Cost Of Installing An EV Charger At Home

If you’re ready to commit to greener, cleaner transportation, an electric vehicle is the way to go. With an electricity-powered vehicle, you can say goodbye to gas station stops and rising fuel rates. But have you considered how you’ll charge your electric vehicle?

To make the most out of your EV, you’ll need a vehicle charging station at home. It’s a convenient and cost-effective way to charge your car. You can refill your car battery just like you charge your phone or laptop; simply plug in the vehicle, and let it fill up for a few hours.

If you’re starting to plan your EV charger installation in Winnipeg, you’ve come to the right place. One of your first questions will be: how much will it cost?

The total cost of installing an EV charger will vary based on a few things, like:

• What level of EV charger are you installing?

• Where are you installing the charging station?

• Which type of electric vehicle are you using?

Home charging stations (also known as electric vehicle supply equipment, or EVSE)  keep your vehicle fully charged, so it will be ready whenever you need it. At Powertec Solar, we install a range of home charging stations. Here’s what factors into the cost of installing an EV charger:

 

What Are The Different Levels Of EV Chargers?

How fast do you want your vehicle to charge? Depending on what you’re looking for, you have several charger options to choose from.

The level of charging station you install will affect the overall charging time of your electric vehicle. Here’s what to look for:

 

Level 1: As far as EV chargers go, this one is the most basic; it plugs into any standard 110-volt outlet. That means it can be used with a regular outlet. No special installation is required. With most electric vehicles, your purchase will come with a Level 1 charger.

This is the most affordable option, but it also has the longest charging times. It can take up to 24 hours to fully charge your vehicle. Level 1 chargers are useful when you’re in a pinch (if you run out of battery power when you’re out and about), and you need to charge your car. But due to slow charging times, we recommend the next level for home charging stations.

At home, you want something faster and more efficient. For that, look for the next type of charger:

 

Level 2: Level 2 EV chargers come at a higher cost, but faster charging times are the payoff. To illustrate how much faster they are, consider this: Level 1 EV chargers give 6-13 km per hour (4-8 miles/hour) of charging time, while Level 2 EV chargers provide up to 48 km (30 miles) of driving range per hour. That means you can charge your electric car in 2-5 hours.

Level 2 charging stations must be used with a 240 volt outlet. This charging station requires an installation from a licenced electrician.

We recommend Level 2 electric vehicle chargers for most homeowners. You will need an electrician to upgrade your electrical outlet and install the charger, but the time you save charging will certainly be worth it.

 

Level 3: If you’re looking for the fastest charging times on the market, a Level 3 EV charger is what you need. These chargers require a 480-volt outlet. You can use a Level 3 to charge multiple electric vehicles at once.

With a Level 3 electric car charger, you can fully charge your electric car in an hour or less. Most homeowners don’t need Level 3 chargers; these are more suitable for a commercial use or at a public charging station.

 

What Are The Different Types Of EV Chargers?

There are two main types of EV chargers: plug-in chargers, and hardwired chargers. Plug-in charging stations connect to a 240 volt power outlet. A hardwired charging station is connected directly to an electrical panel (instead of a power outlet).

Some electric vehicles require chargers that are specific to that brand. At Powertec Solar, we install the following brands of EV charging stations:

Tesla

Designed specifically for Tesla vehicles, these chargers are fast and efficient. You need a specific Tesla charger for your Tesla vehicle; otherwise, you’ll need to use an adaptor with it.

Porsche

You can’t beat the convenience of having a charger at home. Monitor your battery status using the Porsche Connect app, which helps you plan your trips. You’ll receive alerts whenever your battery is running low.

ChargePoint

If you’re looking for a high-end EV charger, this model is what you need. You can monitor the battery charge of your car via an app. While you’re on the go, you can use the app to find nearby charging stations. ChargePoint EV chargers are Energy Star certified, which makes them even more environmentally friendly.

 

What Affects The Cost Of Your Electric Vehicle Charging Station?

Installation costs will vary depending on a few things. First, consider the current electrical capacity of your home. Are the electrical systems equipped to power a 240 volt outlet? In most cases, you’ll need to upgrade your home’s electrical service; otherwise, you might blow the breaker box.

Do you need to acquire any permits for the installation? Given the high voltage of a Level 2 charger, you may need a permit to have one installed at your home. By working with certified EV charging station installers, you can ensure that all the work is up to code.

Finally, be sure to work with a certified and licenced electrician. Electrical work is not something you should leave to chance. For your safety, and to prevent any potential fire hazards, always work with an experienced electrician.

 

Best Places To Install Your EV Charger

In a place as cold as Winnipeg, it’s best to install your EV charger indoors—ideally, inside of a garage. We suggest having your charging station wired directly in your attached garage.

Ideally, you want your EV charger to be in the same spot that you park your electric vehicle. You want the charging wire itself to have some slack; if it’s pulled too tightly, it could pose a safety hazard.

 

Schedule An EV Charger Installation For Your Home Today

At Powertec Solar, we offer EV charger installations in an attached garage for $1999. These chargers range from $700 to $1000 to purchase, and installation is on top of that.

We’re certified to install EV chargers for popular electric cars, including Tesla and Porsche. Powertec Solar is a ChargePoint partner; we can install Home Flex Level 2 chargers in your residence.

With an electric vehicle, you’ll never have to pay for gas again. Ready to add an EV charger to your garage? We can help. To request a quote, contact Powertec Solar today.