Driving down Main Street in your new candy apple red EV, passing historic landmarks and local businesses, you’re amazed at how Northborough maintains its colonial charm while you enjoy today’s modern advancements. And just like you, more homeowners across Massachusetts are making the switch to EVs. Perhaps it’s due to the MOR-EV program offering generous rebates to Massachusetts residents, or maybe it’s for their environmental benefits, lower fuel costs, and quiet, reliable performance. Either way, the rise of electric vehicles is changing the way we think about driving and also about how we charge.
While purchasing an EV is a big step, figuring out how and where to charge it is just as important. To fully enjoy the convenience of an EV, a home charging station is a game-changer, and it starts with a safe, professional installation. In this guide, we’ll discuss what electric vehicles are, why they are gaining popularity, and everything you need to know about installing a home EV charger, including types, costs, benefits, and pitfalls to avoid. By working with a licensed, local electrician in Northborough, you can prepare your home for the future and charge your vehicle at home safely and efficiently.
What Are Electric Vehicles and Why Are They Popular?
Over the last decade, electric vehicles, commonly referred to as EVs, have gained significant popularity. These modern vehicles have an electric battery that takes an electric charge to power the motor. Eliminating the need for traditional fuel sources like gasoline and diesel, electric vehicles reduce or completely eliminate emissions. Instead of using conventional fossil fuels, EVs must be plugged into a power source (EV charging station) to recharge the batteries.
EVs are becoming more mainstream and gaining in popularity across the country. In states like Massachusetts, goals have been set to have a certain number of EVs on the road by 2030, and incentive programs have been implemented to aid in the process. With the MOR-EV program in Massachusetts, rebates can reach up to $3500, and the variety of EVs available on the market, such as Tesla, Rivian, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, make owning an EV attractive. Especially in communities like ours that are family-friendly and eco-conscious, owning an EV is an appealing option for commuters and the environmentally aware.
Owning an electric vehicle makes having a home charging station a necessity if optimal convenience is going to be realized. Home charging stations offer faster charging than standard outlets and reduce the car owner’s dependence on public charging stations. Not only are home charging stations more convenient, but cost savings can be achieved in the long run by charging at home. For home chargers to be efficient and safe, installation should always be performed by a local electrician who is aware of local regulations, can ensure compliance, and perform the installation and maintain the safety of your home. Let’s take a closer look at the installation process.
The Home EV Charger Installation Process
The installation process for a home EV charging station is a complex electrical project that requires expertise to ensure it functions properly and efficiently, and also to avoid safety risks. EV home charging stations require permits and must pass inspection, guaranteeing they meet local code. Below, you’ll find the basic steps to having an EV home charging station installed at your residence.
Assessment: During this on-site assessment, a licensed, local electrician in Northborough will evaluate your home’s electrical system, including the electrical panel, wiring, and locate the best spot for the charger. At this time, your electrician may determine that you need an electrical panel upgrade to support the new charger, which is referred to as the load calculation.
Permitting: A local electrician should be aware of regulations and obtain the proper permitting for your charger installation. Failing to do so can lead to a variety of consequences, from safety hazards to legal and financial repercussions.
Equipment Selection: With the help of your electrician, homeowners can choose the charger that best suits their needs. Usually, a Level 1 or Level 2, which we’ll discuss in more detail a little further on.
Installation: The installation process is where the benefits of expertise come in. The electrician you hire will run a dedicated circuit from the panel to the charger, install GFCI breakers, and mount the charger. Once the unit is installed, a professional will check for proper grounding and weatherproof outdoor units.
Testing and Inspection: After the installation is complete, a Northborough building inspector must verify the installation and ensure its safety and compliance before the charger can be used.
Installing a home EV charging station is not a small project and is not recommended as a DIY. Dangers of installation include (but are not limited to) electrical shock, fires, voided warranties, and non-compliance with local codes, leading to fines and possibly re-installation. A licensed, local electrician can help homeowners avoid safety and financial risks altogether.
Types of EV Chargers for Homes
There are three main types of EV charging stations available. Level 3 chargers are fast chargers that are meant for commercial or public service spaces and are not financially reasonable to install at a home. Let’s look at Level 1 and Level 2, the two main types of charging stations homeowners can choose from.
Level 1: Level 1 chargers use a standard household outlet, usually 120 volts, and provide three to five miles of range per hour of charging. These charges are best for hybrid cars and low-mileage drivers with small EVs. These are the least expensive chargers and do not require installation by a professional if an outlet is available.
Level 2: Level 2 chargers are the most popular home EV charging station model for residential use. These are 240-volt chargers requiring a dedicated circuit, providing 10 to 60 miles of range per hour of charge. Faster charging is a better option for daily commuters or those who have full-size EVs like the Tesla Model Y or the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Supporting most EVs, level 2 chargers are the faster, more convenient option for homeowners. These chargers are more expensive than Level 1 and do require a professional electrician for installation.
With a better understanding of the types of chargers available, you may be wondering how much they cost. Let’s take a look at the factors that determine cost and what the average is.
Average Cost and Factors Determining Cost
Before getting into the factors that can determine the cost of home EV charging installation, we’ll break down the average cost of Level 1 and Level 2 units. Keep in mind that the average cost of home EV charger installation is usually between $750 to $2600, with $1200 being the national average.
Level 1: The least expensive option for home EV charging, Level 1 charging units can cost anywhere from $0 to $200 if using an existing 120-volt outlet. The cost of Level 1 can increase, of course, if minor electrical upgrades are needed to accommodate the charger.
Level 2: Level 2 chargers are the most popular unit for residential use. This charger can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000, including equipment and labor, totaling anywhere from $800 to $2500. Of course, just like any electrical project, the cost can increase with the complexity of the job
There are a variety of factors that can affect the cost of each home EV charger installation. Understanding these factors gives homeowners a better idea of what their personal EV project might cost.
Charger Type: Level 2 chargers cost more than Level 1.
Distance: The distance from your electrical panel to the charging unit will affect the cost of installation. Longer runs from panel to charger increase the material cost and labor time.
Panel Capacity: Upgrading your electrical panel to a 200-amp panel, which is recommended, can increase the cost of installation by thousands of dollars.
Permits and Inspections: Fees are required for permits and inspections, which can vary from place to place.
With a solid foundation of what EVs are, why they’re so popular, the process of charger installation, types, and average costs, we can now discover the many benefits of having an EV and charger at home.
Benefits of a Home EV Charging Station
If you haven’t purchased an EV yet or you already own one and have been experiencing delays at local charging stations, you may be considering installing a charging station at home. Check out the many benefits of having an EV charger at home.
Convenience: Let’s face it, the easier something is, the more likely we are to do it. Having an EV charger at home eliminates the inconvenience of finding public charging stations and waiting in line. Having a charger installed at home allows EV drivers to charge their ride overnight while they’re sleeping.
Savings: The cost of fuel varies slightly across the country, but here in Massachusetts, electricity is cheaper than gasoline and can save the average driver approximately $1500 annually. On top of the fuel savings, available rebates and tax incentives further reduce the cost of EV ownership.
Increased Home Value: Installing a home EV charging station appeals to homebuyers who are EV owners, boosting your home’s appeal and property value.
Faster Charging: Eliminating the need to travel to a charging location and potentially waiting in line to charge, home charging stations offer faster charging. And with Level 2 chargers, you’ll get even faster charging than with a Level 1unit.
Environment and Efficiency: Electric vehicles are a modern way to reduce our impact on the environment, lowering or reducing emissions and striving towards a net-zero goal in the future. Adding a home EV charger to your already environmentally friendly choice of vehicle and integrating solar or other smart devices can increase energy efficiency in your home.
Reliability: Having a home charging station guarantees you have a full battery when you need it. For homes with properly installed backup generators, they have the added benefit of having power to their home and vehicle even when the power is interrupted.
From the convenience of overnight charging at home to the significant fuel savings, a professionally installed EV charging station can take your EV ownership to another level while supporting a greener, more reliable future. And, while the benefits of a home EV charger are clear, avoiding common mistakes is important to ensure safety and capitalize on these advantages. Let’s turn to the pitfalls homeowners should steer clear of when setting up their charging station.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The following list provides the common pitfalls homeowners should avoid when installing a home EV charger and the risks if they don’t.
DIY: DIY installation, especially for Level 2 chargers, can be extremely dangerous, not to mention, they’re likely to fail inspection. Trying this as a DIY can lead to electrical shocks, fires, voided charger warranties, and non-compliance with codes.
Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor: Hiring unlicensed contractors is risky business. Although they may offer cheap options, they deliver substandard work that is unsafe and non-compliant with local code.
Ignoring Panel Capacity: Not upgrading your electrical panel when it’s needed can overload your system, causing frequent outages, especially in older homes. Always have a professional electrician test the load capacity of your system.
Skipping Permits: Non-permitted installations can lead to failed inspections and costly corrections. Working with a local electrician in Northborough who is knowledgeable about local permitting requirements will eliminate this risk.
Not Considering Future Needs: When adding a home EV charging station, consider the future and any plans to add any more electric vehicles to your home. If you plan on getting a second EV, relay this to your electrician so they can size the system accordingly.
By steering clear of these common pitfalls, homeowners in Northborough can make sure their home charging station is safe, compliant, and ready for the future. Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits of home EV charging stations and the pitfalls to avoid, let’s review what we have discovered about EV ownership and how to power up at home.
Powering Your Future at Home
Electric vehicles are no longer a glimpse into the future; they are quickly becoming the standard on the roads of Massachusetts and beyond. Having a home EV charger installed gives you the freedom and power to charge your vehicle conveniently, safely, and efficiently, while also increasing your home’s value and supporting a greener, more sustainable future. By understanding the installation process, choosing the right charger for your home, budgeting for costs, and reaping the many benefits of having a home charging station, you can embrace an electric future. However, safety and compliance must be a priority. Work with a licensed, professional, and local electrician in Northborough and avoid the common pitfalls associated with home charger installation. Power up your EV at home and drive with confidence, knowing your charging station is safe, efficient, and ready for the future.