A home EV charger will make keeping your electric vehicle’s batteries topped up easy and convenient, but installing one of these devices can be a major undertaking. Home EV chargers are reasonably priced and work well, but installing them can be expensive. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons, so you can decide for yourself if installing a home EV charger is worth the hassle.
Pro: You Will Be Able to Charge Your EV in a Few Hours
You do not have to install an EV charging station to recharge your electric vehicle’s batteries at home. Your home’s electrical system provides Level 1 EV charging, but Level 1 charging is slow. If you plug your EV into a standard 120-volt outlet, it could take a day or longer to recharge your batteries. Home EV charging stations provide Level 2 service, and they can recharge even a large vehicle in just a few hours.
Con: You May Have to Upgrade or Replace Your Electrical Panel
You will need an electrical panel that provides 200-amp service and has an open breaker if you want to install a home EV charging station. That probably won’t be a problem if you live in a newer house, but you may have to upgrade or replace your electrical panel if your home was built before the 1980s. Upgrading or replacing your electrical panel may require a permit, and it could double the cost of a home EV charging station installation.
Pro: Your Home’s Value Will Increase
Installing a Level 2 EV charging station will increase your home’s value. It will also make your home more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell. Home EV charging stations are considered a luxury today, but perceptions change over time. As EV adoption rates increase, and more and more home buyers look for properties with dedicated charging facilities, selling a home without a Level 2 EV charger could become very difficult.
Con: You’ll Need a Permit, and the Installation Could Be Complex
You’ll likely need a permit if you decide to install a Level 2 EV charging station in your home, which will add a layer of red tape and bureaucracy to the process. You will have to submit a permit application and detailed plans to your local authority to obtain a permit, and a home inspection will probably be required. If your EV charging station will be located more than 100 feet from your electrical panel, your building code may require a protective channel called an electrical raceway. Installing this will require digging a trench, and that will drive up costs.
We Can Answer Your EV Charging Station Questions
If you are thinking about installing an EV charging station in your home, our friendly experts at Hometown Electric can answer any questions you have. We have been serving our community for more than 30 years, and we can take the hassle out of installing your home EV charging station. Call us today to schedule an appointment at your home in Missoula, MT.
