car recharges correctly and safely. The cord length needed will depend on where you plan to park your car and where the charger will be located. It’s important to think through these two locations so you can determine how long a cord you need.

Starting at your car, measure the distance from where it will be parked back to the charger location. If it’s close by, 12 feet should suffice for most vehicles. However, if there’s a significant distance between them, 25 feet or more may be necessary. Note that longer lengths of electricity-carrying cords tend to be more costly when it comes to installation and maintenance compared to shorter ones, so keep this in mind when creating the budget for your EV setup. The good news is that the different cable options available today make owning an electric vehicle much easier than before!

If you want an expert opinion on the right cord and placement of your charging station, contact Juniper Mountain Electric today.

Hardwired EV chargers offer a secure installation that can withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions. It is important to check with local regulations as some locations require Level 2 chargers to be hardwired for residential usage. Hardwires are generally more expensive to install than plug-in models, but they continue to provide reliable power throughout their life span with fewer chances of faults or issues arising. Additionally, hardwired charging systems tend to provide faster charging rates than plug-in systems.

Plug-in electric vehicle (EV) chargers are much easier to install since all you need is a compatible power outlet to get it up and running quickly. The main benefit is convenience—you can take the charger wherever you need it and unplug it when not in use. Depending on the model, these chargers may also come equipped with onboard controls, support for apps and Alexa, and energy monitoring functions for added safety and efficiency. While some plug-in models are capable of powering Level 2 charge rates if an appropriate 240V outlet is available, most will only offer Level 1 charging speeds if plugged into 120V outlets due to lower amperage levels.

On the other hand, those in search of something more permanent may benefit more from hard-wired and permanently-mounted charger units that are designed to offer more stable charge while providing a sleek design free of additional cables or wires. Such chargers often come with matching home decor and are meant to blend in rather than stand out on the wall like their portable counterparts do.

Setting up commercial EV charging stations at your business shows you have an interest in the environment and sustainability and will display your brand values positively. It can also be helpful in bringing in the kinds of customers you want and attracting good employees.

Installing a commercial EV charger can be a complicated process and you may need to consider additional factors such as long-term maintenance, regulatory requirements, and branding. It is important to research the different options available before deciding on the best solution for your business.

Our experts are trained to help you acquire what you need when it comes to installing EV charging stations at your commercial property or building. We understand that different types of businesses need different requirements when it comes to car chargers, so we will always help you find exactly what you and your staff needs. Quality is essential for a successful installation and here at Juniper Mountain Electric, we guarantee quality work with all of our products. You won’t go wrong by choosing us as your trusted partner in this process!

If you are considering installing a commercial EV charging station, consult with Juniper Mountain Electric first for the best result.