Electric Car Charger Installation Cost By Location
Electric car charging stations can be installed both indoors and outdoors. You can install your charger inside the garage where you park. For those without garages, you can charge your car outside. The difference is in the setup. Outdoor car chargers need to be waterproof and protected from the elements. Often, you may also want to lock them for security. Many manufacturers make models that can be installed inside or outside, and there is often little difference in overall costs.This stand-style charger is for those who do not want to install the charger on the exterior of their house. The bollard allows you to install your charger in a carport, at the end of a driveway, or anywhere you like. This installation type is more involved and more costly.
| Location |
|---|
| $800 – $2,500 |
Benefits Of Ev Charging Stations
If you have an electric car, having a charging station at home provides freedom and opportunity. Charging when you are home allows you to save money by choosing the time of day and, therefore, the rate of electricity. Electric vehicles can save a lot of money over the cost of gas and do not require oil changes or regular maintenance, making them a more affordable long-term choice for some owners. Having a charger at your home provides greater freedom and convenience, rather than needing to find public chargers, business chargers, or pay-as-you-go charger options.
Option #: Tesla Level 1 Home Charging
It seems appropriate to put the most basic Level 1 charging option at #1. This involves just plugging your car into a normal 120V outlet the same type you use to plug in your TV, computer, or lamp. There is no need to install anything with this option, so the setup cost is $0. You just plug your home Tesla charger into a wall outlet and then plug in your car when you want to charge.
This is commonly called trickle charging because youre essentially just trickling electricity into the car at a very slow rate about 3 to 4 miles per hour. For some owners, this is all they need. Others need to charge up more quickly between drives and decide to go with a Tesla-compatible Level 2 charger installation or at least use a 240V dryer outlet to charge faster than on a 120V outlet.
The differences in speed between Level 1 and Level 2 charging for four different Tesla models. Image courtesy NeoCharge.
I personally use a normal Level 1 electricity outlet for my Tesla Model 3 SR+, but I also seem to drive a bit less than the average American, I work from home , and I have free public Level 2 chargers and even a Tesla Supercharging station nearby so its easy for me to get an extra, faster charge from time to time when I could use one. Charging needs depend on an individuals circumstances, and dont let anyone tell you otherwise! That said, data Ive seen on the topic indicate that most Tesla drivers who have home charging use something stronger than Level 1 trickle charging.
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Difference Between Tesla Level 1 & Level 2 Chargers
When you buy your Tesla, it comes with a Level 1 charger. This charger can be plugged into a regular 120V outlet in your home and used to charge your electric vehicles batteries. When using this charger, the AC power from your home is converted to DC power. This DC power is stored in the cars batteries.
The downside to a Level 1 charger is that it charges very slowly. So although it can be used conveniently in your house, your Tesla wont be fully charged in the morning if you come back from a long trip the night before. Essentially, this Level 1 charger is where the rumor comes from that electric vehicles charge as slow as a snail.
In Need Of A Tesla Home Charger
03/02/2022
Electric vehicles are growing in popularity with each passing year. According to the Toronto Star, Canadians purchased more electric vehicles in 2019 and 2020 than in the preceding eight years combined. Meanwhile, while many automakers saw declines in sales, Tesla reached nearly 1 million units sold in 2021and the Model 3 was the fifth-best-selling vehicle in Canada overall.
With this continued interest in electric vehicles comes new logistical questions from many current and prospective EV owners. One of the most common questions we get at TCA Electric is: How should I charge my Tesla? And while Teslas supercharger network continues to grow, we feel that any Tesla owner should consider installing a Tesla home charger. But why should you, and how much can you expect a Tesla home charger to cost? Well answer those questions and more in todays post!
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Tesla Charger Installation Tips 3 Things You Should Know
Tesla Charger Installation In todays climate, energy and fuel costs are big factors considering the cost of everyday living. Recent developments have caused petrol and gas prices to skyrocket, and our concerns for climate change and sustainability have led to more people looking at alternative sources of power.
One avenue of exploration has been in the area of electric vehicles. Today, electric vehicles are found in many homes and are becoming an essential item for many families seeking to reduce energy and fuel consumption.
This blog looks at three things you should consider before investing in a Tesla electric vehicle and installing a Tesla Charger into your home.
What You Need To Install A Home Charger For Your Ev
If you’re considering buying an EV or already own one, installing a home charger is well worth the investment.
Electric cars are the way of the future. And while many users prefer to recharge their EV at a dedicated fast car charger or Supercharger, much like refueling through a gasoline station, you still get an enormous advantage if you can recharge at home.
But what do you need to install a plug for your EV in your garage? Here are some things to consider.
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Clippercreek Car Charger Cost
ClipperCreek car charging systems range from $1,000 to $1,500, fully installed. ClipperCreek makes a range of portable plug-in car chargers that are extremely durable. They have a line of chargers that are Energy Star certified as well, for those wanting to save on energy costs. Their designs are fairly straightforward and basic. They do not have screens, software, or other accessories. However, they make dual chargers for families with more than one electric vehicle.
We Also Service The Most Tesla Charging Stations As Well
We understand that your Tesla home charger is an important part of your day-to-day life. So you can be sure if something goes wrong with your unit, we can make it right fast. We know how to trouble-shoot issues, whether it is no power at all or you are just not getting a green light.
How Tesla Home Chargers Works
Tesla home charging stations help you have a full charge every morning. When done right, it ties safely into your current system.
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Tax Credit For Home Charger Installation In 2022
- Public Service Enterprise Group Long Island offers a $400 rebate to residential customers who install a smart, Level 2 EV charging station between August 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022.
- Any eligible chargers purchased before August 1, 2022 qualify for a rebate of $500.
- Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to two rebates per year, per residential account. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including how to apply, see the PSEG Long Island Smart Charger Rebate website.
Get a $400 rebate with the purchase of a Level 2 Smart Charger. As of August 1, 2022
Cost To Charge An Electric Car At Home
Most electric car manufacturers recommend plugging in your car whenever you can to keep the battery as close to 90% full as possible, or 100% when planning a long drive. For this reason, most people plug their cars in when they arrive home and leave them charging. Most Level 2 chargers are capable of charging a car in just a few hours.
The cost to charge your car varies depending on the price of electricity in your area and the time of day when you charge. Most electric companies have peak and off-peak hours, with peak hours costing more than off-peak hours. However, if you are thinking of what is best for the environment, the best option would be to charge the car overnight. The average price to charge a battery from completely depleted to full is around $2.50 for most vehicles, but in areas with higher electricity prices, this could cost more. The average monthly charge, assuming 30 miles of charging per night, translates to $25 to $35 a month in electricity charges. If you drive more than this per day or do not have an opportunity to charge your car when you are away from home, your monthly bills could be higher.
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Are Home Charging Stations Safe
When you purchase a quality charging system that is designed for your vehicle and have it professionally installed, home car charging systems are completely safe. The National Electrical Code requires that any charging station needs to be certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory before being installed anywhere in the US. Look for the NRTL mark on the charger you purchase, like the UL mark or the ETL mark to ensure it went through testing and is certified for safety. Attempting a DIY install or purchasing a unit that has not been safety-tested could pose similar hazards to other electrical appliances, including the risk of an electrical fire.
There Are Two Tesla Home Charging Options
For charging your Tesla vehicle at home, there are two options:
a) Tesla Mobile Connector All Tesla vehicles come with a mobile connector as standard. The mobile connector can charge your electric vehicle at any standard home electrical outlet using a 15A plug. The mobile connector is convenient for when you find yourself unable to access high-speed chargers or when visiting friends however, they are very slow charging and not a feasible option as a long-term solution. You gain about 10km of driving range per hour of charge.
b) Tesla Wall Connector The Tesla Wall Connector offers a maximum 32 amp output, which translates to up to 71km of driving range per hour of charge. That is over seven times as fast as the standard mobile connector! A qualified electrician must install the wall connector but provides the best experience for charging your Tesla vehicle.
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Getting Started With Tesla Home Charging Systems
The location of your charging station is one of the most important decisions when getting started. Charge ports are located at the rear, driver side of all Tesla vehicles. Therefore, youll want to consider the best position for your charging station based on where you like to park.
Our Calgary electricians can install a dedicated circuit conveniently located near where you park your vehicle. With all home electrical projects, permits and inspections can be required. Our Calgary electricians are trained in the local regulatory requirements for the Calgary area.
Theres also a wide range of Tesla adaptors that allow you to charge your vehicle in a home electrical outlet. Tesla produces adapters for many of the most common residential outlet types. Ask one of our qualified technicians about outlet and adaptor options.
Charging Speed & Tesla Home Charger Installation Specs
How Do I Know If My Home Can Accommodate An Electric Vehicle
First, the bad news: If you rely on street parking, your home probably cant accommodate an EV. As long as youve got a driveway, a garage or somewhere else to store your car, you can install an electric vehicle charger. However, some installations are more complicated than others, says Caradoc Ehrenhalt, founder and CEO of EV Safe Charge, a charging solutions company in Los Angeles.
In general, it is much easier and less expensive if youre able to park the car close to an existing power source. These days, you can buy chargers that come with about 25 feet of cable, and as long as you can park within that distance, you should be in good shape.
But some homeowners arent so lucky. Ehrenhalt gives the example of a detached garage that isnt connected to a power source and thats located far from the house. To install an EV charger in that situation, youd need to connect the garage to the propertys electrical panel. That could involve trenching and running the cable underground, even cutting through the surface of the driveway before refilling and recovering it. In extreme cases, the process can take several days.
If your electrical panel is in the basement, your ceiling is another factor, Ouellette says. You may need to drill holes through it to run the wiring.
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Level 1 Charging Station Cost
Level 1 chargers come free with your car purchase, or you can purchase a replacement for $300. They are not installed but plug directly into any 120-volt outlet, making them portable. They may take up to 24 hours to fully charge a battery, so they are generally only good for people who drive short distances or less frequently. Essentially, a Level 1 charger adds roughly 2 to 5 miles of driving range to your car for every hour you charge it. Many people keep a Level 1 charger on hand for when they are away from home. But if you do a fair amount of daily driving, you may find that this charger will not meet all your needs, unless you can plug it in everywhere you go when the car is not in use.
Charging At Level One
The average car is driven only 40 miles/day. The Level One charger plugs into a dedicated standard house plug, and can deliver 12 amps. This means it will deliver 40 miles in an 8-hour overnight charging session. Most people have their car at home for much more than an average of 8 hours. So generally, even with this very slow charging, you will keep up. On the days you drive more, you wont recharge fully, but as long as you dont keep doing long days several days in a row, you will eventually make it back.
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Permits And Legal Leg Work
Aside from the physical work you need to do to connect your EV charger, you may need to submit documentation and permits before starting. The requirements vary from city to city and state to state. These may include the application form, floor plans, installation instructions from the manufacturer, and electrical load calculations.
The US Department of Energy did release a Permit for Charging Equipment Installation template that various local governments can use. Still, you should check with your city to know what you need.
Level 2 Charging Station Cost
Level 2 charging stations cost between $300 to $1,200 on average. Most EV owners invest in Level 2 stations. They charge batteries much quicker, with most reaching a full charge in just a few hours. Even basic models completely charge a battery 4 to 6 times faster than a Level 1 charger, with 10 to 40 miles being added per hour. Level 2 stations require a 240-volt outlet, and they can be portable or mounted and hardwired to your home. Some are specific to the car type, while others charge any car with an adaptor. They come with features like Wi-Fi and other add-ons, allowing you to customize your experience.
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Our Licensed Electricians Expertly Install Any Brand Of Ev Chargers Including:
- Audi e-tron EV Charging
- Ford Connected Charge Station 240V/48A
- BMW Wallbox Level 2 Charger
- ChargePoint Home Flex Electric Vehicle Charger
- Chevrolet Level 2 Wall Charger Unit
- Ford Charge Station PRO
- Honda FIT 32A Fast Charging Station
- JuiceBox 40 Smart Electric Vehicle Charging Station
- Lucid Connected Home Charging Station
- Mercedes-Benz Wallbox
How Frog Can Help You Install A Dedicated Tesla Power Charger For Home In Nashville Tn
Although you may be tempted to save money by installing the Level 2 charger yourself, it isnt worth the risk. Only a certified electrician should install a Level 2 charger for you. Doing the installation yourself can be very dangerous putting you, your home and even your car at risk if not done correctly. Also, because the installation of electric vehicle chargers is a pretty new thing, you want to make sure you have an electrician that knows what theyre doing.
At Frog Heating, Air, and Electrical, we have the training, experience, and official Tesla Wall Connector approval to handle any electrical service you may need, including installing your Tesla home charger. We provide top quality service and never sacrifice safety by cutting corners or skipping steps. We are so confident and good at what we do that we give a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Give us a call or contact us here and we will work with you to get your home set up with a convenient and fast charging Level 2 charger. Our expert electricians here at Frog are ready to jump into action for all of your electrical service installation and electrical repair needs 24/7.
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