Buying a new electric car? What you need to know about home charging installation.
If you are in the market for an electric vehicle then you have to consider what it takes to get a home charging station installed in your home. This article will help guide you through the process of what the requirements are and help you learn more about home charging installations.
Hiring an Electrician
The first thing you are going to have to do is have an electrician visit your home to provide a quote on the installation. The price can vary drastically but you should expect to pay a few thousand dollars. This number can change depending on the age of your home and the current condition of the service panel. We always recommend you get multiple quotes to get a better price.
Wall Connectors
The most convenient and fastest way to charge your EV is through a 60amp wall connector. The Tesla wall connector retails for around $500 but each manufacturer will have their own product that matches the requirements of your vehicle.
Connection Accessories
Almost all modern EV will come equipped with mobile connection that lets you start charging through 120 and 240 volt outlets. The cables come in lengths anywhere from 20 to 50 feet.
Car Charging Port
The charging port location on the actual vehicle should be considered when installing a charging station in your garage. The electrician might only have a few practical places to install your power station but do plan around where the charging port on your particular vehicle is located.
Permits, Inspections and incentives
As with most electrical projects in Ottawa a permit and inspection will be required to be fully legal. For more information about permits check out the ESAsafe.com website. There are currently no hydro incentives for installing a home EV charger but don’t be discouraged. Make sure to only charge your vehicle after 7pm and on weekends when off peak pricing is in effect.
It seems that with each new provincial government new incentive programs and rebates pop up so make sure to set watch periodically to take advantage of these programs.
Cost of Charging
Most EV car owners spend less than $300 per year on supplemental electricity costs! That is just 78 cents a day. Just like gas you only need to charge your battery based on use and distance. Gas cars cost anywhere between $1000-$2500 dollars! When you consider you don’t need to get oil changes too… the cost benefits seem amazing.
As fellow garage enthusiasts what are your thoughts on Electric Vehicles?
Let us know on the Garage Perfect Facebook Page Here.
