There are many questions people have when it comes to having an electric vehicle, or EV; how simple or complicated the EV charging setup; how slow or fast EVs can charge; and the expense involved with charging the EVs. Today, we at Burley Electrical Service, Inc would like to share the basics concerning EV ownership.

Electric Car Charging at Home

From a standard 120 volt wall socket, most electric cars available to consumers can be charged. This option of charging is usually referenced as a ‘Level 1’ charging. This practical use of the vehicle takes a long time and sometimes cannot keep up with car usage. Specific to their make and model a homeowner can install a 220V or ‘Level 2’ charging station – or a rapid charging station, to overcome this issue.

How to Plug in an Electric Car

EV chargers are found on-board the vehicle, the equipment encased in the car that converts AC power from your house to DC to recharge the car’s battery pack and the charger is not hanging on the wall. Electric Vehicle Service Equipment or EVSE is the box, cord, and plug that mount to the wall of your home and supply electricity to your car, though most refer to it as a charger. You will want to probably invest in an EVSE installation in your home, though you can technically charge your car using a standard 120-volt outlet.

Simplify Car Charging with an EVSE Charger

To better take advantage of ‘time-of-day’ or off-peak discounts from your electric company, supply 240-volts of electricity by adding an EVSE can cut your charging time in half. Electric companies charge less for power during times of lower demand, which varies by season/time-of-day. You can reduce the environmental impact as well as lower energy bills and per-mile driving costs. EVSE can offer the following when connected to an electric vehicle:
– Safely turn on/off electricity supply to the vehicle.
– Report the electricity availability amount.
– Usage reports provided.
– Schedule charging based on available time-of-day electricity service discounts in select models.
– Assessed for potential electrical problems.

EV Charging Station Specifications

1) 30-Amp Service: In about an hour, this offers the capacity to add 30-miles of range. You don’t want to have to upgrade your EVSE later when you buy a new EV with a faster on-board charger, if your current EV can’t take full advantage of this faster rate, and currently accepts only 16-amp level charging.
2) Accurately Sized Charging Cable: You may want to rethink the convenience of your EVSE location if the typically sized cable, between 15-25 feet, is unable to reach the vehicle.
3) Connectivity: For metering, monitoring, and changing charging events, consider Wi-Fi enabled EVSE’s with touchscreens, though they tend to cost more.
DIY EVSE Installation: It is highly recommended that you seek a licensed professional from Burley Electrical to ensure the safety of your vehicle, home, and family. Costs vary depending on charging system and the features you select. Call us today for consultation and we will answer any questions you may have.

EV Car Charging Station Installation & More in Imperial Point, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Call Burley Electrical Services, Inc to learn more about EV car charging at your home. Burley Electrical Services, Inc can handle all your electrical needs.