How to Prep Your Home for an EV

How do you prepare your home for an electric vehicle? Picking out your electric or plug-in hybrid can be an exciting time, but after you’ve signed the paperwork, you want your garage to be ready to go! And one of the top priorities with your electric vehicle is charging batteries. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the two different types of electric vehicle home chargers and explain the process of installation. And if you run into any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Anchor Auto Outlet!

1. Decide On an Electric Vehicle Home Charger 

After you drive home in your electric vehicle, charging batteries is your next step. While there are tons of electric vehicle charging stations around Raleigh and Cary, you’ll most likely rely on your home charger for everyday convenience. There are two options for residential electric vehicle home chargers:

• Level 1 EV Charging: You can simply take your vehicle charging cord and plug it into any grounded outlet to access Level 1 charging. Though easily accessible, this method takes days to fully charge an electric car. 
• Level 2 EV Charging: Upgrade to a Level 2 electric vehicle charging station, and you can charge your EV in a matter of hours. However, you’ll need to buy a specialized charging station and arrange a professional installation.

While some low-mileage drivers can get away with using solely Level 1 charging, most Durham drivers will choose a Level 2 charging station. This allows you to fully charge your EV overnight, so it’s ready to go by morning.

2. Ready Your Garage

One of the best ways to prepare your home for an electric vehicle is to clean up your garage. Since your garage acts as your charging station, it’s a good idea to clear out all the clutter and organize your space. Not only does this give you extra room when setting up your charging station, but it also allows your electrician to work more efficiently if you’re planning on getting a Level 2 station installed.

3. Find Your Power Panel & Assess Consumption

If you want to install an electric vehicle charging station, you’ll need to check your power panel. Your power panel distributes electricity throughout your home, and it’s rated for a specific amount of current flow – measured in Amperes. You’ll need to perform a self-assessment to see how much power you typically use before installing your charger. Otherwise, you run the risk of overloading your power panel.

4. Hire an Electrician

Now that you know how much electricity you use, we recommend hiring your electrician. Mention any questions you may have about the installation process, and be sure to share the information you collected from your self-assessment. The cost of installation can vary, depending on your current setup. If you just need a dedicated 240-volt plug, you might only pay a few hundred dollars. If you need to upgrade your power panel, your bill can run well over a thousand dollars.

5. Buy Your Charger & Have it Installed

Now that you’ve worked out your plan, it’s time to put it all together! Order the electric home charging station of your choice, and schedule the installation with your electrician. After everything is installed, you can enjoy peace of mind from charging in your very own garage!

Find Out More with Anchor Auto Outlet

Want more tips and tricks for how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle? We’re ready to help at Anchor Auto Outlet! Contact us to learn more or stop by Cary if you’re in the market for an affordable pre-owned electric vehicle. We can help you find what you need. We have plenty of fuel-friendly options available, and we’d be happy to talk trade-ins or schedule a test drive!