At Jason H. Pope Electrical Contractors, we’re passionate about the new wave of electric vehicles (EVs, for those of you who are hip). We can help you install electric car charging stations at your home or place of business. But we also want to provide you with the information you need to make the best decisions about electrical car charging stations. So here’s our rundown of what you need to know.
1. Choosing the Right Type of Charger Is Crucial
There are various types of electric vehicle charging stations, and they each have pros and cons. Typically, you’ll see options ranging from Level One to Level Three, with the third level being the most cost-prohibitive.
We’ll go ahead and get your shock out of the way. Installing a Level Three charging station can cost around $50,000. In some states, you can get tax credits for these, since EVs are more environmentally friendly than gas guzzlers. But, still, that is a lot of money to invest in a burgeoning technology.
We prefer to install the Level Two charging stations, which are significantly less costly. These may pack slightly less punch than the quickly-charging Level Three, but they’re perfect for overnight charging at your home and they use 240-volt circuits.
2. Understanding the Charge in Terms of Drivability
The most obvious question regarding EVs is “how far can I travel after a charge?” The answer depends on the type of charging station you use and how long you attach your vehicle to it. For our preferred Level Two charging stations, the general consensus is that you get between 15 and 25 driving miles per hour charged.
Again, these are perfect for overnight charging at home. You’ll wake in the morning with a full “tank,” as it were. But they are also extremely attractive and cost-effective options for businesses. Let’s say you run a restaurant. You can expect customers to stick around for an hour or so while eating and conversing. During that time, they’ll be able to charge their vehicle with a moderate amount of mileage.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully attracted customers who can afford EVs (relatively pricey in today’s market), and you’ve offered them significant value for the hour they’ve spent with you.
3. You Should Get Help From Professionals
Okay, maybe it seems like we’re biased (admittedly, we are). But installing electric vehicle charging stations is a difficult task and can require some rewiring and finagling of your home or business’ current electrical system.
There are stationary and portable versions of the Level Two charging station, and your electrician can help you make the best decision for your needs. If you would like to get more information on the types of electric vehicle charging stations we install, contact Jason H. Pope Electrical Contractors today.
