EV Chargers For Your Centralia, WA Home

Electric Car Plugged In To Charge At Home

September 21, 2024

How Much Power Will Centralia, WA
EV Chargers Require To Fully
Charge An Electric Vehicle?

Charging Stations Are Only
Good With Optimal Power

Electric vehicles are slowly changing the way we get from point A to point B. However, to work, you need the right EV charger in Centralia, WA.

The most commonly asked questions homeowners have are: How much power will an EV charger use? Are there different types of electrical chargers to choose from? What type of EV charger would work best for your home?

These are all great questions about EV chargers and are often the main deciding factor for whether to go with an electric vehicle. Let’s look at the answers to these questions about the power source for your current or future electric car!

The Levels Of EV Chargers

EV charging stations are not one size fits all. However, the good news is that you don’t have to worry about sticking with a certain brand of electric car. In the United States, no matter the brand of electric car you get, the socket that fits into the EV charger has to be the same.

That is one plus you don’t have to worry about, which is excellent news!

There are three levels of EV chargers that homeowners can choose between. We suggest you talk with a professional electrician about your needs so they can help you throughout the process.

Level 1

A level 1 charger is a typical socket and power source. You use the same 120 volts when you plug in your cell phone to charge it. This is a slow charge and can take up to forty hours to charge an electric vehicle.

Level 2

Those who have a level 2 charger will run off 220 volts. This heavier outlet is often found throughout homes with heavier equipment like washers or dishwashers. The charger power gets your battery from empty to full in four to ten hours.

Level 3

Level 3 EV chargers are called DCFC or direct current fast chargers. They can take an electric car from empty to full in about twenty minutes and can charge at rates of up to 350 kilowatts per hour.

What Level Of EV Charger Do Lewis County Homes Need?

So, of the three levels of EV chargers available, which is best for your home? Typically, homeowners opt for a level 2 charger.

Allowing the electric car to sit on the EV charger overnight can keep it charged. However, a level 1 charger is less feasible when you drive your electric car every day since it can take so long to charge your battery.

Many homeowners may want a level 3 EV charger – after all, who doesn’t want their electric vehicle charged in about 20 minutes?

However, these DCFC chargers won’t work on all vehicles. Some electric cars are not equipped to accept a fast charge. Plus, these are highly expensive to install and often more difficult.

Overall, for your home, a level 2 charger should give you an adequate charge quickly, making it easier to maintain your electric car.

Remember, installing an EV charger is not a DIY project. Electricity is involved, which can be dangerous to even the most seasoned professional. Never attempt to install your own EV charger.

How Much Power Will An EV Charger Use?

The big part of electric cars that are touted as why you should buy one is that it can stop visits to your local gas station to fill up and save you money.

So, one of the biggest questions homeowners have about installing an EV charger is how much charging an electric vehicle will cost.

The answer is that it varies. The amount of power your EV charger will use will depend on how often your electric car needs to be charged.

However, the average power usage for electric cars is around 7,200 watts per year, and the national average for driving is around 14,000 miles per year.

Ready To Install An EV Charger?

If you are getting an electric vehicle, while you could try using a 120-volt outlet, we suggest you upgrade to a level 2 to ensure your electric car is ready to go when you need it.

Emerge Electrical is here to help you with all your EV charger needs in Centralia, WA. We are more than happy to discuss where the EV charger needs to be placed, wiring this into your home, and answer any questions you may have.