How It Works
Electric vehicles represent the future of transportation. When you drive an EV, you’ll want the convenience and cost savings of charging at home. While public chargers (Level 3) are faster than typical home chargers, finding one, planning the timing, and waiting while your car charges is not the ideal scenario. Energy Plus Solar can install a Level 2 charger in as little as 5 days — giving you the ultimate convenience of charging according to your schedule.
Understanding Charging
Level 1 (trickle) charging typically takes 15 hours to fully charge an EV. That means that owners may need to charge during peak usage times or feel compelled to ‘top off’ using public charging stations to avoid range anxiety — expensive alternatives! But what if you could get a Level 2 charger installed at no charge when we install solar for your home?
Level 1 Chargers
These typically come with your car and are able to be used with your home electric outlets.
Pros
- Easily adaptable, use with a standard 110 outlet.
- Easy to transport to allow remote charging.
Cons
- Typical charging time for a full charge is 15 hours.
- Most basic charge system with no interface.
- No ability to select a charge cycle to avoid top peak usage.
Power Up Your Home Charging
Level 2 Chargers
The charging time is reduced by more than 60% and allows owners to charge at the speed of a public charger conveniently at your own home.
Pros
- Quality chargers will fully charge an EV in 3 – 4 hours.
- Plug in models can share an outlet with a range or dryer.
- Most have mobile apps to monitor or configuration charging.
- Ownership yields lower cost of charging versus public charging station.
- Peace of mind allowing EV owners to maintain full capacity for the most range.
Cons
- Increased energy demand on your home.
- Require a 240v electrical outlet or hardwired, plus a dedicated dual-pole breaker.
- Expense for installation—a licensed electrician needed to install a new outlet or hardwiring.
- If demand charges are in place, the higher current draw may increase energy costs.
Power Up Your Home Charging
Level 3 Chargers
The cream of the crop! These are the leading edge of the charging technology.
Pros
- The fastest charge times available. Approximately 80% of range achieved in 40 minutes.
- In the future: Bi-directional energy flow – allows direct DC connection between EV battery and the home in case of power outage. Your EV helps keeps your home powered!
- Plug in models can share an outlet with a range or dryer.
Cons
- Typically only available commercially.
- Extremely expensive.
- Very new technology — early adopter status for buyers.
- Currently AJH (City regulation) is unfamiliar – delays installers plan approvals. (This will improve as technology matures.)
