GoPower Electric Services – Electrical Vehicle Charging System EVSE
It’s a great time to go electric! EVs are more affordable than ever, they can help you save on maintenance and fuel costs, and there’s an exciting variety of new models to choose from. Below we’ll go over the three different types of EV Chargers.
Looking to charge your EV at home? Well of course you are.
Currently there are two different ways for residential customers to charge their EV at home. One way is the tradition 120-volt plug in at a wall socket (Level 1), and the other is a 240-volt wall charger (Level 2). The big difference between the two chargers is the time it takes to charge your EV, and the electrical installation.
Either way you go, GoPower Electric recommends having an electrician review these choices with you as every application will differ. Keep in mind, even if you go with the 120-volt plug in style (Level 1) It is possible the existing outlet/circuit will not have the ample amount of amperage that is required for the EV charger. This will ultimately cause overheating in the circuit and trip the breaker.
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Level 1 EV Charger
Level 1 charging power output varies slightly, but is typically between 12 amps and 16 amps of continuous power. At these levels of output, a Level 1 charger is estimated to deliver between 3.5 and 6.5 miles of range per hour of charging.
* Most home garage circuits have a total amp rating of 15 amps. Newer homes may have 20 amp circuits but keep in mind that most likely the 20 amp and 15 amp circuits will have several receptacles that could be being used. The additional amp draw would need to be figured in to the total load for that circuit. Circuits should NOT exceed 80% of the load.
Level 2 EV Charger
A Level 2 charger plugs into the same outlet used by most dryers. Level 2 chargers provide around 25 miles of range per hour, but can go as high as 60 miles depending on the car and equipment. This style of charger can be wired in your garage, car port, or on the exterior of your home. They will require a dedicated 240-volt circuit and the amperage rating can range between 15 to 80 amps. The amperage is determined by the vehicles needs and the charger that it requires. Keep in mind, the further the charger is located away from your power panel, the bigger the expense for installation.
A Level 2 Charger will need to be installed by a qualified electrician.
Level 3 EV Charger
Level 3 charging is the fastest type of charging available and can recharge an EV at a rate of 3 to 20 miles of range per minute. Unlike Level 1 and Level 2 charging that uses alternating current (AC), Level 3 charging uses direct current (DC). Currently, Level 3 Chargers are only available at public charging stations due to cost and special needs.
Most public charges will charge a base fee (kWh) and a equipment fee.
Do You Know What UL Stands For?
Underwriter Laboratories (UL) Certification – This verifies that prior to sale, the product has undergone months-long, extensive safety testing at a certified lab (not affiliated with the manufacturing company) and thus, deemed safe and available for purchase. Chargers with this safety certification will be marked as such, with the UL stamp. You probably have seen this stamp before but might’ve not know why it was there. While shopping for EV Charges and accessories, look to see if the manufacturer has been listed with UL. Currently we’re seeing more and more products being offered online that could be VERY hazardous to you and your home. I’m sure you’re thinking “Well, how could they sell these products if they’re dangerous”… We can’t answer that question but we do feel that there will be governing changes in the future.
Choosing The Right EV Charger
Identifying your needs is the most crucial step in charging your electric car at home. While many people are fine with charging their car overnight with a level 1 charger, many prefer the flexibility provided by a level 2 charger. Whichever style you choose, GoPower Electric is here to help. If it’s a simple as doing an inspection or installing a complete charger system.