With a 75% year-over-year increase in sales, electric vehicles are quickly becoming a common sight on both the market and on the road. California, in particular, has taken to these low-emission rides, selling upwards of 150,000 in 2018—only a short year after the sleek Tesla Model 3 was released.
As electric vehicles are being woven into legislation and eyes on emission targets everywhere, Western countries like the US are following suit with Norway and other EU countries regarding electric vehicle consumership. Consumer demand in this Scandinavian country has driven electric and rechargeable vehicle sales to 58% of all new models sold in 2019, followed by Iceland at 18% and Sweden at 11%.
Will the trends take off here? The numbers say yes, and with more power charging stations designated for construction in the 2021 Infrastructure Bill, it seems that electric vehicle charging will be more accessible than ever before.
Having consistent and convenient charging options for electric vehicles will soon be commonplace in America; many drivers are now looking to take the plunge. An at-home necessity will be to have a charging station on your property for everyday use. The question becomes—can your household system handle it? This blog goes over our thoughts on one of our most common calls.
Can I Charge My Electric Vehicle With A Standard Outlet?
With most EV models, yes, you can. However, in doing so, you will be missing out on half of the charging speed you could see by upgrading your home system.
A regular power outlet operates at 120-volts and connects to Level-1 chargers. While 120-volts is powerful enough to run all household appliances, it will take over 24 hours to deliver an optimal charge level for your EV. Ensuring you can leave with sufficient battery power is crucial when planning long drives, both in terms of convenience and safety.
Highly efficient Level-2 chargers are available for residential installation and can cut your charge time down to a more manageable level—approximately 4-5 hours. A shorter charge time means more hours on the road and overall more extended battery life. Maintaining and optimizing your battery life should be a top priority since the battery alone makes up 40% of the electric vehicle value.
Can My Home Support a Level-2 Charging Station?
Yes, though it will need to be wired directly into your power grid by a licensed electrician. These systems deliver twice the voltage of a standard outlet and have different design needs accordingly.
Wiring anything directly into your home should be overseen and inspected by professionals. Beyond any threat to your own safety in operating with live currents, the effects of a poorly wired ground could threaten your home security and the grid as a whole.
While Level-3 Chargers exist, they are cost prohibitive and only suitable for commercial and industrial usage, such as public charging lots. When it comes to the price tag of these advanced systems, bigger isn’t always better.
If you’ve been considering an electric vehicle, there has never been a better time! With sleek and stylish models on the market boasting advanced features that we won’t see even in newer hybrid models, it’s not only environmentally conscious but also fun to hop in on the latest tech.
Lakeview Electric is here to help you protect your investments—from your home to your four wheels. Contact us today to inspect or upgrade any of your household devices with expert eyes.