Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular on the roads in Greater Vancouver. With more affordable solutions entering the market, such as the Nissan Leaf and the Kia Soul, electric vehicles and hybrids are no longer saved exclusively for high income earners. As such, we are receiving more and more requests for electric vehicle charging solutions in your home.
When it comes to electric vehicle charging on the roads, there are many solutions from Chargepoint and Flo to Tesla’s proprietary SuperChargers; however, when you arrive home and need a quick charge before heading to work the next morning, it is important to consider installing a charger in your own home.
If you are searching for options on the market, here are electric vehicle charging tips to consider.
Hire a professional.
While it might seem like a simple task – plugging in your vehicle and allowing it to charge overnight – it is important to hire a professional before getting started.
There are two popular charging options, which are named “Level 1” and “Level 2”. Level 1 chargers are your standard 120 volt service, which all cars have adaptors for. Level 1 will charge just as your standard home appliances and switches do, which means it will be very slow for a full charge.
Level 2 is a faster charging option, a 240-volt service. Level 2 charging requires the installation of an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) control, which uses a dedicated 240 volt household electric circuit.
Hiring a professional is absolutely essential for both options, to ensure that your home is equipped to sustain vehicle charging.
Understand the incentives available to you.
Being in British Columbia, there are incentives available to electric vehicle owners, both for the purchase of the vehicle and for charging station options.
The Province of British Columbia launched a Clean Energy Vehicle Program and administered by Plug In BC, which include a rebate for single-family homes and duplexes. It is important to note that home charging station rebates were distributed in the Summer of 2018, though we will be monitoring for updates to this program.
Consider charging times when making your installation decision.
With the 120 volt electric vehicle charging option, your vehicle will be completely charged between 6 to 16 hours, dependent on the size and range of your battery. With the 240 volt option, your vehicle will be completely charged between 3-8 hours.
When deciding which option is best for you and your home, it is important to consider the charging times that both Level 1 and Level 2 provide.
Electric vehicle charging is such a new, yet increasingly popular addition to the home. With more and more electric vehicles expected to hit the market over the coming years, we are seeing innovative individuals equipping their homes for the future of driving.
When considering the future of driving in your own home, these points are important to consider. At Stapleton Electric, we are working with electric vehicle drivers to equip their homes for the future. If you are considering driving an electrical vehicle, reach out to us at Stapleton Electric, to learn more today.
