How to Prepare Your Home for an Electric Vehicle

As you’ve decided to add a sleek and modern EV model, like the Chevy Bolt EUV, to your daily drives around Hartselle, it’s also important to consider how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle. Electric vehicles are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while taking advantage of top technology and lower maintenance costs, however, they do require some preparation before you bring a model home. While the number of public charging stations is growing, your most convenient charging option is with an electric vehicle home charger. Learn how you can add an electric vehicle charging station to your home with Mitch Smith Chevrolet, Inc.. 

1. Decide on an Electric Vehicle Charging Station (AKA Charging Level)

With an electric vehicle, charging batteries on your schedule is essential. By doing some research into whether a Level 1 or Level 2 charging station is right for your model, you can make sure you’re always ready to take on Hanceville drives.

• Typically, a Level 1 electric vehicle home charger can take days to fully charge an electric car. 
• Level 2 electric vehicle home chargers can fully charge a vehicle in several hours. Vehicles equipped for Level 2 DC charging can add 60-200 miles of range in just 20-30 minutes. Drivers with these types of charging stations usually mix a daytime “top-off” with their overnight charges.

2. Ready Your Garage

Essential to preparing your home for an electric vehicle is a spring cleaning of your garage. While it is a convenient storage space, you’ll want to make sure your garage is ready for an EV charger by taking the time to declutter your space. 

3. Assess Your Power Consumption

You want to make sure your home can handle an electric vehicle charging batteries. Locate the power panel in your home as this is how electricity is distributed throughout your home. Power panels are rated for a maximum amount of current flow measured in Amperes with most new homes equipped with a 100 Amp power panel. 

It’s a good idea to get an understanding of how much electricity you consistently use as you don’t want to overload your distribution panel by installing an electric vehicle charging station. 

4. Hire an Electrician

Bringing in an electrician can answer any questions you may have and give you an idea of what adding an EV charging station looks like. They’ll likely recommend a dedicated 240-volt plug or add a hardwired circuit back to the power panel. Depending on the option you choose, it can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars, or $1,000 or $3,000 if your power panel requires an upgrade. 

5. Buy & Install Your Charger

While you’ve likely already researched the EV charger that is right for your model, now is a good time to purchase it and have it professionally installed by an electrician. Once you do, you’re ready to charge your vehicle from the comfort of your own home!

Get Ready for Your EV with Mitch Smith Chevrolet, Inc.!

Don’t hesitate to contact us at Mitch Smith Chevrolet, Inc. if you have questions about your EV model and how you can prepare for charging at home. When you’re still searching for the right EV to add to your Decatur driving experience, use our vehicle finder service to perfect a car for you!