Thinking of installing an electric car charger in your garage? It's a super convenient way to keep your electric car charged and ready to go. Next, I'll walk you through each step of installing an electric car, ensuring your charger installation is safe, effective, and perfectly suited to your daily charging needs.
Of course, you can install an EV charger in your garage, and it’s a great location, but you’ll need to make sure your garage’s electrical system is up to the task. You’ll probably need a dedicated 240V line to power an EV Level 2 charger, which is the fastest charging option for a home charging station. However, you’ll want to have a professional electrician check it out to make sure everything is up to code and can safely handle the load. They’ll sort out the correct wiring and everything so you can charge smoothly and keep your setup safe.
Are you thinking about choosing the right electric car charger for your garage, there are several different types of electric car chargers that you can install in your garage, all of which offer different speeds and features for charging your electric car:
This EV AC charger uses a standard 120V household outlet and is the slowest EV charger. It is typically used for overnight charging or occasional EV driving. It can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours for a full charge, but the exact time is determined by the size of the vehicle's battery.
This is the most common option for home car charging stations and requires a 240V outlet. EV Level 2 chargers are much faster than Level 1 chargers and will allow you to fully charge your EV's battery in 4-6 hours. They're a reliable choice for daily driving because they offer a good balance of speed and energy efficiency.
DC fast chargers, also known as Level 3 EV chargers, have higher power requirements and are more costly, so they're not as common in home installations. However, they are rapid EV chargers that can charge your EV battery to 80% in 20-30 minutes. However, their installation will involve major electrical upgrades, so they are more suited for use in commercial or industrial environments, as well as commercial EV chargers or public EV charging stations.
To ensure the safety of installing an electric vehicle charger in a garage, pay attention to the following requirements:
Meeting these requirements will ensure your EV charger installation is safe and reliable, and provides fast and efficient charging for your electric vehicle in your garage.
Install an electric car charger in your garage and you can always use your electric car. Here is a simple guide on how to install it:
First, you need to buy a Level 2 charger, like PIWIN's Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger. It charges much faster than a standard charger. You just have to make sure it fits your car and that your garage has a 240V unit to handle it.
First, have a good electrician check your home's electrical system. You may need to beef up your home's electrical system to 200 amps to handle the EV charger, especially if you want to avoid surprises later.
Be aware that you may need to get some permits from your local city. This ensures that installing the EV charger is legal and up to code, which not only guarantees your installation but may even be important for your insurance.
If you don't already have a 240V outlet where you need it, you'll have to install one first. It involves some serious wiring, so it's best to have it done by a professional who knows how to do it safely.
Find the best spot on the garage wall that's easily accessible from the car. Don't stretch the cable too long. Secure the charger at a suitable height and make sure it's easy to plug in and out.
Once you’ve completed the above steps, it’s time to connect the charger to your home power supply. This is where making safe electrical connections and setting up dedicated circuit breakers comes in. If you’re not completely confident with electrical DIY, definitely consider enlisting the help of an electrician.
Once everything is installed and connected, it’s time to test the charger to make sure it’s working properly. Connect your electric car to the charger using the charging cable and watch to see if the vehicle starts charging and the charger’s indicator lights are working properly.
Depending on where you live, you may need formal approval from your building inspector. This ensures that everything is installed correctly and safely.
When dealing with electrical installations, keep the charging area clean and dry. Regular inspections for any wear or damage can prevent bigger problems later.
There are a range of costs associated with installing an EV charger in your garage, but the costs vary for different types of home charging stations. Here are some of the costs for installing an EV home charging station:
There are both pros and cons to having an electric car charger in your garage. Here are some of the main pros and cons:
Convenience: Charge overnight in your own garage, always ready to go.
Increased Home Value: This can boost property appeal and market value.
Faster Charging: Level 2 chargers offer quicker charging than public stations.
Cost Savings: Typically cheaper than public charging, especially during off-peak hours.
Initial Costs: High upfront expense for the charger and potential electrical upgrades.
Space Requirements: Needs dedicated space, not suitable for everyone.
Underutilization: This may not pay off if you frequently charge elsewhere or drive little.
Maintenance: Requires upkeep and may encounter technical issues.
Installing an EV charger in your garage not only makes your daily use of your EV easier and more efficient, but you can also skip public charging stations and enjoy the convenience and reliability of charging in your own garage. In addition, it simplifies your daily life and enhances your EV ownership experience.