If you're considering purchasing or already own an electric vehicle, you'll need to have a home charger installed to keep your car charged and ready to go. The most popular type of home EV charger is the Level 2 charger, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it's right for your needs.
Pros:
Faster Charging: A Level 2 charger is significantly faster than a Level 1 charger, which uses a standard 120-volt household outlet. A Level 2 charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit and can charge your car at a rate of up to 25 miles per hour. This means that you can charge your car overnight and have a full battery in the morning.
Convenience: Having a home EV charger means that you can charge your vehicle whenever it's convenient for you. You won't have to worry about making a special trip to a public charging station or waiting in line to charge your car.
Versatility: Level 2 chargers can be installed indoors or outdoors, depending on your needs and preferences. If you don't have a garage or carport, an outdoor charger can be installed on a dedicated pole or wall mount.
Cost Savings: Over time, using a home EV charger can be less expensive than relying on public charging stations. Plus, if you have solar panels installed on your home, you can charge your car using renewable energy and potentially save even more on your energy bills.
Cons:
Installation Costs: Installing a Level 2 charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit, which can be expensive to install. Additionally, the cost of the charger itself can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Limited Mobility: Unlike Level 1 chargers, which can be used with a standard household outlet, Level 2 chargers require a dedicated circuit. This means that you won't be able to use your home charger while traveling or away from home.
Availability: While Level 2 chargers are becoming more common, they're not as widely available as Level 1 chargers. This means that if you're relying solely on public charging stations, you may have to wait for an available Level 2 charger.
If you're considering a Level 2 EV charger for your home, it's important to work with a qualified electrician like the master electricians at Custom Lighting of Suffolk to ensure that your charger is installed safely and correctly. They can also help you decide if a Level 2 charger is the best choice for your specific needs and budget. Read more about our EV charger installation services.
Author Ben Doroski is a master electrician with over 20 years of experience in the field. He is the third-generation of master electricians in his family. Ben is the owner of Custom Lighting of Suffolk, a lighting and electrical company serving the North Fork of Long Island and Shelter Island.
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