Charging overnight in your own garage is cheaper and easier than relying on public stations. Here is what goes into a proper home EV charger installation.
Level 1 vs Level 2
Level 1 is the cord that plugs into a normal 120 volt outlet. It adds only a few miles of range per hour, which is fine for short commutes and plug-in hybrids. Level 2 runs on 240 volts and typically adds 20 to 40 miles of range per hour, enough to refill most batteries overnight.
Circuit sizes
- A 40 amp circuit charges at 32 amps
- A 50 amp circuit charges at 40 amps, common for NEMA 14-50 plug-in chargers
- A 60 amp circuit charges at 48 amps, the top rate for a Tesla Wall Connector and several other hardwired units
Chargers are continuous loads, so the circuit is always sized larger than the charging rate.
Will your panel handle it?
An electrician runs a load calculation on your service. If there is room, the charger gets its own breaker. If the panel is full or the service is small, the options are a load management device that pauses charging when the house is busy, or an electrical panel upgrade.
Where to mount the charger
Mount it where the cable reaches the charge port without stretching across walkways. Shorter runs from the panel cost less. Outdoor installs need weather-rated equipment, and detached garages may need trenching and a sub panel.
Utah winter tips
Cold batteries charge more slowly and lose some range. Charging in a garage and preconditioning the car while it is still plugged in both help along the Wasatch Front and in mountain towns like Park City and Heber City.
Protect the investment
A charger is a piece of electronics on a large circuit. Whole house surge protection is inexpensive insurance for it.
KITMUND installs Level 2 chargers and Tesla Wall Connectors statewide, from Lehi and Draper to St. George. Call (888) 633-7804.