Is a Level 2 Home Electric Vehicle Charger Right For You?
You bought the perfect electric car, but the Level 1 charger it came with is less than perfect. Charging your car with it is frustratingly time consuming.
Here’s where a Level 2 home electric vehicle (EV) charger comes in. A Level 2 has much faster charging capabilities, making charging your car a breeze. Let’s explore this and some of the other benefits of installing a Level 2 home EV charger!
Four Benefits of a Level 2 Home EV Charger
1. Charge Faster
The most beneficial characteristic of a Level 2 home EV charger is its fast charging speed. We’ve already mentioned it’s faster than a Level 1, but just how fast is it?
For every hour of charging, a Level 1 gets you three to five miles of range, whereas a Level 2 offers you over 20 miles. Basically, a Level 2 charges at least five times faster than a Level 1!
A Level 2 charger allows your car to go from empty to fully charged in just 3-8 hours, while a Level 1 charger takes 11-20 hours to do the same. This means a Level 2 lets you reliably charge your car overnight while you’re asleep.
2. More Convenient
You may have noticed that most public charging stations are equipped with Level 2 chargers. If you currently have a Level 1, you’ve likely had to rely on public charging stations when you’ve needed to charge quickly.
With a Level 2 installed at your own home, you don’t have to deal with the inconvenience of going somewhere else to charge. Instead, you always have one right at home.
3. Save Money
Not only is it more convenient, with a fast Level 2 charger right at home, you don’t need to pay high charging fees. Public charging stations charge at a premium. This is because you aren’t just paying for the electricity, but also for their rent or mortgage, maintenance, employees and profit. Having one right at home means paying less each time you charge.
Additionally, Level 2 chargers are more energy efficient which lowers your electric bill. Having energy efficient appliances in the UP is particularly vital. Energy costs in the UP are pricey and generally don’t go down, so improving your energy efficiency is important. Find a few more tips here.
4. Tax Incentives and Rebates
If you install a Level 2, you may qualify for tax incentives and rebates. So make sure to find out what’s offered on both the federal and state level. This will help offset some of the cost of your new investment.
Check out the Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit and the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. Don’t forget to keep your eye on tax credits for homeowners with energy star appliances as well!
What Are the Electrical Requirements for a Level 2?
Adding a Level 2 charger is similar to adding a new major appliance to your home. A Level 1 charger simply plugs into a 120-volt standard outlet. A Level 2, like an oven, dryer, hot tub or other large appliance, requires a professionally installed 240-volt outlet on a dedicated circuit.
A licensed electrician will be able to evaluate whether or not your home’s electrical panel can handle this additional load. A 200-amp panel is the best choice for a Level 2 charger, so if your home only has a 100-amp panel, you’ll need to also upgrade your electrical panel.
Certified Electrician
A Level 2 charger must be installed by a highly-trained and certified electrician, and make sure your electrician is EVITP certified. IBEW electricians are trained and certified for all of your Level 2 home electric vehicle charger needs!