What You Need to Know About Charging Your Electric Vehicle at Home

Are you ready to make the investment in an electric vehicle?

More than a car payment for a Tesla or other electric vehicle, you need the right set-up to actually charge your vehicle. But before you just plug your vehicle into the wall, there are crucial steps to take to protect your car and home, starting with the right EV charging station.

Here’s where to get started. Read on or reach out to our expert Norwood and Newton electricians with questions!

Electric Vehicle Charger (EVSE)

Your electric vehicle should come with an adapter that allows you to connect to different types of outlets, including standard household outlets. However, most standard garage outlets are no more than 120-volt outlets. These are commonly known as NEMA 5-15 outlets. Although convenient, they provide a very slow charge to vehicles like Teslas when using their Mobile Connector.

There are different types of EV chargers, but for convenient at-home charging, a Level 2 charger is most common. It provides faster charging than a standard household outlet. The standard outlet can work, but it’s very slow compared to a Level 2 charger and doesn’t give you much protection against electrical overloads. You also won’t be able to be spontaneous with your new electric vehicle when you have to charge it for several days to replenish a completely depleted battery.

Proper Wiring and Electrical Setup

If you’re going to make a significant investment in a Tesla or other electric vehicle, you need an upgrade to your wiring and outlets. It’s crucial to protect your investment in your car and home while enjoying the flexibility electric vehicles can offer. Level 1 chargers usually charge up a Tesla overnight and a Level 2 takes an hour or two, depending on both your car and the charger.

The team at Castle Electric usually recommends installing a Level 2 charger in your garage for optimal convenience and safety. However, it all really depends on your preferences, current set-up, and vehicle. Give us a call and we’ll talk through your options and come out to assess your set-up.

Access to Convenient Electrical Power

It’s easy to overlook the step of where to put your charger. If you put it in an area that makes it difficult to use your garage while charging or can’t reach your vehicle, it will cause ongoing issues. When it’s that hard to charge your EV car, it also makes them impossible to enjoy.

Professional Installation

Once you’re settled on an EV charging station for your home, you need a qualified electrician to install it for you. Trying to do it yourself probably violates your warranty, could expose your vehicle and home to a fire, and puts your personal safety at risk. Always hire a skilled electrician in Norwood or Newton to work in your home to ensure your safety and stay compliant with any local building codes and safety standards.

Subscription or Payment Method (Optional)

Even if you have an at-home EV charging station, it’s wise to grab a subscription method for public stations. Instead of finding a station and paying as you go or struggling to sign up in a hurry, plan it out in advance. When you need a charge, you’ll know where to go and already have your payment set-up for easy EV ownership.

Subscriptions are also wise in case your power ever goes out. You’ll have a back-up plan in place, or you can ask the team at Castle Electric about installing a generator that can run your home and keep your vehicle charged should your power ever go out.

Call Castle Electric to Install an EV Charging Station

Ready to secure your dream of EV ownership? Get started with an at-home EV charging station that empowers your household with convenience and safety. The electricians at Castle Electric will look over your set-up and gather information about your vehicle, guide you through the options, and get to work wiring your home safely. We’re also here for all of your requests for electrical service in Norwood, Newton and the surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your appointment!