One of the best ways to make owning an electric vehicle convenient and easy is to schedule your Level 2 charger installation as soon as you buy your car. Some people may think that it’s okay to put off this charging installation because they can just use their Level 1 charger, but there are many good reasons why you shouldn’t wait. Here are a few of them
What is a Level 2 charger?
Charging a battery is done with a charger. The charger converts alternating current (AC) from the electric utility grid to direct current (DC) that can be used by an electric vehicle’s battery. A level 1, or standard charger, provides 120 volts of electricity at 60 hertz and can take up to 24 hours for a full charge. A level 2 charger typically delivers 240 volts at 50 hertz, and takes up to six hours for a full charge. Level 3 chargers deliver higher voltage and use more sophisticated power electronics than level 2 chargers and are able to provide charging rates in excess of 320 amperes or 350 kilowatts (kW). These fast-charging stations are typically installed along highways where long distance travel is anticipated.
When should I schedule my installation?
The best time to schedule your installation is when you have a solid date that you’ll be installing your new EV, so that the installer will know when they can come and get it. A lot of people put off installing their level two charger until they’re ready for it, which can make the scheduling process a bit more difficult.
The installation process itself will take anywhere from two hours (for a 240v outlet) or four hours (for a 480v outlet). If you want an estimate on how much it will cost, we recommend contacting an electrician in your area who’s experienced with installing chargers. The cost of installation can vary quite a bit depending on what needs to be done in order to hook up the charger properly.
How long does installation take?
The installation process typically takes three to four weeks. The first step is to get an electrician out to the site and determine whether a 240-volt service or a 480-volt service will be needed, as these are the two voltages available in homes. Once this is confirmed, the electrician will draw up a plan of what needs to be installed, including conduit, grounding and other necessary steps. Next, the equipment will be ordered from EV charging system suppliers like EVSE Upgrade and construction work will begin on the site. Depending on how complicated your installation is, it could take anywhere from one week for a simple installation with only conduit and cables being required up to three weeks for more elaborate installations that require trenching and electrical rewiring.
What are the benefits of Level 2 charging?
Level 2 charging is the most popular and efficient form of electric vehicle (EV) charging. It has been shown that this form of charging can provide a greater charge per hour than any other level, but the downside is that it takes longer to charge. Level 2 chargers have a max power output of 240V, meaning they can pump out up to 22kW. This means that it’s possible for an EV owner to get back on the road in as little as four hours with a level 2 charger. While this type of installation may cost more than some other options, there are many benefits associated with them. For instance, they are faster and can be installed at your home or office where you park your car every day, which makes it more convenient for you.
How much does it cost to install a Level 2 charger?
A level 2 charger installation costs about $4,000 for a 240-volt system with wiring and labor. The cost of the actual charger is usually less than $1,000. For example, car manufacturers like BMW offer a home charging station that costs around $900, and they provide installation services through their dealerships. Electric vehicle chargers are eligible for federal tax credits worth up to $2,500. Some cities offer financial incentives as well. To make it even easier on yourself, there are plenty of financing options available. Check out your local electric company or bank for more information on funding your purchase through a lease or loan agreement.
