Exploring the Pros and Cons of Installing Level 2 EV Home Chargers
Like most electric vehicles, your EV likely came with a branded, Level 1 charging cord. Although handy, these accessories can take 40 to 50 hours to fill EV batteries to capacity. Level 2 chargers work at a much more rapid rate. They’re also available for home installation. Read on to discover the potential benefits and drawbacks of having a Level 2 EV home charger installed.
Pro: Get Total Control Over Your Battery’s Health and Your Spending
Free public charging stations are increasingly few and far between. Moreover, despite working ultra-fast, the Level 3 DC chargers found in public charging stations can harm EV batteries. With consistent DC charger use, some drivers report losses in battery capacity as high as 27%. With your own Level 2 EV home charging equipment, you can control your charging costs and keep your EV battery in great condition.
Con: You May Need Electrical System Updates
Unlike Level 1 charging cords, Level 2 chargers won’t work in standard 120-V outlets. For plug-and-play functionality, you’ll need both a dedicated 240-V outlet and a dedicated circuit. If you haven’t had your electrical system updated in a while, you may need to make wiring and other improvements as well.
Homeowners also have the option of hardwiring their Level 2 EV chargers directly into their electrical systems. But even with hardwiring, you’ll still need modern electrical features and a dedicated circuit to support this installation. When installing home charging equipment, it’s also best to invest in whole-house surge protection.
Pro: You Can Go Straight Home After Work
Having a Level 2 charger means being able to go straight home after you clock out. These chargers are powerful enough to prepare commute vehicles for the challenges of the coming day. You can plug in your vehicle upon arrival and unplug it the next morning. To prevent overcharging, the latest Level 2 chargers can electronically disconnect themselves when EV batteries are full.
Con: EV Chargers Take Up Indoor Space
Level 2 EV home chargers have slim profiles. They don’t take up much space, but they do require a fair amount of clearance. If you have a small or cluttered garage, it might be hard to pull your vehicle in or back it out without running overcharging cables. Fortunately, for both small garages and larger garages with little room to spare, there’s always the option of mounting Level 2 EV chargers outside.
Installing a Level 2 EV charger in your home will help you fully enjoy the convenience and cost benefits of owning an all-electric vehicle. However, this installation may require one or more electrical system updates and more indoor space than you currently have available. To shop an outstanding selection of EV chargers in Cedar Falls, IA, contact Henninger Electric today.
