evee Central

EV Charging at Home: Everything You Need to Know

It’s probably easier than you think, though there are some things you should consider

Do I Need a Special EV Charger Outlet at Home?

You’re probably wondering if you need a special EV charging outlet in your home. While the technical answer is “no,” you’ll likely want to have a dedicated level 2 charger installed if you rely on an electric vehicle as your primary mode of transportation.

Unlike electrified vehicles like plug-in hybrids, which use small batteries to complement internal combustion engines, a pure EV relies exclusively on a very high-capacity battery. As a result, an EV’s battery requires significant amounts of electricity to charge.

Most electric cars include an adaptor that plugs into a standard 110-volt wall outlet. These Level 1 chargers resemble oversized extension cords and are handy if you’re ever caught in a situation where high-capacity charging is unavailable.

The downside to that convenience is that a standard wall outlet only adds 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. At that rate, an overnight charge of 10 hours only provides 50 miles or so of driving distance. 

Having the flexibility of quick top-offs ensures you’ll always have enough range for unplanned errands or last-minute longer distance trips, and this is where a Level 2 fast charger comes in. 

Unlike standard chargers, a Level 2 setup is approximately 5 times faster, boosting charging speed to approximately 25 miles of range per hour. An overnight charge usually provides enough time for a full charge with most EVs.

The standard North American Level 2 charger uses a universal J1772 connector; it’s safe to assume your EV uses a J1772 setup. However, Tesla vehicles use a proprietary connector that can be easily linked to a J1772 connector using an adaptor.

What Do I Need to Set Up a Level 2 Charger at Home?

You’ll have several options when shopping for a Level 2 charger, including amperage and cable length. While most Level 2 chargers operate at between 16 and 30 amps, some units use higher capacity 50-amp or even 80-amp setups.

A 50 amp or 80 amp unit might sound attractive because it sends more electrical energy for quicker charges (delivering between 37 and 65 miles of range per hour), but you’ll want to make sure your car is equipped with a higher capacity onboard charger that’s compatible with the higher amperage. 

Don’t worry about overloading your car’s electrical system, as higher amperage chargers automatically adjust based on what the vehicle can handle. But if your car is compatible with those elevated amps, you’ll find the boost in charge speed a welcome upgrade.

As for charging cable length, we recommend going for the longest available cord since home parking logistics can often involve unanticipated obstacles like garage clutter or maneuvering around other cars.

Installing wall charger units can cost anywhere between $300 and $1,200, and you’ll want to consult with an electrician for installation. If you’re not already pre-wired for a 240-volt connection, budget anywhere from $250 to $2,000 for professional installation.

Also, note that 50-amp units might require upgrading your electrical box. If you live in a condominium or townhouse that’s not pre-wired for a car charger, installation can be significantly costlier.