The Benefits of Installing a Vehicle Charger

Choosing the Right Charger for Your Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles offer several advantages over conventional vehicles. Besides being environmentally friendly, electric cars are also less expensive to drive. According to Duke Energy, the cost to fully charge a 60-kWh EV with over 230 miles of range at home is less than $8, a far cry from the current prices at the gas pumps. 

The cost to maintain an EV is generally much lower, and federal tax credits provide significant incentives. These may be a few reasons why EV sales doubled year-over-year in 2021, according to S&P Global. 

Many EV drivers charge their car when they’re out shopping at the supermarket or shopping and dining at malls. Eventually, their minds turn to the convenience of charging their car at home by installing a vehicle charger. 

At Summit Technology Group, we’re a team of electricians, integrators, and technicians who understand energy, electricity, and the smart technology that transforms lifestyles. We're experts and uniquely qualified to install all electrical vehicle chargers. Let’s explore what this means to homeowners with EVs in Santa Rosa, CA. 

SEE ALSO: 3 Ways a Solar Battery Backup Can Benefit You

Saving Time

There are three different levels of charging stations which charge vehicles at different rates. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, electric vehicles can take about 40-50 hours to fully charge at a Level 1 charging station. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) require about 5-6 hours. These charging stations use a standard residential 120V wall outlet which means you can plug your car right into the outlet. 

A Level 2 charging station reduces the charging time to 4-10 hours and 1-2 hours for PHEVs, respectively. Level 3, or DC (Direct Current) Fast Chargers, are typically found along heavy-traffic corridors or commercial environments and can take as little as 20-30 minutes to charge an EV to 80%. 

What does that mean for electric vehicle drivers? No matter the charging station level, they’re still spending time waiting or finding something to do when they charge their vehicle. 

By comparison, charging your electric vehicle from the convenience of your home using a vehicle charger is ten times faster than using a standard 120V wall outlet.

Choosing the Right Level Charging Station

At Summit Technology Group, our electricians install safe and reliable Level 2 home charging stations. Level 3 chargers require additional infrastructure and voltage so they are typically not recommended for home installation. In addition, you should keep in mind that PHEVs cannot be charged with Level 3 chargers. But no worries! In the majority of cases, a Level 2 charger will more than suffice. A Level 2 charger also requires less modification to your home’s electrical system making them more cost-effective. 

Finding the Right EV Charger

It’s important to choose a charging station that best suits your lifestyle and your needs. Some models are smart stations that enable you to view your history and schedule charging sessions. Others are better for varying types of weather. 

Finding the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s where Summit Technology Group can help. Our professional consultations consider your car models, how you use your vehicles, and eligible rebates to help you pick the perfect EV charger for your unique needs. Many California utility providers offer rebates to make Level 2 charging stations more affordable for homeowners. 

Are you ready to save time and enjoy the luxuries an at-home charging station provides? To learn more about vehicle charges or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Summit Technology Group today.