You may have seen people running electric vehicles; these are becoming common nowadays. Why shouldn’t one have that electric vehicle when it helps them in saving a lot of energy and cost? If you are also looking for something that can help you save some money on field bills and also help in minimizing the pollution level, then this EV can be the best and smart way of investment.
The person can charge the battery of their EV at home, at a commercial, or a public charging station. A most electric vehicle has a charger of level 1, which you can plug into a 120-volt standard outlet. One can upgrade the charger with a fast charging station which improves the charging efficiency and will quickly charge the vehicle. There is also no cost of projection when it comes to Electric Vehicle charging stations which means the electrical supplies may increase in 2023.
EV Charging Station | Cost to Install |
---|---|
National average cost | $1350 |
Low-end | $350 |
High-end | $4300 |
Now, when it comes to the cost of an Electric Vehicle charging station, you will be surprised to know that this station type you purchase is either hardwired or portable. Usually, the installation costs range from $1000 to $2,500. For an outlet of 240-volt or level 2 chargers, people usually pay around $1200, and the low cost for replacement of charger of level 1 is around $350, which is for an existing outlet of 120-volt. The project's high cost, which you have to bear, is $4300 for a charger of Level 2, which is designed for 2 different cars with an outlet of 240-volt, an upgrade circuit panel, and pedestal mounts.
Low cost of $350 - The replacement of charger with Level 1 with an outlet of 120-volt.
The average cost of $1200 - It involves the level 2 charger with wall mount and 240- volt outlet
High cost of $4300 - With an outlet of 240-volt for two cars for level 2 charger, circuit panel upgrade, and pedestal mount.
An electric vehicle will run on a rechargeable battery instead of oil and gasoline. You need to recharge the battery when you are not using the car, requiring an EV charging station. Importantly, it is a way to plug in your car's battery with an outlet that needs to be charged.
Usually, charging stations are common in public spaces, and many owners of the EV install charging stations at their homes. According to the report NRDC, about 80% of EV charging is done at home. When you need to charge the EV between trips, there are several choices available for a person regarding the charging station.
You may find three different types of charging station cards designed by their level. When someone buys an electric vehicle, you will receive the charger of level 1 with the car. It is specially designed so that you can plug it into the outlet at 120- volts, which means there is no need to make any changes to the house, but it may take more time to get charged. For in-house use, the level 2 charger is preferable; they are faster than level 1 and are also designed for multiple cars.
If you talk about level 3 chargers, they may not be used in the residential setting and are used mostly in residential settings. The charger will have its attributes and costs, and you can purchase the one which is right for you.
Power level | Station Cost | Charging Time |
---|---|---|
Low-power (120V) | $350 - $550 | Up to 24 hours |
Mid-power (240V) | $1350 - $5500 | 3 - 6 hours |
High-power (480V) | $10000 - $15000 | Less than 1 hour |
When you purchase the car, then chargers for level 1 will be free, and one can buy the replacement charging station that ranges from $350 to $650. The portable chargers for EVs do not require installation; you can plug this charger into any outlet with a 120-volt. In 24 hours, the battery will be fully charged, and because then only, it will work well; otherwise, it will drive only short distances.
When you driving daily, this low-power charger may not meet the vehicle requirements, and you will have to plug it in no matter where you go when you are not using the car. One needs to use a standard wall outlet and if they are not using it, then set up for a low-power charging section, which makes it more complicated.
When it comes to mid-power charging stations, you will know that those are even more common for the electric vehicle owner. You have to bear the mid-power charging station - 50 amp cost between $1350 and $1550, 80 amp (for example Ford) - $3500 - $5000. This mid-power charging station will charge the batteries so fast that they will reach full charge and that will take only a few hours.
Even if you purchase the basic mode that will offer you 4 - 6 times faster speed than a low-power charger and even add 10-40 miles per hour. This charger will require an outlet of 240-volt and are more mounted or portable and hardwired at your house. There are some specific types of car, whereas other charges the car with an adaptor. One can customize the charging experience with specific features such as Wi-Fi, etc.
A high-power charging station is between $10000 and $15000 for the hardware and charger. It is specifically designed for commercial use, increasing its popularity in the residential charging station. It can charge the batteries fast in just an hour and with a chagrining of 100-400 miles.
You can charge many vehicles with your station, and most houses do not even have the panel or space to use it as it requires 480 volts. There are some areas where a second panel should be installed to support your house's high-power charging station.
Along with the charger level, a person will have a choice on how they can connect that to their house. Two types of EVSE connectors are hardwired and plugged in. If you are using hard, then that will be wired directly into your house. It has an internal connection with the electrical wiring, such as light fixtures. It is not possible to remove it, which means it is not portable, but you can use it outdoors, and it is also less expensive.
A plugged-in station is plugged into the outlet, which makes it portable and quite easy to move, remove and repair. Even if you want to replace it, it will not cost you anything because the outlet is already installed. If someone has two properties, they can take the charger to each of them and use it in different locations. It is crucial to remember that it needs repair or replacement, which can be a more tricky and expensive job. Both of these work well, and you can choose the best one.
An EV owner has several charging station brands, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Most brands offer their users several options for installation and features such as apps and Wi-Fi. However, there are types when the charging station you require depends on the car type, whereas some EVs work on the universal charger.
Another factor one considers while choosing an electric vehicle charging station is price. For instance, the installation cost of the Tesla charger at your house is middle of the range as compared to the ChargePoint electric vehicle charger cost, which is high-end. These are the two recognizable brands that have a less expensive option with fewer features available. There are some other brands too, which have their own cost for installing a charging station.
Brand | Average Costs |
---|---|
Webasto | $1000 - $1300 |
ClipperCreek | $1100 - $1500 |
Bosch | $1100 - $1600 |
Tesla | $1100 - $1600 |
Siemens | $1250 - $1400 |
JuiceBox | $1200 - $1450 |
ChargePoint | $1350 - $1550 |
Electricians install the charging station of the car and also charge from about $40 to $120 for an hour. You can install the heavy-duty outlet that you require for the charging station with the new circuit, which costs around $1230 to $200. When you choose a level 1 portable unit, this will be the total cost of installation.
However, people usually opt for the wall mount, which will increase your installation cost and make it about $300 to $600, making the installation cost about $420 to $800. Fr installing the car charging station will cost about $600 out of $1200.
When you select a bollard-style charger that is installed in a detachable or carport garage, it may cost you a high installation amount. It is because the wires will be needed to run from the underground charger home, which is why the installation cost for level 2 electric cars has an additional cost of labor. That is why the complete cost of installation comes to $2,000, along with the charger cost. The same goes for the installation cost, which requires a dedicated panel.
One can install the electric charger inside and outside. You can install the charger inside the house or garage where you park your car. But those that do not have a garage usually install the charger outside. The only difference you find will be in the setting up process. If you are installing it outside, then make sure it is completely protected and waterproof. You may need to lock it properly for some security reasons.
Most manufacturers create models suitable for installation inside and outside, and the cost difference is also minimal. It is a stand-style charger for people who may not want to install it on the house exterior. The bollard will allow the users to install the carport, available at the end of the driveway, or anywhere else they like. This type of installation can be a bit expensive.
Location | Cost to Install |
---|---|
Interior | $900 - $1600 |
Exterior | $900 - $2400 |
Usually, the manufacturers of electric cars suggest plugging in the charger whenever you get the chance and making sure to keep the battery charged at about 90% or 100% if you want to go on a long drive. That is why people usually plug their cars when they arrive home and leave them for charging. Usually, the level 2 charger can charge the car in a few hours only.
The cost to charge a car varies and that depends on the electricity price in that area and the also time when you charge it. The charging cost is similar to the electric water heater; some electric companies have off-peak and peak hours, which usually affect their cost. Other than that, if you are wondering about the right option, that would be charging the car for a whole night.
The average price of charging the battery to the full is about $2.50 in most vehicles, but if you live in an area where the electricity price is higher, you may have to pay more. Generally, the average charge, which is 30 miles every night, will be translated from $25 to $35 per month. If a person is driving more than per day or does not have the chance to charge the car, then monthly bills may be a little higher.
When you buy an EV, it may come with a charger of Level 1, which can be slow but allow you to plug the car into an outlet of 120-volt. It may not be a perfect choice, but it works perfectly for hybrids if you want to drive your electric car for short trips or occasionally.
To charge your car's battery completely, you require about 2 hours, which is often impractical for drivers. You can also get faster charging speed which is why most people upgrade that to a Level 2 charger.
Another amazing thing about the EV is that you can charge it even when you are not home. You can charge it from the public station. Each public station has the privilege to set the charge. Some towns and cities come with charging stations that offer free services, and some businesses offer their employees and guests free charging.
Whereas there is some station that has a per-hour fee equal to the amount of electricity used which is about $2.50 to $3.50 an hour. Nevertheless, the cost also varies, depending on the area's electricity cost and the charging station overhead cost.
If you are installing a home car charging station that is of high quality and installed professionally, that will be safe for you. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires every charging station to have a certified NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) to install the charger station anywhere in the US.
One must check the NRTL mark on their charger, like the Underwriter Laboratory mark or ETL, that ensures it went through testing and is certified for safety. If you attempt to install or purchase one that is not tested for its safety, that can cause a serious hazard to the electrical appliances, and there can be a chance of electric fire too.
When it comes to Electric Vehicle Charging stations, then come with several benefits, which include low maintenance. This EV charger maintenance does involve safe storage f, periodic checking of parts, cleaning of equipment occasionally, secure storage of charging cable, and more.
One can also use the indoor cleaner or rage to keep the charger clear from dust and ensure to read the instructions available on the charger by the manufacturer. You need to pay attention to the manufacturer's warranty, which covers any necessary repairs. Remember that routine maintenance is simple and minimum, but fixing the broken charger can be expensive when the charger's warranty is expired.
When a person purchases an electric car, having the charging station at home will provide him with opportunities and freedom. If you are charging at home, that will allow you to save some money as you can choose the time of the day and rate of electricity. With the EV, you can save a lot of money you may have to spend on gas.
Plus, it does not require changes in oil or regular maintenance, and that is what makes it more affordable for owners. You can have the charger at your home, which offers you greater convenience and freedom instead of finding public chargers, pay-when-you-go chargers, and business charger options.
You may have heard about the two electric car chargers, which include Tesla and ChargePoint. For ChargePoint, you can choose a universal charger which is the most electric car type. Sometimes, it will charge the EV better than mid-power car chargers.
The only exception to this fast-charging rule is Tesla. Tesla can be charged by ChargePoint and do that at a standard rate.
Tesla's charger is designed to charge the Tesla only. If you want another type of charger, you will require an adapter and a compatible charger. But if you do not even have a Tesla, then ChargePoint can be the best option as it has some special features that Tesla does not have. It also includes the ability to set the charging times at the lowest and the flexibility of wither plugging in and hardwiring it into the outlet of 240- volts.
With the help of ChargePoint, one can charge any electric vehicle. Plus, Tesla Charger is quite expensive and comes with a shorter charging cable. The ChargePoint will cost you more and also requires an adapter which may cost you extra that depends on where you purchase it. The average cost for Tesla will be $500 to $550, and ChargePoint is $650 to $800.
Brand | Cost of Materials |
---|---|
Tesla | $500 - $550 |
ChargePoint | $650 - $800 |
Some people opt for either portable or wall-mounted chargers. But when using two cars, you can use a Pedestal kit for charges. The cost of pedestals is $550 to $2100, depending on the brand and its installation location.
A person may also require upgrading the circuit panel when it cannot handle the additional load. It will cost you around $2400 to $5000, depending on the load and distance you need to carry. When you use the breaker panel, then that will be worth it when you have multiple cars and appliances in the house.
Breaker panel | Cost |
---|---|
100 amp | $2400 - $2800 |
200 amp | $3500 - $5000 |
Do you have more than one electric car? If you do, then it is essential to use the dual charger. It is capable of handling loads of two cars at one time. The charger will be equipped with the power sharing feature that also helps you balance the electrical load between two different so that it can get charged safely. The cost of getting this dual charger with Power sharing is about $1100 to $1700, and that is for just a basic model. These models also have smart apps cost.
Permit - You can add an outlet of 240-volt, and you require the permit. You can get more information regarding permits from the city hall or the town. Average cost of permit to install Charge Station is $150 - $300.
Electrician - If you live in an area with no wiring system, then the electrician will require spreading the wire. That may cost you around $6 to $12 a linear foot.
Tax credits - To purchase or use the EV, tax credits can also offset the costs. You can look into the federal tax credits of the US Government or check the state for related incentives and rebates to use EVs and charging stations.
Upgrade - You should update the system if it is using too much electricity because that may overpower the circuit panel of your house.
Cable Length – the charging cables are available at 2 to 25 feet. If you spend money on the longer cable, that will cost you around $20 to $30, which offers you more flexibility in installing the charger.
Certificate – No matter which charger you are using, one thing that you need to ensure is that it is certified.
Warranty - Usually, the charger you purchase comes with a warranty, but if you make any modifications to your charger, that may void your warranty.
Safety - Ensure that your vehicle charging station has UL certification that confirms the safety. One should also remember to keep their pets and kids away from connectors and outlets.
Multi-Unit Dwelling - If you live in a condominium, townhouse or building, you need t add a charging station in the parking area. With a level 3 charging station, you can attract several buyers or renters, increasing your property's value.