Which Type of EV Charger Is Best for My Home
EV charging station installations can add value to homes and increase their marketability. They can also help EV drivers cut their charging costs and protect their batteries’ health. If you’re preparing for residential EV charger installation, your first step is understanding the different types of EV chargers.
Each charger type has both benefits and drawbacks. At Melbourne Mister Sparky, we’re sharing important insights on how to find the perfect charger for your budget, goals, and home.
Understanding the Three Levels of EV Chargers
There are three EV charger types and levels to choose from: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 EV chargers. These levels of EV chargers differ in their connectors, electrical system requirements, and charging abilities.
Level 1 EV Chargers
You can bypass the costs and complexities of home EV charger installation by using a simple Level 1 charging cord. Level 1 EV chargers offer plug-and-play functionality. These chargers plug directly into standard 120-volt outlets.
All new EVs come with branded Level 1 charging cords. If you purchased your EV used or no longer have its original charging cord, you can buy a new OEM cord from a local auto dealer. You can also purchase a compatible Level 1 charging cord from an aftermarket seller.
Although they’re easy to use and don’t require any electrical system modifications, Level 1 chargers are far from convenient. These types of EV chargers can take 50 hours or more to restore full battery power. For daily EV drivers and those with long-distance commutes, using Level 1 chargers alone is impractical.
Level 2 EV Chargers
Among the three levels of EV chargers, Level 2 chargers are easily the most popular. You can find these chargers in many public charging stations. They’re also the top choice for residential EV charger installation. Unlike Level 1 chargers that can take more than two days to restore full battery power, Level 2 chargers can get the job done in just 4 to 12 hours.
When choosing a Level 2 EV charging station for home installation, you may need several electrical system upgrades. These appliances require dedicated circuits. They also need dedicated 240-volt outlets.
If you don’t have space for a new 240-volt outlet, you can have our electricians hardwire your Level 2 charger into your home’s electrical system. Hardwiring chargers during home EV charger installation provides clean aesthetics, promotes faster charging speeds, and allows for optimum electrical system safety.
To comply with local building codes, you need a permit for Melbourne EV charger installation. Having a professional handle your installation from start to finish will simplify and expedite the permitting process.
Level 3 EV Chargers
Level 3 EV chargers aren’t available for home use. Also known as DC fast chargers, these chargers can restore full battery power within just 20 to 40 minutes. These ultra-rapid charging speeds work well for long-distance travelers making quick stops, but they aren’t great for electric vehicles. Using DC fast charging stations too often can shorten a battery’s lifespan and diminish its overall performance.
Not all EVs are compatible with DC fast chargers. For instance, most plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) cannot use DC fast chargers.
So, Which EV Charger Is Best for Your Home?
For most homeowners, the answer is clear: a Level 2 charger is the best EV charger for home use. Even with the need for permitting and electrical system modifications, the benefits of installing a Level 2 are well worth the spending.
Fast and Convenient
Not only can homeowners restore full EV battery power within just four to 12 hours with a Level 2 charger, but they can also charge their EVs overnight. Rather than stopping at a public charging station after work, you can plug your EV in when you get home and enjoy your downtime. This also bodes well for energy savings. Overnight charging allows drivers to power their batteries during off-peak hours, when electricity rates are at their lowest.
Future-Proof
Level 2 EV chargers are future-proof in ways that Level 1 and Level 3 chargers are not. Many of these appliances come with integrative smart features. They’re also compatible with multiple EV types and more adaptive to future innovations in EV design.
Smart Technology
Choosing a smart Level 2 charger for your residential EV charger installation will give you the best level of convenience and the most energy savings. You can integrate your smart charger with your smart home system to monitor and control it remotely. For instance, you can track your battery’s charge from your bedroom with your mobile phone or tablet. You can even remotely disconnect your charger when your battery reaches your desired charge.
Level 2 smart features and capabilities also include:
- Bi-directional charging: Sends electricity from the grid to vehicles and allows EV batteries to send electricity to external devices
- Load shifting: Schedules EV charging to occur during off-peak hours for the lowest electricity rates
- Peak shaving: Prevents grid overloads during elevated demand by managing power use
- Dynamic load balancing: Balances loads to keep high-demand appliances from overloading electrical panels
Increased Home Value
Given their future-proof designs, Level 2 chargers add value to homes and boost their overall appeal. The same electrical system upgrades and charging technologies that work for you can also attract qualified buyers when you’re ready to sell.
Safe and Code-Compliant
Level 2 chargers are the safest choice for home EV charging across all charger types. Level 3 chargers aren’t available for home use, don’t comply with permitting requirements, and aren’t compatible with residential electrical systems.
Level 1 charging cords can lead to overloaded circuits, overheating, and electrical fires. Their plug-and-play functionality means that homeowners often use them without first scheduling electrical inspections. Although they draw less power than other chargers, Level 1 chargers can still cause problems for old, outdated electrical systems.
How to Know If Your Home Is Ready
After exploring the different types and levels of EV chargers, your next step in home EV charger installation is scheduling an electrical system inspection. These assessments determine whether electrical systems are ready for additional demand and which upgrades they require.
At Melbourne Mister Sparky, our licensed electricians will:
- Assess your electrical system’s capacity
- Determine your current electrical demand
- Define required upgrades
- Update or replace your electrical panel as needed
- Help you choose between hardwired or plug-in charging
- Help you choose between indoor or outdoor installation
- Make recommendations for surge protection
If you choose to plug your Level 2 charger in, we’ll install a special, dedicated 240-volt outlet with its own circuit and breaker.
Smart Chargers: Convenience Meets Control
At Melbourne Mister Sparky, we offer and install EV chargers with smart features for enhanced convenience and control. Our team can recommend charger types that offer smart features like battery health tracking, peak shaving, dynamical load balance, and more.
Why You Should Always Use a Licensed Electrician
With every major home appliance installation, using a licensed electrician works best. Residential EV charger installation is no exception. Hiring a licensed electrician like Melbourne Mister Sparky will ensure code-compliance, an easy permitting process, and assured electrical system safety.
Drive Clean, Charge Smart
With an electric vehicle, you can drive clean and with a clean conscience. Smart charging with an EV charging station for home will help you save both time and money. With the right Level 2 charger, you can protect the health of your battery, limit your charging costs, and enjoy unmatched convenience.
Ready to upgrade your EV charging experience?
Contact Melbourne Mister Sparky today to schedule your home EV charger consultation. We’ll help you choose the right charger, handle the installation, and make sure your home is ready for the electric future.