With gas prices and climate concerns on people’s minds, many consumers are considering getting an electric vehicle. However, a lot of homeowners aren’t sure how to set up chargers in their existing space. After completing many upgrades in garages to incorporate chargers, the team at R. Poust Inc. has some recommendations for preparing your space for an electric vehicle.
Clear the Station
Before you engage in any serious work, the first step is to figure out where you’d like the charger to go. While most chargers have 20-25ft cords, keeping as much of that length out of the way as possible is nice. If possible, pick a spot where your car will be close to an interior wall. If you and your household members swap where cars are parked frequently, then dropping the charger in the middle of the two vehicles may be better.
Make Sure The Garage Climate Is Right
Electronic components are designed to function better at room temperature, so checking your garage’s insulation beforehand makes sense. While it doesn’t need to be the same temperature as the inside, it’s best if the garage isn’t freezing.
Humidity can also be a concern as it can damage and corrode connections between your charger and your car. Ensuring you have sufficient drainage in the garage will keep your investments in better repair for longer.
Know Your Hardware
Depending on what kind of charger you’re installing, you’ll have different requirements. A Level 1 charger needs a 120V hookup, which can usually be established without needing any modifications to the box as long as you have space. Level 1 chargers are slower than others, but they are reasonably serviceable for people working on a budget charging an e-bike.
For faster charging, Level 2 chargers can charge most cars in three hours. This can be important for people driving longer distances. Level 2 chargers require a 240V hookup, and installation will almost always require some additional work to connect to the breaker box. These installations can run between $500-$2,000 depending on how involved they are, and should always be handled by a professional.
If you’re considering putting in a new charger, contact us today.