When It Comes to HVAC in Ephrata, Vertex Mechanical Can't Be Beat 717-335-2633
Car Charging Stations
EV Charger Installation in Ephrata
Keep Your EV On the Road
Experts estimate approximately 23% of new cars will be electric by 2025. If you’re looking to join this eco-friendly fleet—or already purchased your electric vehicle (EV)—you need to come up with a charging plan. We’ve found that for most homeowners in Ephrata, installing a residential EV charger is the safest and most convenient option.
It lets you keep your battery full without fighting every Tesla owner in a 10-mile radius for a spot. But, before you schedule an EV charger installation, you need to consider things like charger level, cost, and location. After educating yourself, go ahead and give us a call. We’re the electrician that people in Ephrata trust and have been helping you and your neighbors solve electrical problems for over 22 years.
Benefits of Home Car Charger Installation
Around 80% of all vehicle charging is done at home, and there’s a reason for that. Though the cost of putting in a residential EV station can be prohibitive, most electric car owners find that the pros of doing so far outweigh the cons. For most, that decision comes down to:
- Convenience: Imagine never worrying about running out of charge or driving in circles trying to find an open station. That’s the kind of freedom a home EV station can give you.
- Long-Term Savings: Most commercial charging stations charge you per hour and not for wattage. This means you often end up paying for non-charging time. At home, you only pay for what you use and don’t have middlemen to pay. To see how much you might pay at home, you can visit this state-by-state list of kilowatt per hour rates.
The Three Levels of Electric Car Chargers
Residential EV stations are available in three types. The first two are available for home installation, while the third is almost exclusively used by public charging networks and vehicle manufacturers.
Level 1
These chargers only require a 120V circuit. This allows them to run off any three-pronged outlet. These chargers provide between 2 and 5 miles of charge per hour. That’s more than enough for most drivers.
Benefits
- May not require expensive electrical work
- Can be plugged into most outlets
- Cheaper to install than other levels
- Enough for those with short commutes
Drawbacks
- Only provides 2-5 miles of charge per hour
- Relatively frills-free
Level 2
These chargers don’t run off of anything less than a 240V circuit, similar to your dryer. Because the quality varies widely, Level 2s offer anywhere between 15 and 40 miles of charge an hour.
Benefits
- Charges faster than Level 1 chargers
- More programming flexibility
- Built-in Wifi available
- Great for those who drive a ways to work
Drawbacks
- More expensive to install than Level 1 EV stations
- Costs more than less robust stations
- May provide too much charge for the standard consumer
Level 3
Also known as DCFC or fast-charging stations, these are the most powerful charging stations on the market. In just 30 minutes, they can get most cars from 0-80% charged. Because they require a 480V outlet, they’re not currently sold for residential use.
Benefits
- Can give you over 100 miles of charge in an hour
Drawbacks
- Aren’t an option for home use
- Multiple plug types mean not all cars are compatible
Things to Consider When Choosing a Home Charging Station
There are several factors to consider when selecting your car charger. These items include:
- Your Preferences: Do you want SMART options? A fancy app that monitors usage and diagnoses any charging issues? For things like this, you’ll need to splurge on a more expensive model.
- Length of Commute: If your job is a couple of miles away, you probably won’t have to worry about running out of juice on your way home. A cheaper charger is likely the better choice. For those with commutes over 30 minutes, it’s a good idea to pay for a better charge.
- The Availability of Charging Stations: Around a third of public charging stations in the US are in California. Coverage can be spotty elsewhere. In areas where chargers are few and far between, it’s a good idea to purchase something more robust.
EV Station Installation Experts in the Ephrata area?
Then, you need to pick up the phone and call (717) 335-2633. Our electricians will take the time to help you select the EV station model and location that best suits your needs. We offer units rated for both indoor and outdoor use to maximize installation flexibility. When you couple that with our dedication to customer service and upfront pricing, you’ll agree we’re the right electrician for the job. For those times when you want to end the commute with relaxation, we also offer hot tub electrical help
So, whether you’re looking to add a Level 2 charger for your Tesla S or to install a Level 1 for visitors, you can count on us. Our service area includes Denver, Ephrata, and Stevens.
Electric Car Charger Installation Questions
Do I Need to do Anything to Make Sure My EV Station is Safe?
First, as long as you don’t try to install your own EV station, you have nothing to be worried about. We only install home chargers that have been tested for safety and efficiency. One thing to note, however, is these tests don’t account for the dangers posed by all the cables. We’ve heard plenty of stories of dogs and kids getting a bump on the noggin by tripping over an unspooled wire.
That’s why we suggest skipping the portable chargers and opting for a wall-mounted unit with a connector port. This makes it less of a trip hazard and keeps the connector from turning into a chew toy. You also might want to consider scheduling periodic calls to have Vertex Mechanical look at the charger and check for loose wires or damage.
Where Should I Install My EV Charger?
To save money, we suggest installing it as close to your electrical panel as possible. The cost of conduit can quickly add up if you try to run a circuit from one end of your home to another. Most homeowners in Ephrata opt to install their EV station where they typically park outside or in the garage. Since this is where your car spends most of its time, this is the most convenient option. If you opt for the great outdoors, you’ll need a weatherproof charger.
How Long Will My EV Station Take to Charge My Car?
This depends both on the battery capacity of your car and the type of charger you buy. More affordable, Level 1 chargers can only output about 5 miles of juice per hour. If you sleep a full eight hours, you’ll be able to drive 40 miles before returning to your pre-charge battery levels. Level 2 chargers are about three times as fast. Level 3, meanwhile, can take you from 0% to 80% charged in forty or so minutes.
Why Can’t Any Electrician Install My Car Charger?
Even among appliances, car chargers stand apart. They require a continuous load and are installed in a way that maximizes their efficiency. To ensure long-term compatibility, the type of car and brand of the charger must also be kept in mind. So, while any electrical company can put the outlet in, not all of them have the knowledge or experience required to take the next step. Fortunately, Vertex Mechanical is in your backyard!