The rise in electric vehicle usage across the country and the globe has only continued within the past few years, and one trickle-down effect of this is the increase in EV home charger products seen across the sector. If you're considering installing an EV charger for your home, you have a few common options to choose between.
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're proud to offer not only a wide range of solar panel solutions for clients around Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho areas, but also comprehensive EV charger installation and even integration with a solar panel setup (new or existing). Here are some basics on the levels of EV charger you'll typically find available today and how they differ, plus some tips on choosing between them based on your needs.
For our readers who are unfamiliar with EV chargers, these are devices designed to charge electric vehicles - they serve the same purpose as a traditional gas station, but for EVs. And while the earliest versions of EV chargers were exclusive to public areas, similar to gas stations, the last several years have seen a major uptick in home EV chargers that are installed on personal property.
In many cases, these devices are connected to an electrical panel and charge your vehicle using electricity from the grid. However, as we noted above, many solar panel arrays are also able to integrate with EV chargers, providing charging options that are both renewable and cost-saving.
Which "levels" of EV charger are available today? Our next few sections will dig into this.
The most basic level of EV charger, a level 1 charger, is essentially just an extension cord that plugs into a traditional three-pronged outlet in your home. These chargers will generally provide between 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging, meaning they're best suited for overnight charging situations or for emergency use when you can't find another option. They can take up to 20 hours for your vehicle to fully charge, depending on the make and power requirements.
It's important to ensure that the outlet you're using for a level 1 charger is on its own dedicated circuit - plugging other appliances or devices into it while charging your vehicle could cause a fire hazard. Level 1 chargers can also be integrated with solar panel systems.
The most commonly used EV chargers today are level 2 chargers, which require a proper 240-volt outlet like the one your dryer might use. These chargers generally offer between 10-60 miles of range per hour of charging time, so they're much more efficient than level 1 options.
They also come in various amperage levels to accommodate different vehicles' power needs and can be installed both indoors and outdoors. Level 2 chargers can also be integrated with solar panels, offering even more environmentally-friendly charging options.
The most advanced and powerful EV charger option available to date is the level 3, or DC fast charger. These chargers are typically only found in public areas due to their high power output and cost, but they provide significantly faster charging times - up to 80% of a full charge in as little as 30 minutes, depending on your vehicle's capabilities.
However, not all electric vehicles are compatible with level 3 chargers, so it's important to check before using one.
When deciding between these different levels of EV charger for your home or property, there are a few factors you should consider:
Another consideration for EV charger installation is potential integration with smart home technology. Many level 2 chargers come with options for monitoring and controlling charging times remotely, which can help save on energy costs and allow you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
In short, there are many factors to consider when selecting an EV charger for your home or property, but the options available today make it easier than ever to find a solution that fits your specific needs. At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're dedicated to helping our clients navigate this process and find the perfect EV charging setup for their lifestyle and budget, plus provide the best EV charger installation services you'll find in SLC, Utah or Boise, Idaho. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you!
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