When you are thinking about buying an all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, you will want to ensure that your home can meet your charging needs. In most cases, your new car will include a Level 1 charging station that uses your home’s typical 110v outlet. These Level 1 charging stations are ideal for a low mileage driver or one who makes only a few trips out of the house each week. But if you drive daily or make multiple trips out each day, a Level 2 charger might be a better choice.

The Level 1 charger uses the 100v power in any outlet to power the inverter in your EV. That device then delivers the DC power to the batteries in the vehicle. A Level 1 charger is considered a slow charge and will add roughly 2 to 5 miles per hour of charging to your vehicle’s range. In contrast, a Level 2 rapid charger will increase your range from 10 to 60 miles per hour of charging. The type of vehicle you are charging will dictate the exact numbers needed to achieve a full charge.

Level 2 chargers cannot use a typical 110v outlet. Instead, they require a 240v outlet like the one used on a residential dryer or electric range. Most homes have the 240v service. But you will need to contact your local electrician for a price quote to extend the service to your garage and install an outlet for your charging station. In addition to the cost of the electrical work, you can estimate the cost of the Level 2 charging station anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on the model that you select and the included features.

The cost to power your new EV will vary depending on the state where you live and the average electricity cost. You can use the chart provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration to determine the  average cost per kilowatt-hour in your state. But remember that this is a general number that does not consider any incentives or time of use plans that might apply to your actual cost for electricity. For a more exact number, contact your electricity provider or refer to their website for a tool to determine your precise cost of power. You can also check the  U. S. Department Of Energy site  to see if you will qualify for any incentive plans to lower the cost of fueling your EV. Then use the information from the vehicle manufacturer for charging time to calculate the daily cost of charging or charging as often as you think you will need it.

All EV’s have different mileage ranges and charging requirements. But if you are interested in an estimate, General Motors calculated an average cost of between $300 and $400 per year to charge an electric vehicle. AAA estimates that the average driver spends about $3,000 on fuel each year. That puts the cost of electricity for an EV at around 10% of the price of gasoline, making it a very thrifty choice for you and a great benefit for the environment.

To learn more about the process of installing an EV charging station in your home and the cost of the project, call 247 Local Electrician. The team of licensed electricians at 247 Local Electrician will evaluate your home’s 240v service and provide you with a complete cost estimate for your Level 2 charging station.