The majority of electric vehicle (EV) owners charge their vehicles at home. It’s affordable and convenient and according to energy.gov, more than 80% of EV owners charge at home. Whether it’s a house or an apartment with an attached or detached parking space, home charging is often the easiest way to keep your EV on the road.

Keep reading to learn how to charge an EV at home.

Guide to EV charging at Home

Anyone living in areas where freezing temperatures are common has probably used a household outlet to keep their battery from dying. The same outlet you use to keep your gasoline-powered vehicle’s battery from freezing can also power an EV. Referred to as Level 1 charging, these stations are almost always compatible with existing home outlets.

Although, charging your EV at home seems pretty simple, there’s more to learn about charging speeds and how to use an electric vehicle charge. A Level 1 charger is the most common. It is typically included with your vehicle purchase, most drivers only use it for emergency charging due to it’s extremely slow charging ability.

Level 1 EV Chargers

Level 1 chargers use a standard 120V plug. Chances are you have a 120V outlet in your garage. However, these charging units only provide between 5 to six miles per hour of charging. It typically takes 24 hours to fully charge an EV battery. Level 1 units can also only charge one vehicle at a time.

If you need faster charging times, you will need to upgrade to a Level 2 charger.

Level 2 EV Chargers

Level 2 chargers work with a 240V outlet. Think of the plugs you use for a washer, dryer, or oven. In four to five hours, you can charge your EV battery up to 80%, giving you around 14 miles per charging hour for a hybrid vehicle or 25 miles for an EV.

Level 3 EV Chargers

Level 3 or DC fast chargers will get you back on the road in minutes, instead of hours. However, these charging stations are expensive and rarely found in homes. Level 3 chargers are located in some public areas and most come with an app that allows you to locate one in seconds. The primary reason these are primarily public chargers is due to the expense. DC fast chargers are often too expensive for homeowners to afford, think upwards of 30,000+ for just the charger.

How to Install a Charging Station at Home

Unlike Level 1 chargers that simply plug into a 120V outlet, Level 2 units require installation. The units typically do not come with an EV purchase, meaning you are responsible for the purchasing costs. Since Level 2 chargers are wired into your home’s electrical supply, you may also need to hire a certified electrician.

Level 2 chargers are often installed inside your garage or on the side of the house. The units can also be mounted in private parking spots.

If you choose a smart Level 2 charger, you can track your charging history and even schedule your sessions during off-peak hours. It can save you money on electrical usage while still ensuring your EV has a fully charged battery.

Charging Station at Home with Apogee Charging Solutions

Before you decide on a Level 2 charger, it’s a good idea to talk to the experts. Not all Level 2 chargers are suited for cold weather. When you are ready to upgrade your EV charger, contact one of our experts today.

Apogee Charging Solutions offers both Level 2 Home Chargers, as well as Level 2 Smart Chargers. We also have dedicated certified electricians that can safely and efficiently install your Level 2 Home Charger.

Call us today at 484-816-2076, email [email protected], or schedule a call to purchase your Level 2 Home Charger and inquire about our installation process.