Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular everyday for transportation. There are significant environmental benefits and efficiencies when compared to traditional vehicles. There is one common inhibitor for many people however, which is the availability of a suitable power source to ensure there is sufficient power supply for your electric vehicle.
Installing an Electric Vehicle Charging Station, or also known as an EV Charger or Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) in your home in Ottawa, ON can be one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re able to charge up for the day ahead or to run errands throughout the day. These EV chargers are used for plug-in electric vehicles, whether they are fully electric or hybrid.
The question now is what type of EV charging station do you need at home?
There are 2 levels of charging solutions for your home. These are easily understood by naming them Level 1 and Level 2.
Level 1:
Level 1 chargers are the plug-in chargers that are typically included when you purchase an electric vehicle or hybrid. They plug-in to any standard 120V outlet as well as the vehicle. They typically will take around 20 hours to charge 200 kms worth of use.
Level 2:
Level 2 chargers are sold separately from your electric vehicle however they can also be purchased as an upgrade with most vehicles. These level 2 chargers require a different outlet than your standard outlet in your home as they need a 240V outlet. These level 2 chargers can charge anywhere from 3x to 7x faster than your level 1 charger. The speed will depend on your vehicle and the charger purchased. Level 2 chargers will need to be installed by an electrician.
Faster charging or using a Level 2 electric charger at home will help you to take full advantage of your electric vehicle or hybrid and maximize your usage.
There are a number of Pros for home charging to help you enjoy your electric vehicle through the installation of a Level 2 charger.
Fully charge your battery in a few hours. With a level 2 charger you won’t need to have to leave it plugged in throughout an entire night or day to enjoy a fully charged electric vehicle. When you only have a limited time to charge your electric vehicle, you can charge your standard 30-kWh battery in around 4 hours.
You can begin your day with a fully charged battery. With home charging being done in the evenings and night time, once you plug-in to charge for the night you’ll enjoy a fully charged battery to start your day every day. For most, the range on a fully electric vehicle will cover your transportation needs for daily commutes and use.
Save money on charging costs. The cost of home electricity compared to that of gasoline or public charging stations is much lower. On average it is about 65% less expensive to charge at home compared to public EV charging stations. When compared to gas it is approximately 5x cheaper to drive 100 kms on electricity. The average cost to run an electric vehicle in Ontario is $300/year.
If you’re interested in learning more about our EV charging station installation service for your home in Ottawa, ON, Floodlight Electric is here to help. We are very experienced to ensure that your EV charger is setup and installed safely and correctly. Our licensed electricians are here for you. Give us a call at 613-371-7816 or send us a message online.
