EV Charger Installation
It’s no secret that the automotive industry is very slowly working toward moving away from gasoline-powered vehicles. Right now, the front runner to take their place are Electric Vehicles (EVs). While this is good news for the environment and our air quality overall, not everyone’s house or business is ready to accommodate an EV.
If you own or are interested in purchasing an electric vehicle and you'd like the convenience and safety offered by an EV home or business charging station, talk to the electrical experts at McCurley Electric. We offer a selection of the most advanced, fully featured charging systems available and provide professional residential and commercial Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) installation and service.
What is an EV Charger?
EV charges supply electric energy to recharge electric vehicles. There are three levels of electric vehicle charging devices:
Level 1 Charger
This charger comes standard with most electric vehicles and is plugged into any normal three-prong outlet. While the Level 1 charger requires no installation, it charges vehicle batteries very slowly. Level 1 EVSE chargers are best suited for overnight use and can take 20 hours or more to fully charge your car’s battery.
Level 2 Charger
This more advanced EVSE charger requires its own dedicated 240-volt circuit, which needs to be professionally installed in your garage. Level 2 chargers work much faster, fully charging an EV in about three hours. A growing number of EV manufacturers are now including a Level 2 charger standard with each new car purchase.
Level 3 Charger
This is the standalone device you see at public charging stations. It can add 160 miles of driving range to an EV’s batteries in about half an hour (nice!). However, they are prohibitively expensive for most EV owners. They also have an industrial-level power draw that makes them unavailable to homeowners. However, if you own or work at an industrial building, it is possible to have a Level 3 charger installed there.
Which type of EVSE charger is the right choice for you? It depends on your driving habits. Many EV owners make do with plugging in their cars for an overnight charge. But if you frequently find yourself needing to recharge your EV midday, installing a Level 2 charger is a wise investment.