Adding an EV Charger to Your Home: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve recently bought an electric vehicle, you may be considering adding an electric vehicle (EV) charger to your home. You’ll want to read this blog post, because we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll answer some common questions about EV chargers, like how long it takes to charge a car and requirements for your home’s electrical panel and wiring. So if you’re ready to go electric, keep reading for all the information you need!

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

The cost of charging an electric car also depends on the power of the charger and the price of electricity in your area. So if you have a 50-kilowatt battery and you’re paying $0.119 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which is average for the Seattle area, it will cost you about $5.95 to charge your car from empty to full. That’s not bad, especially compared to the current cost of gas! You may find it fun to estimate the charging cost of your EV with this online calculator.

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Another common question people have about EV chargers is how long it takes to charge an electric car. The answer depends on the size of the car’s battery and the power of the charger.

Level I vs. Level II Chargers

A standard Level I charger (the type that comes with most EVs) will take about eight hours to charge a fully depleted battery. But if you install a Level II charger, which is more powerful, you can cut that charging time down to four hours or less. This faster charge time is very attractive for most electric vehicle owners as it can greatly increase the convenience and utility of owning an EV.

Will I need to upgrade my electrical panel to install a Level II charger?

If you’re thinking of adding a Level II EV charger to your home, the first question you might have is whether or not you need to upgrade your electrical panel. The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of charger you’re planning to install and the amount of power it will draw. If you’re not sure, the best thing to do is consult with a licensed electrician. They can help you determine if your electrical panel is up to code and can handle the additional load of an EV charger, but we answer some basic questions below.

How many amps should my electrical panel be?

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It’s what controls the flow of electricity to all of your lights, appliances, and outlets. If you’re thinking of adding an EV charger, you’ll need to make sure your electrical panel can handle the additional load.

Many homes in the United States, especially older homes, are equipped with a 100-amp electrical panel. This is typically enough to power a home with a few appliances and lights. But if you’re adding an EV charger, you’ll need to upgrade to a 200-amp panel.

Upgrading your electrical panel is a big job that should be done by a licensed electrician. But don’t worry, it’s the type of job we handle all the time here at OHM, and we can even handle your panel upgrade as well as your EV charger installation at the same time. Contact OHM to get started.

Once you have a 200-amp electrical panel, you’ll be able to charge any EV on the market today. And if you ever decide to sell your home, potential buyers will be happy to see that you’ve already made the upgrade.

Will I need to upgrade any of my other electrical wiring to accommodate an EV charger?

Another common question people have about EV chargers is whether or not they need to upgrade their home’s electrical wiring, or the wiring directly around where the EV charger will be installed, most commonly in the garage. The answer to this question also depends on a few factors, including the type of charger you’re planning to install and the amount of power it will draw. For example if you have knob and tube wiring where you plan to install the charger, you’ll probably need to upgrade. In most cases, however, your home’s existing electrical wiring will probably be able to handle the additional load of an EV charger, but it’s always best to consult with a licensed electrician. They can help you determine if your home’s electrical wiring is up to code and can handle the installation of an EV charger.