Here at Stapleton Electric, we are so excited about the increase of electric vehicles and EV chargers in British Columbia. According to ICBC, there were 29,395 electric vehicles on the road in March of 2020, compared to just 13,727 in April of the year previous. This points to a substantial growth in this market, and one that has yielded the following question….
How does one go about charging an electric vehicle at home with safety and efficiency as top of mind?
If you’re in the market for an EV this year, or perhaps you have one and you are determining your next steps to charging at home, we have the support you need in our resource below.
Here are 5 tips to successful installation of EV chargers in your home
Please note: if you live in an apartment or condo building, the steps are different and you may need to consult with your strata council or property management.
If you are installing EV chargers in your residential home, you will likely be installing a Level 2 charger in your home. The recommended tips, or steps, to take are as follows:
1. Find an electrician
Before embarking on your journey to install a charger in your home, it is essential to find an electrician. Hiring a certified electrician who has completed adequate training will not only ensure your home is protected, it will also help to maintain efficiency of your vehicle charging over time.
2. Determine if your home is eligible for a charger
We know that doing repairs on your home, or building a new home, can be a challenging project. As electrical work requires a permit, installing EV chargers requires similar eligibility. It is essential to know if your home is eligible for a charger. An electrician will be able to support you in this process.
3. Decide which charger you are going to install
If you have a Tesla, for example, you may consider purchasing a Tesla-specific charger. If you have another EV, such as a BMW I3 or a Toyota Prius, you will need to understand which charging cable will work for you.
If you are seeking a rebate from the Government of BC, be sure to review the EV chargers that are eligible here.
4. Prepare your garage or charging area
While a charger does not require a great deal of space, it is important to plan your garage or charing area accordingly. If you generally back-in to your garage, for example, be sure the charger is placed on the side of your vehicle that makes the most sense for the charging port. Your selected charger may have a long enough cord to extend to both sides of the vehicle, though it is always best to be safe than regret your placement following the installation.
5. Don’t forget Level 1 charging…
While the tips on this list covered Level 2 charging (a popular residential option and easily accessible) it is important to know that this is not the only option available to you for your home.
You can use Level 1 charging through plugging into a standard outlet. While it will take more time (12-24 hours for a Tesla Model 3, for example), it does give you the option to charge with your existing ports.
If you are commuting short distances, this option allows you to park your vehicle and charge through the evening and overnight; however, if you commute into an area without adequate access to public chargers, a Level 2 may be the best option for you.
Here at Stapleton Electric, we can support your EV charger needs. From load calculations to the requirement of electrical capacity, our team understands the impact of an EV on your residential home.
To learn more, contact us for a consultation here.
