Installing an EV Charger Outlet in Your Garage and Why it’s a Good Investment
As the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow, it’s important to consider adding an EV charger to your garage when planning to build a new one or upgrade an existing one. Not only will this make charging your vehicle more convenient, but it’s also a smart investment that can increase the value of your home & futureproof it. Here are a few facts to consider when planning for an EV charger in your garage.
Save Costs On Charging Stations
Charging Stations are devices that will connect to your outlet collect the power and provide you with Level 2 charging for your EV
Why you might NOT need one when planning to install an EV Charging Outlet? Most EVs these days will come with both Level 1 and Level 2 charging cables which means that it will have 2 interchangeable plugs to connect to a conventional 110V Plug and the other (Level 2) will connect to your 220V Outlet without any need for additional equipment i.e Charging Stations.
What Type of Outlet Do I Need?
Most of Evs will take anything from 15Amp to 48Amp and some even 100Amp of current at a time so the higher the current the faster your car will charge. We do recommend installing the highest amperage available for your home to future-proof your installation.
Determine the Max. Amperage
It’s important to check the total available capacity of the main house breaker. This will determine how much power is available for the charger and any other appliances in the house. A licensed electrician can perform a load calculation to determine if your breaker has enough capacity for an EV charger.
Specific Maximum Amperage of the EV Vehicle: Each EV model has a specific maximum amperage it can handle while charging. It’s important to check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the maximum amperage of your vehicle. This will help you choose the right charger and determine if any upgrades to your electrical system are necessary.
If you have a Secondary Suite, it’s important to consider how the EV charger will impact the appliances in that space. For example, large appliances like washers and dryers can draw a significant amount of power. A load calculation can help determine if these appliances will impact the performance of the charger.
The age and condition of your panel matter, if the panel is old and has no space for new breakers we strongly recommend replacing it or even upgrading it to provide safe and reliable charging for your EV
If you find yourself at maximum load capacity there are solutions available i.e installing additional load sharing devices such as Black Box.
Why hire a knowledgeable builder/electrician to do this work?
Getting a reputable garage builder to install your EV charger makes the whole process a breeze. They’ll help you plan, design, and set up the charger safely and efficiently, making sure everything’s up to code and ready to pass inspections. This way, you get a reliable and convenient power source for your EV without any hassle. When picking a builder, go for someone with solid electrical experience and a history of top-notch work.
Adding an EV charger to your garage is a smart move that can boost your home’s value. By teaming up with a trustworthy company, you can be confident that your charger is installed right, meets all safety standards, and gives you a dependable power source for your ride.
