Understanding EV Home Charging Stations

If you’re an EV owner looking to not be dependent on public electric vehicle charging stations, installing a charging unit at home may be on your mind. But like many parts of the EV experience, there are some things to consider before you invest in home-charging equipment or jump solo into the installation process.

Here, we’ll provide an overview of what it takes to purchase and install an EV charger at home. We will also share tips for saving money, staying safe and avoiding construction pitfalls along the way. We’ll even explore the growing possibility of powering your house with an EV in the event of a power outage.

Electric car charging at home: Voltage, cost and incentives

Once you’ve decided you want reliable electric vehicle charging at home, you’ll need to purchase and install a Level 2 EV home charger.

A Level 2 home charging station plugs into a 240v outlet (similar to that used by a water heater or electric clothes dryer) with a NEMA 6-50 plug, and can recharge your EV’s battery in a few hours at a rate of about 10 to 20 miles per hour of charging time.

Electrical output of Level 2 chargers ranges from 9 kW to 19.2 kW of electricity, and prices differ based on this range of capabilities. In general, experts suggest that the average price of Level 2 charging equipment and install will run an average of around $2,000.

Incentives are available by state for Level 2 charging station installation, including rebates from utility companies. A good place to search for incentive programs in your area is the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE); simply enter your ZIP and filter by charging equipment.

Installation of a level 2 EV home charger

If a 240v outlet is already accessible, installation of a Level 2 home charging station is as simple as attaching the charging device to a stud on a wall and plugging the cord into the outlet. Be advised, however, that the cord and plug of a Level 2 charger are susceptible to heating and can lose connection due to heavy current over time. This is why some people opt to have their EV charging station hardwired to their home.

For EV hardwiring, certified electricians are always recommended, as they can apply for any necessary permits and ensure that the infrastructure for your charging device is secure and in compliance with local electrical codes.

Considerations for garage space:

• Install your EV charger on the same side of the garage as your vehicle’s charge port
• Make sure the charger is within 15 to 20 feet of your vehicle’s charge port
• Place the EV charger within about 3 to 4 feet of the 240 V outlet
• Raise charger to be at least 18 inches off garage floor
• Make sure charger is within range of your home’s local Wi-Fi network
• If you have two EVs in one garage, mount the charger on a wall between the two vehicles.

Electrical panel upgrades: When are they needed?

In the case of older homes with outdated electrical panels, a qualified electrician can add room for a new 240v circuit or, if necessary, upgrade the larger electrical breaker panel. Be advised, however, that if the service wires feeding electricity to your home can’t deliver enough amperage to accommodate a charger on top of your existing electrical load, your local utility company may have to get involved.

According to MotorTrend, 20 to 30 percent of home EV charger installations today require a panel upgrade or a load-management system. But if you don’t have the funds for a panel overhaul, don’t panic. There are some less expensive workarounds we’ll explore next.

Affordable home charging options

If a panel upgrade is needed and you’re feeling sticker shock from the quote, consider a few of the alternatives recommended by MotorTrend:

• Wallbox smart EV charging stations are cost-effective solutions to your home charging needs, and when paired with a $249 power meter, can throttle how much power they draw to ensure your house’s main breaker doesn’t trip.
• RVE Demand Charge Controllers work similarly to Wallbox smart charging stations but only switch an EV charger on or off as your home’s electrical load reaches a certain threshold. This device can’t dial back on power to keep an EV charging at a slower rate but serves as an affordable alternative to a full-panel upgrade.
• A meter collar is a nice solution if you don’t have empty breaker slots for a new 240v circuit. This works by pulling power for an EV charging station directly from your electric meter and bypassing your panel.

How your EV could double as a power generator

For all the ways EVs shine in energy independence, doubling as a home generator is one that may surprise you. According to J.D. Power, the bidirectional charging capabilities of some EV batteries enable them to send power from the vehicle to another source, such as the power grid (V2G) or your home (V2H).

This means that in a power outage, certain EVs can be used to run appliances, turn the lights on or operate other crucial devices within your home. It’s worth noting, however, that even if the EV you’ve chosen supports V2H, a compatible biodirectional charger must be installed for the vehicle battery to serve as an emissions-free backup generator. Further, a preferred installation partner or qualified electrician is needed to ensure the right setup (e.g., a home integration system that allows for safe disconnection from the grid and vehicle-to-home powering capabilities).

Like many forms of backup generators, the cost of hardware and installation isn’t cheap and can cost close to $5,000. Home wiring upgrades or optional solar technologies will push the cost even higher.

Home charging: The way of the future

As electric mobility continues to climb in popularity, home charging solutions are an increasing necessity. The elimination of “range anxiety” and the fees commonly associated with rapid charging are just some of the perks of an at-home charging station. No matter if it’s convenience or reliability you’re going for, an electric car charging station at home can deliver both and bring renewed peace of mind to you and your family. Just remember, the effectiveness of your charger is only as good as your installation.