How to Prepare Your Home for an Electric Vehicle

Most Whitby drivers know the many benefits of electric vehicles, like reducing your carbon footprint, lower maintenance costs, and fuel savings, but EVs require some preparation before bringing them home. When you buy a new electric vehicle, you need to have an electric vehicle home charger installed. While there are many electric vehicle charging stations scattered around Toronto, an electric vehicle home charger will probably be your main method of charging. Learn how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle with the auto pros at Mercedes-Benz Durham.

1. Choose a Type of Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Most home electric vehicle charging stations are either Level 1 or Level 2. But what’s the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 electric vehicle home chargers?

• Level 1 EV charging: With Level 1 charging, it normally takes days to get a full charge. This charger doesn’t require any installation and often comes standard with your vehicle, but it is slow.
• Level 2 EV charging: Level 2 chargers only take a few hours to achieve a full charge.

Bear in mind that while home chargers are great for charging in the background, you’ll still need to charge up at Level 2 DC fastchargers (commercial chargers for public use from time-to-time). These chargers can often get you between 130 km and 322 km of range in under 30 minutes!

2. Prepare Your Garage For an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

When we say, “prepare your home for an electric vehicle charging station,” we are talking about preparing your garage. It’s time to organize your garage to have space for your new electric vehicle charging station. Clear out all the clutter you’ve accumulated and designate an area for your new electric vehicle home charger.

3. Find Your Power Panel & Evaluate Your Consumption

The power panel in your home distributes electricity, and it should be set to distribute the maximum amount of current flow, which is measured in Amperes. Most new houses include a 100 Amp power panel. This number should be printed on your electric panel. Once you’ve identified how many Amperes it’s rated for, you’ll need to see how much electricity you consume each month on average by look at your electric bills or talking to your electric company. Once you’ve figured that out, add on the amount of energy it takes to charge your vehicle. If that figure exceeds the Ampere number your power panel is rated for, you’ll need to upgrade, so you don’t overload it.

4. Hire a Professional Electrician

You’ll need a professional electrician to install the electric vehicle charging batteries station in your garage. Inform them of your average monthly electricity usage and explain that you want a Level 2 electric vehicle home charger. They will most likely install a dedicated 240-volt plug or add a hardwired circuit to your electric panel. It may cost as little as $250, but could cost up to $1,250 or more if your electrical panel is insufficient and needs upgrading. Fortunately, you’ll be eligible for thousands of dollars worth of Federal tax credits to help offset this cost.

5. Purchase Your Home Charger and Have it Installed

Considering that most Level 1 chargers com standard, many of the steps above apply to Level 2 home chargers. If you’ve decided to opt for a Level 2 charger, you’ll need to purchase your new EV home charger before you hire the electrician. Feel free to reach out to the team at Mercedes-Benz Durham near Markham if you have questions about where and what to order.

Find Your Electric Vehicle at Mercedes-Benz Durham!

Mercedes-Benz Durham can help you select the best electric vehicle or hybrid model for your budget and lifestyle. Reach out to us anytime and let us know what we can do to help. You can browse our extensive inventory online or at the dealership. Also, check out our new vehicle offers to see if you can secure an incredible deal! We’re here for you!