EV Home Charging: Complete Guide
Leave Gas Stations in your Rear View Mirror
You’re going electric. Gas stations are a thing of the past.
You’re ready to get that new EV on the road. But…
You’ve never dealt with measuring your fuel efficiency in kilowatt-hours (kWh) instead of miles per gallon (mpg).
What’s the best way to charge it? Where can you charge it?
When it comes to owning an Electric Vehicle (EV), you can save both time and money—in more ways than you think.
The right electrician installing the right EV charger will help you charge your shiny new car as efficiently as possible.
The right tax for rebate forms can save you thousands in credits and discounts.
EV Charger Types
There are primarily two types of at-home chargers for electric vehicles (EVs): Level 1 chargers and Level 2 chargers.
The time it takes to fully charge an EV battery depends on the battery’s capacity, the charging rate, and the starting state of charge.
Plenty of dual charger units are available for households with two EVs.
Level 1 Chargers: These use a standard household outlet (120V) and are relatively slow, providing about 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging. It can take 40-50+ hours to charge an EV to 80 percent from empty from a 120V outlet.
These chargers are better suited for emergencies or situations where Level 2 charging is unavailable.
Level 2 Chargers: These typically require a dedicated 240V circuit, like those used for electric dryers, which are 4x the voltage of a standard outlet. They are faster, offering around 10-60 miles of range per hour of charging.
Level 2 chargers can charge most EVs overnight or within a few hours, although these times are also affected by the voltage connected to the charger itself.
Level 2 chargers are generally better for most home charging situations due to their faster charging speeds. They are more efficient and practical for daily charging needs.
NOTE: It is recommended to hardwire Level 2 EV charging systems to increase energy output and therefore decrease charging time.
Level 3 Chargers: Also known as DC fast charging stations or “quick chargers,” these can fully charge an EV in as little as 30 minutes and have an output of 50Kw or higher, depending on the station and what your EV can handle.
Level 3 chargers are what you will find at commercial charging stations, not in your driveway.
Although they are the most efficient way to charge your EV, they’re also the most expensive and impractical for home use. Installing a Level 3 charger would require significant modifications to your home's electrical system and would likely result in extremely high electricity bills.
EV Charge Cost
You’ve already decided to go electric, so you know the cost of EV charging is generally lower than gasoline.
However, the exact cost depends on your electricity rates from your utility provider and the efficiency of your EV.
Some EVs also have scheduling features that allow you to optimize charging times. For this you will need a time-of-use plan and not a flat-rate plan.
Time of Use: Time-of-use (TOU) charging rates vary based on the time of day. Electricity costs more during peak demand hours (typically daytime) and less during off-peak hours (usually night and early morning).
TOU can work great if you have the added benefit of solar energy. This approach can significantly reduce charging costs if ample solar power is available, but it depends on your solar generation capacity and local net metering policies.
Click here for PECO’s current Time of Use Rates.
Flat Rate: Flat Rate charging involves a consistent cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity consumed, regardless of the time of day. This provides simplicity and predictability in billing but doesn’t account for fluctuations in electricity demand or grid congestion during specific hours.
Click here for PECO’s current Flat Rates.
EV Charger Installation
Installing a Level 2 charger requires hiring a licensed electrician to assess your electrical panel's capacity and install a dedicated circuit for the charger.
You provide the compatible charger of your choice while your trusted electrician deals with the electrical panel details, running the electrical lines, and hardwiring the circuitry.
At-home charging stations are a significant investment. You need it done right. Don’t sacrifice all the extra material costs and risk the DIY.
Home Charger Location
Indoors: An indoor garage charging station provides the advantage of protection from weather conditions, which can extend the lifespan of the charging equipment and prevent potential damage. It also keeps the charging area more secure.
Outdoors: Installing an EV charging station outside offers convenience and accessibility for charging, as it doesn't require entering the garage and can be used by guests or visitors. These need additional weatherproofing and electrical work to protect the station from the elements and ensure safety.
Notes for current and future Tesla owners…
If you have a Tesla and want a Tesla charger, make sure to find a Tesla-certified technician to keep in line with your Tesla Charging Equipment Limited Warranty.
Although the Combined Charging System (CCS) enables a Tesla to charge on a regular direct-current fast charger (DCFC) with the J1772 adapter, the adapter is included with the original Tesla purchase.
Only electric cars equipped with a “Magic Dock” adapter and CCS connector can use a Tesla charger.
EV Charging “What ifs?”
What if I rent my home, or charging at home isn’t an option?
If you rent or don’t have access to home charging, you can consider public charging stations. Many cities and businesses offer public Level 2 or even Level 3 (DC fast) charging stations. Additionally, some workplaces offer EV charging as a perk for employees.
According to the PA Department of Transportation, there are currently more than 2,700 public electric vehicle chargers at more than 1,100 locations in Pennsylvania.
Planning your routes around charging stations is crucial in this situation.
There are a number of apps available for finding charging stations, and you can even type “EV Charging Station” into Google Maps.
What if I lose power or my power is shut off?
If you lose power or your utility shuts off power, you won’t be able to charge your EV using home chargers.
It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan, such as having a partial charge or knowing the location of nearby public charging stations.
Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle Incentives
If you buy a new or used qualified plug-in EV, you could qualify for a Clean Vehicle Tax Credit of up to $7,500 from the IRS under the Internal Revenue Code Section 30D.
With the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program, new or used battery electric vehicles qualify for a $2,000 rebate, and plug-in hybrids qualify for a $1,500 rebate.
*Please be aware that both of these incentives are affected by household income.
Charge your New EV with Confidence
EVs are great, sustainable investments when you’re prepared to maintain them.
Talk to your licensed electrician and make sure you have the best EV charger in your home when you drive your shiny new baby home.
Don’t let your electric vehicle go dark.
Contact New London Electric for an EV charger installed.