Is it time to “level up”?
You love your new electric car, but don’t love the Level 1 charger that came with it. Charging is frustrating and takes forever.
The solution might just be to upgrade to a Level 2 home electric vehicle (EV) charger. With much faster charging capabilities, a Level 2 makes charging your car a breeze. Let’s take a look at this and some of the other benefits to upgrading.
Four Benefits of a Level 2 Home EV Charger
1. Faster Charging
So just how fast is it? The charging speed of a Level 2 home EV charger is its biggest benefit, and what sets it apart.
With every hour of charging, a Level 1 gets you three to five miles of range, but a Level 2 gets you over 20 miles. This means a Level 2 charges at least five times faster than a Level 1.
A Level 2 charger allows your car to go from empty to fully charged in just 3-8 hours, while a Level 1 charger takes 11-20 hours to do the same. A Level 2 means you can reliably charge your car overnight while you sleep. That’s some great multitasking!
2. Convenience Factor
Have you noticed that the majority of public charging stations have Level 2 chargers? You’ve probably had times that you’ve relied on public charging stations in order to charge quickly, since your Level 1 is too slow.
A Level 2 installed right at your own home means no more needing to deal with the inconvenience of going somewhere else to charge. Instead, you have one right in your garage or driveway so you can charge fast and conveniently.
3. Savings
Aside from the amazing convenience, having a fast Level 2 charger right at home means you don’t need to pay high charging fees. Public charging station fees are quite high. You pay a premium because you aren’t just paying for the electricity, but also for their rent or mortgage, maintenance, employees and profit. Having a Level 2 right at home means paying less each time you charge.
Additionally, Level 2 chargers are more energy efficient which automatically lowers your electric bill. Having energy efficient appliances in your home is important for saving on energy costs. Find out more about energy star rated appliances and what they can do for your energy bills here.
Most importantly, Lansing BWL says that off-peak rates are coming down the pipeline. This means that electricity will soon cost less at night, so charging your Level 2 overnight when it’s most convenient will also cost less.
4. Tax Incentives and Rebates
A Level 2 charger at your home means that you might qualify for some generous tax incentives and rebates. Make sure to find out what’s offered on both the federal and state level to help offset some of the cost of your new investment.
For starters, make sure to learn what the Lansing BWL offers, including this $1,000 rebate for Level 2 installations. Check out the Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit and the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. Don’t forget to keep your eye on tax credits for homeowners with energy star appliances as well!
What Are the Electrical Requirements for a Level 2?
Adding a Level 2 charger is much like adding a new major appliance. With a Level 1 charger, you just plug it into a standard 120-volt outlet. A Level 2, like an oven, dryer, hot tub or other large appliance, does require a professionally installed 240-volt outlet on a dedicated circuit.
Not only that, but a licensed electrician will be able to evaluate whether or not your home’s electrical panel can handle the additional load needed for a Level 2. A 200-amp panel is the best choice for a Level 2 charger, so if your home only has a 100-amp panel, you’ll need to also upgrade your electrical panel.
Certified Electrician
Importantly, a Level 2 home EV charger must be installed by a licensed electrician. Make sure your electrician is also EVITP certified. Find an electrician who can get the job done right here!