How to Prepare Your Home For an Electric Vehicle

There are many advantages to owning an EV, such as reducing your carbon footprint and saving money at the gas pump, but before you buy a new electric vehicle you need to plan for adding an electric vehicle charging station at your home. Of course, there are electric vehicle charging stations scattered around Temple, but you’ll still need an electric vehicle home charger. So, how do you prepare your home for an electric vehicle? Find out below ith Don Ringler Chevrolet.

Decide on a Type of Electric Vehicle Home Charger

If you’re not familiar with the types of electric vehicle home chargers, now is the time to learn more and choose the one right for your Killeen lifestyle. Most electric vehicle home chargers are Level 1 or Level 2. Here’s the difference:

• Level 1 EV charging often takes several days to gain a full charge. 
• Level 2 EV charging often takes several hours to gain a full charge. You can typically get between 60-200 miles of range in only 20-30 minutes with a Level 2 DC charger, though. That’s why most Salado drivers combine daytime “top-off” charging with intermittent overnight charging.

2. Prepare Your Garage

Electrical vehicle charging batteries is easy to do at home. Start by preparing your garage and organizing it. That way, you’ll have room for your at-home electric vehicle charging station. It’s wise to ensure that your garage is prepared for an EV before you purchase it. 

3. Locate Your Power Panel & Assess Your Consumption

The power panel in your home should be rated for the highest amount of current flow measured in Amperes. Usually, new homes come with a 100 Amp power panel but look for an amperage rating printed on the main circuit breaker.

Then, you’ll want to figure out your average monthly electrical energy consumption by performing a self-assessment before you install an at-home charging system. Be sure to avoid overloading your electric distribution panel.

4. Hire an Electrician

Next, hire a local certified electrician to install your electric vehicle charging station. Discuss any concerns about your power consumption and adding an EV charging station in your garage. You could also have a dedicated 240-volt plug or a hardwired circuit back to the power panel installed. It typically costs about $200 but could be up to $3,000 if your power panel requires upgrading. 

5. Purchase Your Charger & Have it Installed

If you haven’t yet researched and placed an order for your EV charger, now is the time. Then, call an electrician and have it professionally installed.

Shop For Electric Vehicles at Don Ringler Chevrolet Today!

Now that you know how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle, if you have any questions about electric vehicles or are ready to get behind the wheel of one, contact us at Don Ringler Chevrolet. You can browse our current inventory online or at the dealership. Check out our new vehicle specials and reach out to us today!