If you are one of the hundreds of people who are investing in an electrical vehicle, there is more than just buying a car that you must consider. One major consideration when buying an electric car is charging your vehicle. You may have escaped the need of fossil fuels, but your vehicle still needs a fuel source which is electricity. This means you will need a charging station, which requires electrical work to install. Burley Electrical Services will share some of the unknown facts about installing an electrical car charger at your residence and why it is important to seek professional electrical services.
Can I Install My Own Electric Car Charger?
Electrical vehicles are a great and environmentally friendly means of transportation, but they do require the owner to provide a charging station. When installing an electrical vehicle charging station at your home, you may need a permit. Each city and county in Florida will vary but most require you or your electrician to get a permit to install an electrical charging station in your home. Additionally, there are different types of electrical charging stations. You will need to know which one you need for your vehicle’s electrical capacity. Lastly, you will need to consider your lifestyle or how many miles you put on your vehicle. Once you determine these factors you will better know which type of electrical charging station you will need.
When you are buying an electrical vehicle you will want to check with your local authorities and see if there is a permit requirement. In the state of Florida, permits are needed. However, some cities and counties may not require a permit. Additionally, some cities and counties provide a tax break incentive for electrical vehicles and their charging stations.
What Types of Electric Car Chargers are There?
Next, you will need to know which type of charging station you will need to have installed. The difference in charging stations are often based by a charging level, and based on the estimated usage of the vehicle. Here are the different charging levels.
• Level One charging station is ideal for people who travel 25 miles or more in a single day which is considered very light usage. On average, most Americans travel 30 miles or less every hour.
• Level Two is for those who travel more frequently with longer trips which is true for most Americans. In most cases, a level two charging station is required, and a portable level one charging station should be kept in the trunk of the vehicle for emergency situations.
• DC Fast Charging is a much faster charging station that is designed for commercial use. These charging stations can provide a 100 mile charge within 30 minutes.
Electric Car Charging Station Installation & More in Pompano Beach, Imperial Point, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland & Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Most people will have a level two car charging station installed at their home. For the more prepared, it is also encouraged to invest in a level one charger which can be plugged into a three prong outlet for emergency charges. A DC Fast charging station isn’t one that is used for residential buildings as they require a higher electrical capacity. However, you will also need to know your vehicle’s electrical capacity as well as your home’s electrical capacity. If you live in an older home, their electrical capacity is much lower than modern homes. Often you may need to upgrade your electrical panel and the home’s electrical capacity to accommodate an electrical car charging station. If you are unsure about your home electrical capacity, contact an electrician to inspect your electrical system. If you need help installing an electrical vehicle charging station, and or upgrading your home’s electrical capacity, contact Burley Electrical Services today.