Setting Up Your Home Vehicle Charging System and the Benefits

If you own an electric vehicle chances are you are considering installing a home vehicle charging station. The convenience and savings by charging your vehicle overnight when rates are lower make it well worth it. If you regularly use a charging station contact Hyundai of Mankato and find out about our Electric Vehicle Charging Program.

Charging at home means no searching for a public charging station and always having a fully charged battery when leaving home. No waiting on lines at public charging stations. Electric bill rates at home are cheaper than public bill costs. This station can be installed in your garage or driveway. The value of your home increases because this is a desirable option to buyers.

Installation

The first step to installing a charging station is determining the best location. It should be easily accessible to the EV and located close to the electrical panel. The less conduit the electrician needs to run from the panel to the charger the better. If you get a charger with scheduling built in it will charge during off peak hours automatically. Smart EV chargers are wifi enabled and connect to an app to manage charging and send convenient reminders. There are apps to track charging costs and miles driven.

Choosing the type of charging station depends on several factors. Basic models plug into a standard three-prong outlet and advanced units need professional installation. A basic model is a level 1 charger with 110-120 volt A.C., which is a slow charger. That means if your EV has a 200 mile range on a full battery then it would take between 35 – 50 hours to recharge that battery on a level 1 charger. You need to know your battery size, budget, features, and how fast you want to charge your car. There are 3 different levels of charging stations. The higher the output power, the faster the output speed. Level 3 chargers are usually not available for home use. They charge very fast and are public use chargers. A typical home is a level 2 home charging station.

It is important to consult an electrician when installing a charging station. The electrician will install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. They will install the wiring, dedicated circuit and make sure it is up and running for you. Hyundai of Mankato, Mn can help you with your home charging solution.