For electric vehicle (EV) owners, home is often the most convenient and cost-effective place to recharge. Most EV drivers, including those with all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), take advantage of overnight charging at their residences. This is typically done using either AC Level 1 or AC Level 2 home electric charging stations. These home electric charging stations are commonly set up in garages, but can also be safely installed and used outdoors, even in rainy conditions, provided outdoor-rated equipment is used. Charging solutions for multifamily housing situations may present different challenges and resemble public charging more closely than single-family home electric charging stations.
Understanding Your Home Electric Charging Station Options
EV owners have two primary options for home electric charging stations: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 2 (240 V) equipment provides a faster charge and is frequently chosen for home installation, although a standard Level 1 cordset is often included with the vehicle.
Level 1 charging often suffices for drivers with predictable daily driving needs. Using the Level 1 cordset that comes with most EVs, owners can plug into a standard 120V outlet, usually without needing new equipment or professional installation, assuming a suitable outlet on a dedicated circuit is accessible near the parking spot. However, for those with irregular schedules, longer commutes, or EVs with larger batteries, Level 2 home electric charging stations offer a significantly faster charging rate. Level 2 charging can fully replenish larger batteries or provide a substantial charge in a shorter time frame, making it ideal for drivers who need more flexibility. To help with the costs, various state and utility incentives might be available to make home electric charging stations more affordable.
When selecting home electric charging stations, safety and features are important considerations. Most Level 2 products include standard safety features and indicator lights. For enhanced functionality, “smart” Level 2 home electric charging stations are available with features like data collection, user-friendly interfaces, improved displays, charging timers, communication capabilities, and keypads. It is highly recommended to purchase safety-certified equipment, such as those with the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR certified chargers have been tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Furthermore, using a certified electrical contractor for installation ensures safety and compliance.
Installing Your Home Electric Charging Station
Before installing home electric charging stations, it’s crucial to determine if your home’s electrical system has sufficient capacity. Electricians can assess your home’s electrical panel and advise whether it can handle the additional load of EV charging. While some homes might lack the necessary capacity for Level 2 home electric charging stations, a qualified electrician can upgrade your electrical system by adding circuits to accommodate the increased power demand.
Cities are increasingly providing guidance for home electric charging stations installations. San Jose, California, was a pioneer in establishing requirements for installing vehicle charging systems in single-family homes and duplexes, outlining the permitting process and planning considerations for home electric charging stations. Following suit, cities like Seattle have developed resources such as tip sheets for residential EV charging installations to assist homeowners in the process.
Regulations and Compliance for Home Electric Charging Stations
Installations of home electric charging stations must adhere to local and state regulations and codes. This often involves obtaining the necessary permits from local building and permitting authorities.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) classifies EV charging infrastructure as a continuous load. Therefore, it’s essential that your electrical contractor is knowledgeable about and applies the relevant NEC guidelines to ensure a safe and code-compliant installation of home electric charging stations. NEC Article 625 is particularly relevant, containing detailed information for charging equipment. Prior to purchasing equipment or electrical services, consulting your vehicle manufacturer’s guidance for recommended charging equipment and specifications is advisable.
In many locations, a site installation plan must be submitted for approval to the permitting authority before the installation of home electric charging stations can commence. Contacting your local building and permitting authorities is recommended to gain a clear understanding of the specific regulations and compliance requirements in your area.
Understanding Electricity Costs for Home Electric Charging
The efficiency of an EV is often expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles. To calculate the cost per mile for your EV, you need to know the cost of electricity (in dollars per kWh) and your vehicle’s efficiency. For example, if electricity costs ¢10.7 per kWh and your EV uses 27 kWh to travel 100 miles, the cost per mile is approximately $0.03.
Using the same electricity cost of ¢10.7 per kilowatt-hour, fully charging an EV with a 200-mile range and a 54 kWh battery (assuming it’s completely depleted) would cost around $6. For comparing fueling costs between different conventional and electric vehicle models, resources like the Vehicle Cost Calculator are available. Keep in mind that actual residential electricity costs can vary based on the type of home electric charging stations installed, the time of day charging occurs, and the duration of charging. Many utilities offer residential time-of-use rates or other incentives for owners of home electric charging stations. For more in-depth information on potential cost savings through time-of-use rates, refer to the report: Levelized Cost of Charging Electric Vehicles in the United States.
The predictable and stable nature of household electricity rates offers a significant advantage for EV charging costs compared to the fluctuations often seen with traditional fuel prices. Embracing home electric charging stations provides not only convenience but also long-term financial benefits.
