How to Prepare Your Home for an Electric Vehicle

When thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV), it’s important to look beyond the excitement of driving a clean and efficient car. Getting your home ready for an EV charger is crucial to ensure a smooth ownership experience. While using a public electric vehicle charging station is always an option, having an electric vehicle home charger setup can be more convenient and cost-effective in the long term. In this guide, we’ll outline the five essential steps to prepare your home for an electric vehicle like a new Chevy Bolt EV or Bolt EUV.

Prepare Your Home for an Electric Vehicle: Step-By-Step Guide

1. Selecting the Right Charging Type (Charging Level)

When it comes time to prepare your home for an electric vehicle in Champlin, the first step is to decide on the appropriate charging type, often referred to as a charging level. This is going to depend on your electric vehicle charging batteries. There are two primary options:

• Level 1 EV Charging: This is the simplest method, involving plugging your EV into a standard 120-volt household outlet. It’s the slowest option, taking several days to fully charge your electric vehicle. Level 1 charging suits individuals with lower daily driving needs and plenty of time for charging.
• Level 2 EV Charging: Level 2 charging operates at 240 volts and is considerably faster than Level 1 charging. It can provide 60 to 200 miles of range in just 20 to 30 minutes, making it perfect for daily commuters in Blaine and those seeking quicker charging times.

2. Prepare Your Garage

Since your garage will likely serve as the central point for your electric vehicle charging station, take the time to get it organized and prepared ahead of your EV’s arrival. A good tip is to start by removing any unnecessary items or clutter from your garage to make room for the installation of your EV charger.

3. Find Your Power Panel & Assess Consumption

For a safe electric vehicle home charger installation, you must familiarize yourself with your home’s electrical system. Here’s what to do:

• Find Your Power Panel: Locate your power panel, the hub for distributing electricity in your home.
• Check Amperage Rating: Examine the amperage rating on your main circuit breaker to confirm its capacity to handle the added load.
• Assess Electrical Consumption: Evaluate your household’s electricity consumption to avoid overloading the power panel during EV charging. Conducting a thorough self-assessment of your electricity usage will guide your decision-making when installing your electric vehicle home charger.

4. Hire an Electrician

Bringing in a licensed electrician is a crucial step in getting your home ready for your electric vehicle charging station. Here’s a breakdown of what to anticipate:

• Consultation: You’ll discuss your power usage and EV charging requirements with the electrician. This helps determine if any upgrades are necessary.
• Installation: Based on your home’s electrical setup, the electrician will set up either a dedicated 240-volt outlet or a hardwired circuit for your EV charger. Costs can vary, typically ranging from a few hundred dollars to potentially up to $3,000 for more extensive upgrades.

5. Buy Your Charger & Have it Installed

With your home all set, it’s time to get your EV charger and have it expertly installed by your chosen electrician. Then, select a charger that matches your electric vehicle and meets your charging requirements. Make sure it complies with safety and certification standards.

Contact Mauer Main Chevrolet for More Information on Electric Vehicle Charging Batteries!

For questions about preparing your home for an electric vehicle charger in Anoka, contact us at Mauer Main Chevrolet. Our experts ensure a smooth transition to EV ownership. Reach out anytime for guidance and explore our EV lineup. Soon you will be enjoying the benefits in Brooklyn Park – a reduced carbon footprint and lower maintenance costs!