The Basics of Electric Car Charging at Home

The hybrid and electric vehicle market grows bigger every day, so it’s no surprise that more and more Port Washington drivers find themselves with questions about the day-to-day EV experience. When should you plug your car in? What type of car charger outlet do you need? Can you just plug the car charger into a wall outlet? In this guide, we’ll run you through the basics of electric car charging at home. We’ll help you find the option that best suits your home and driving needs, so let’s get started!

Preparing for Electric Car Charging at Home

Though public charging stations are popping up all over Roslyn, most EV drivers prefer to do the bulk of their charging from home. This is the most convenient way to top off your battery at the end of the day, but when should you plug your car in depends on which car charger outlet you have. Level 1 is the easiest and cheapest option, but also the slowest by far. Level 2 is faster and more powerful, but requires professional installation.

• Outlet Power: A level 1 car power outlet delivers 110 or 120 volts, or the standard household current, so you can bring the car charger directly to the wall outlet. Level 2 delivers 208 to 240 volts, which is considerably higher.
• Charging Time: A level 1 charger generates around three to five miles per charging hour, while a level 2 charger generates around 25 miles of range.
• Convenience: You can use a standard 120-volt plug to start charging your car with a level 1 charger. A level 2 charging station requires a complete charging station setup — also called the electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE).
• Cost: Homes with basic electricity in Manhasset can support the needs of a level 1 charging station, making it the most affordable option. A good EVSE can cost between $300 to $1,200 to start, along with several hundreds extra for labor and permit costs.

Installing a Level 2 Car Charger Outlet

Many drivers need a faster charging solution than the basic level 1 car charger to wall outlet. If so, a level 2 car power outlet is the best solution. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

1. Power Panel: Older homes are rated for 60 amps or so, while newer systems can support 100-amp power. Inspect your power panel to get stated.
2. Power Consumption: Can your home handle the extra energy consumption? A basic home energy audit will tell you how much power you currently use — and remember not to take your energy panel beyond 80 percent of its full capacity.
3. Charger Installation: If you have sufficient power for an EVSE, it’s time to install your car power outlet system. We recommend finding a good specialist who can advise you on any potential complications with your power panel, infrastructure, or anything else a layman might miss. They can also help you determine which EVSE is the best choice for your vehicle and home.

Learn More with Rallye Lexus

Whether you want to test drive a brand new luxury hybrid or learn when should you plug your car in, the team at Rallye Lexus is here for all of your automotive needs. Contact us with any questions, like “Does Lexus have an electric vehicle?“, and we’ll be happy to help!