Home EV charging stations are smart investments in smart energy. Although there are hundreds of public charging stations in Louisville, KY, there are fewer than 60 DC fast chargers available locally. Having your own charging equipment means being able to power up without adding a regular stop to your daily commute. You can save time and money and add value to your property. Read on to explore eight solid reasons why you should schedule EV charger installation.
1. Your Level One Charging Cord Isn’t Very Fast
All new EVs come with their own branded Level 1 charging cords. These cords are supported by standard 120V outlets and offer plug-and-play functionality. However, despite being both easy and convenient to use, they’re low-performing. Charging your EV battery to full capacity can take up to 56 hours or more. Thus, unless you have a long weekend to spare, you’ll have to spend your work week managing your daily commute with a shorter available range.
Many people with Level 1 charging cords eventually find themselves solely using public charging stations. Unfortunately, this can mean dealing with long lines, charger breakdowns, changing prices, and other hassles. To compare, home EV chargers can power most EV batteries to full capacity within just 12 hours or less. Having a Level 2 charger at home makes daily charging as easy as plugging your vehicle in before going to bed at night.
2. You Can Install Your Home Charger Indoors or Out
You don’t need a ton of extra space to accommodate a home EV charger. There are many options with slim and inconspicuous profiles that will comfortably fit into small, cluttered, or high-traffic garages. Moreover, if your garage is jam-packed and indoor installation isn’t feasible, you can always have your home EV charger installed outdoors. Outdoor EV charging stations are weather-resistant and just as long-lasting and easy to use as their alternatives.
3. Few Electrical System Modifications Are Required
The Level 2 chargers that EV drivers use at home need dedicated 240V outlets and dedicated circuits. It’s even possible to hardwire many of these units directly into residential electrical systems for outlet-free use. Given their relative ease of installation and their reasonable costs, EV home chargers are home improvements that quickly and consistently pay for themselves. However, if you have an outdated or already overloaded electrical panel, your installation could require a panel upgrade.
4. An EV Charger Will Make Your Home More Marketable
Modern homebuyers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly home additions to cut their costs and reduce their carbon footprints. As more drivers make the move to all-electric vehicles and hybrids, adding a charger to your home is a great way to boost its marketability and value. Should you ever decide to list your property, you can command a higher asking price, and you’ll still have an easier time attracting qualified and motivated buyers.
5. Enjoy Greater Control Over Your EV Battery’s Health
EV home chargers give drivers greater control over the health of their EV batteries. This is especially true when home charging equipment comes with voltage and temperature monitoring, the option to remotely disconnect charging service, and other advanced features.
With your battery easily being the most expensive component in your car, it could be unnerving to plug it into various publicly accessible chargers that may be in dubious health themselves. Among the most commonly cited problems with public EV charging stations are poor planning and lack of compatibility with popular EV models. With many charging sites lacking experienced personnel and fast-changing charger technologies, broken chargers or out-of-service charging stations are often left unmarked and in disrepair for days or weeks at a time.
The slower charging provided by at-home Level 2 charging stations is also better for EV batteries than DC fast charging. Although Level 1 chargers operate at speeds that are too slow for most drivers’ needs, Level 2 chargers offer the perfect mix of battery protection and speed. You can get everywhere you need to go while still enjoying a long battery lifespan.
6. Integrate Your Charger With Other Smart Home Technologies
Many Level 2 EV chargers come with branded mobile apps. This way, people can track charging progress, disconnect their cars, assess battery health, and take other actions from remote locations. You can also set your charger to connect with your home wireless network and smart home control system for voice-activated charging and disconnection.
7. There are Multiple Options to Choose From
Level 1 chargers add between three and five miles of range to EV batteries every hour. Level 2 chargers can add between 12 and 80 miles of range in this same time. For people with longer commutes, lots of daily errands, or a penchant for long, scenic drives, this charging rate is far more practical. Best of all, you can choose from an impressive selection of Level 2 charging stations to suit your budget and your driving needs. With the right option, you can get performance that’s remarkably close to that of a DC fast charger while still using an electrical current that won’t rapidly degrade your battery’s health.
8. Save Cash and Take Advantage of High-Value Incentives
In many areas, the days of free EV charging stations have come to an end. It often costs money to power electric vehicles, and with electricity rates rising, the costs of a full charge could be comparable to the costs of a full tank of gas. You might pay as little as $12 for a public “power up,” or you could pay as much as $45. With no cap on just how high electricity rates might climb in the future, opting for an efficient, at-home charger is your best bet.
There are also some fairly high-value incentives that you can take advantage of when installing qualifying home charging equipment. For instance, according to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), you could be eligible for a tax credit of up to 30% of your charger’s cost or up to $1,000. Although this isn’t cash in hand, it will offset your year-end tax debt or increase your tax return.
The State of Kentucky offers generous rebates for installing qualifying home EV charging equipment via the Kentucky Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate Program. Administered by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, this program offers up to $4,000 for EV charger installation. Many local utility companies also offer discounts, rebates, and other rewards for these eco-friendly home upgrades.
Get the Most From Your EV
Investing in an all-electric vehicle is a great way to lower your carbon footprint. However, without the right charging equipment, it isn’t guaranteed to be convenient. Fortunately, consumers can now bypass public charging stations and avoid the frustratingly slow charging speeds of branded Level 1 charging cords by installing their own home charging equipment.
We help homeowners in Louisville, KY find and leverage the latest home technologies. We offer outstanding HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and ductwork services. Whether you need a panel upgrade, help finding the perfect EV charger, or expert EV charging station installation, we’re the company to call. To find out more or schedule an appointment, get in touch with Bryant Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric now.
