If you’re thinking about buying an electric car, one of your top priorities should be a reliable way to keep the vehicle charged. Charging stations are becoming more and more common around the country as electric vehicles grow in popularity, but nothing beats the convenience and peace of mind of having an in-home charging station.
In purely technical terms, the charging apparatus for an electric vehicle is located within the car itself. What most of us think of as the charging device, the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) merely carries electricity from your house into the car, where it is converted to a usable form.
When planning an EVSE installation, it’s important to pick a proper location. Be aware of the location of the charging port on your car and find a proper location based on the charging port location and the length of the cable on your chosen EVSE unit. A 16 or 18-foot cable, for instance, gives you more options than a six-foot cable. One tactic is to find a long cable and mount the EVSE near your garage door so that it can reach your car both inside and just outside of the garage.
Most domestic EVSE stations cost between $600 and $900. Conduct your own research or ask for a recommendation at the dealership when deciding which to go with. Every model has its positives and negatives.
The installation of the unit can be a tall order, even for those with DIY experience in wiring. There’s a slim chance that your home won’t be able to handle the load of the charger, which could force the installation of a new meter and breaker. If your garage is aging or separate from the main house, there could be problems with erosion or damage to the wires that would almost certainly require a professional eye. Don’t attempt a DIY EVSE installation unless you have considerable experience and confidence. A slip-up means that an electrical fire is more likely than one would think.
No comments:
Post a Comment