How to Prepare Your Home for an Electric Car

The most significant change in transportation since we took horses off the streets is upon us. Are you ready? In theory, an electric car sounds good – great for the environment, no more paying for expensive petrol and the ability to charge your car from home. But there’s more to charging your car than just charging your phone. If you’re wondering how exactly to prepare for owning your new electric car and you’re missing Elon Musk’s tech credentials, you’re not alone. We explain all the important things you need to know. But first, a summary of what an electric vehicle is and isn’t.

The difference between an electric car and a petrol car

To state the obvious, EVs run on electricity that charges the battery that powers the car. An internal combustion engine (ICE) uses gasoline stored in the gas tank to power the car. An electric car is much cheaper to run than an internal combustion engine due to its better energy efficiency. According to a study by the University of Michigan, on average, operating an electric vehicle costs about a quarter of the price compared to an ICE when used exclusively at home.

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EV range and charging time

While potential EV owners often worry about how far an EV can go, newer EVs can go up to 400 miles on a single charge. However, unless you use a fast commercial EV charger, the time it takes to charge your car at home can be cumbersome, taking up to 24 hours for a full charge. However, according to a report by the University of California Davis, most newer electric vehicles can be charged overnight or during a workday and will get you an average of 250 miles.

Less maintenance for electric vehicles

The good news is that a number of mechanical components required in an internal combustion engine vehicle are not needed in an electric vehicle, reducing maintenance costs. For example, fuel filters, cooling system flushes, transmission maintenance, spark plugs, drive belts and oil changes are not required for electric cars. It is estimated that the annual maintenance costs for electric vehicles are 30 to 40 percent lower than the costs for the maintenance of internal combustion engines.

An electric car is not entirely maintenance-free. As with an ICE, brake pads, washer fluid and tire pressure must be checked and serviced regularly. While some potential owners worry about the cost of replacing an EV battery, today’s batteries are manufactured to last the life of the vehicle and battery warranties are available to help offset unexpected costs.

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Charging options with or without a garage

You can charge your electric vehicle in a garage, driveway, or parking lot with access to an outlet, but it will be slow. If you want the fastest and most convenient charging, you need more powerful charging capabilities. There are currently two types of home chargers to choose from, Level 1 and Level 2.

• level 1: A Level 1 EV charger provides a 110 to 120 volt charge that is compatible with your wall outlet’s three-pin plug and comes standard with all EVs. This is handy if you want to charge your electric vehicle from home, as you don’t have to do any extra wiring. The downside is that this isn’t your charger if you’re in a hurry. Charging your car can take 40 hours on some older EV models. Also, don’t be tempted to use an extension cord with these chargers. Electric vehicles draw more current than a standard household appliance, and using a standard extension cord could damage your home and car. The same applies to multiple socket strips, splitters, grounding adapters, surge protectors or similar devices. Plug your vehicle charger directly into the socket.
• level 2: As the name suggests, these are faster and more powerful than Level 1 chargers and provide a 220-240 volt charge. They save you having to plug your car in twice a day, but you have to use a higher voltage plug like you would use for your dryer or fridge. Alternatively, a qualified electrician with access to your electrical cabinet can hardwire a Tier 2 charger at your home. In any case, you must always check with your utility company before using a Tier 2 charger to ensure your panel can handle a charging station. Tier 2 chargers are available in wall-mount or portable models and range in price from $200 to $1000, not including installation.

For apartment dwellers or anyone without a garage, look for a portable outdoor charger that’s weatherproof and has enough cord length to reach the nearest outlet. Wireless charging pads are planned for future vehicles, so cables aren’t even being considered for some models.

The fastest charging method, level 3, also known as DC charging, is available to you in public. While public and commercial charging stations are not available for personal use, they can give you 250 miles of additional range in under an hour of charging.

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Save money when charging

Fortunately, there are some state and federal incentives to help cover the cost of a home charger.

Many chargers are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so they can be pre-programmed and timed to save you money, even with the lowest electricity rates.

To ease the transition to electric vehicles, some automakers are offering post-purchase charging offers for a period of time at commercial DC charging stations such as Electrify America and EVgo. This is especially helpful for multifamily or condominium residents who may not have an immediate electrical upgrade or convenient access to charging facilities.

A warning: Homeowners with mechanical experience who work on internal combustion engines but not electric vehicles should stay away from the components of an electric vehicle, as they are two very different animals. Unless you’re an experienced electrician, it’s best to leave the maintenance of your EV to professionals and just enjoy the ride.