Installation is usually completed in (1) day, but can depend on several factors including:

• Does the existing electrical service have the capacity to add an EV Charger. If not, a service upgrade may be required.
• The distance from the service panel to the garage (or desired location for your EV Charger)
• Is the garage attached or detached?
• Is trenching required for underground wire installation?
• Are we able to run new wiring through an unfinished basement ceiling?

More than likely, a 30, 40 or 50 amp 2-pole circuit breaker will need to be installed in your panel. This breaker is larger than most of the existing breakers in your panel and requires (2) spaces – example highlighted below.

Level-2 chargers are have a slim design and are relatively compact and depending on the cord management system that you choose, can easily fit in the corner or side of a garage alongside your vehicle. An electrician can help determine the best location based on your needs and the location of your service panel.

EV Chargers are broken into 3 levels

• Level-1: This is sometimes called the “trickle charger” and plugs into a regular 15amp or 20amp outlet found in all residential homes. These chargers are normally included with your EV purchase and can add around 5 miles per charging hour*.
• Level-2: These are the most popular option for at-home charging but can also be used in commercial applications like supermarkets and office buildings. Level-2 chargers require a dedicated 240V-circuit from your service panel and should be done by a licensed electrician to ensure safe and code-compliant installation. This charging option will add anywhere from 20-60 miles per charging hour*.
• Level-3:  Also known as DC Fast Charging, Level-3 chargers rely on industrial –grade power supply (480V) and is therefore not available for residential installation. You may see these chargers at commercial “Charging Hubs” and even at some gas stations. Level-3 chargers can add 60-100 miles in just 20 minutes of charging.*

*Estimated: Actual charge times may vary due to power supply and charger type

More information on EV Chargers can be found in our blog: https://www.westphalec.com/electrical-news/types-of-electric-vehicle-chargers/

EV charging speed depends on your vehicle (on-board charger capacity and vehicle battery size), the power level of the EV charger you are connected to, and the temperature where your vehicle is charging. Too hot or too cold can reduce charging speed in order to protect the battery.

There are many brands of EV chargers available, but it really depends on consumer preference. Things to consider when purchasing include:

• Your budget (Level-2 EV chargers can range from $300 – $1,000 on average)
• The brand of your EV
• The location you are installing the charger (Interior, Exterior, Pedestal mounted)
• Your preference for “smart charging” and the ability to control the charge from your smartphone

A licensed electrician is necessary to determine if the existing power supply in your home is sufficient to support the addition of an EV charger. If your service panel is “full” a service upgrade may be recommended and required to proceed with an EV charger installation. Overcurrent on your electrical system due to poor planning or oversight, can cause severe damage to your EV and your home. The electrician will also ensure that the EV installation is done correctly per the charger manufacturer, efficiently, safely, and meets the local building code.

https://www.plugshare.com/ is a great online resource to find public charging options nationwide.