Choosing A Level 1 Or 2 EV Charger

If you own an electric vehicle (EV) you likely want a place to charge your vehicle at home. Once you decide you want an EV charger, you will need to decide which one you want. There are several variables to help you decide on the right charger.

Installation

The cost of installation will be the first hurdle. If you don't have a significant budget for installing an EV charger, you will more likely choose a Level 1 (L1) charger. The benefit of this type of charger is the installation cost is lower, and in some cases, you might have the appropriate outlet available in your garage. If you do not have an available outlet in your garage, it is easy and inexpensive to have an electrician install one. If you want a Level 2 (L2) charger, this will cost you more because you will need a specialized outlet that may cost thousands of dollars to install, and there may be additional preparation involved to ensure your home's electrical system can support a higher voltage outlet.

Charging Speeds

Part of deciding on the appropriate charging speed will be how much you drive. If you drive short distances, such as back and forth to work and for errands, it may not be necessary to have an L2 charger. You should be able to allow your EV to charge overnight and have enough mileage for your daily routine. For those people who do a substantial amount of driving, especially long-distance driving, an L2 might be necessary to ensure you have enough of a charge to make it to and from your destination. If you do long-distance driving, but cannot afford an L2 charger, you will need to take into consideration the location of charging stations so you can plan your trip. If you have multiple EVs, you'll likely need an L2 charger so each vehicle can have an adequate amount of time on the charger.

Space

There may be different space requirements for an L1 versus an L2 charger. You will need to make sure you have adequate space in your garage for your EVs and the necessary charging cord. For example, an L1 cord can be much longer and still charge your vehicle. If you want an L2 charger, it will be critical that there is little space between the car and the charger since the charging cord is shorter. If you have multiple EVs, you will want enough space so they can each charge without having to rearrange the vehicles.

Having an EV can cause a considerable change to your environmental impact, but it comes with additional costs and decisions. Choosing the right charger for your situation will minimize the chance of running out of charge while on the road.

To learn more about EV charger outlet installation, contact a local company.