How to Prepare for an Electric Vehicle Home Charger

There are many benefits of electric vehicles, such as reducing your carbon footprint and lower maintenance costs than gasoline-powered cars, but EVs do require some preparation before bringing them to your home in Bradenton. When you buy a new electric vehicle, you first need to ensure that you have an electric vehicle home charger ready. While there are plenty of EV charging stations around Sarasota, home charging will likely be your main method of EV charging. Learn more about how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle with Cox Chevrolet.

1. Choose an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Type

If you haven’t already researched types of EV chargers, most home electric vehicle charging stations are Level 1 or Level 2. Here are the differences between the main types of domestic chargers:

• Level 1 EV charging typically takes days to charge an electric car completely. 
• Level 2 EV charging usually takes several hours to achieve a full charge. Still, you can sometimes get between 60-200 miles of range in only 20-30 minutes with public Level 2 DC charging stations. That’s why most Sarasota drivers use a combination of domestic and commercial chargers. 

2. Prepare Your Garage For an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Organize your garage, so you have room for your new electric vehicle charging station. Ensure that you get your garage ready for your EV before you take delivery by cleaning out the clutter and designating an area for your electric vehicle home charger.

3. Locate Your Power Panel & Assess Your Consumption

The power panel in your house distributes electricity. It should be able to distribute the maximum amount of current flow, measured in Amperes. Most new houses include a 100 Amp power panel, but look for an amperage rating printed somewhere on your main circuit breaker. Then, assess how much electrical energy you typically use in your house per month by checking your past electric bills. You need to be careful not to overload your electric distribution panel.

4. Hire a Professional Electrician

Next, hire a professional electrician to install your electric vehicle charging batteries station. Tell them about your average monthly electricity usage and that you want to add an electric vehicle home charger. They will probably install a dedicated 240-volt plug or add a hardwired circuit back to your power panel. Usually, it costs about $200 but could cost up to $1,000 or $3,000 if your power panel is insufficient and needs upgrading. 

5. Purchase Your Charger and Have it Installed

If you haven’t already researched and selected your EV charger, it’s time to choose one and order it, so that the electrician can install it. 

Shop For Your Electric Vehicle at Cox Chevrolet!

If you have questions about electric vehicles, new hybrid models, or require service on your EV, Cox Chevrolet is on standby. Contact us anytime and let us know how we can help. Feel free to browse our extensive inventory online, and don’t forget to check out our new vehicle specials!