Penney Electric Inc
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One of the most important decisions that owners of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) will make is how to charge their vehicles. If you need to install a PEV home-charging system, costs vary, depending on the home's existing electric system and the model vehicle you choose.
Most plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) owners charge their vehicles at home using a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, which can be installed on 120- or 240-volt circuits. Depending on which charging level you select, you may need to upgrade your home's electrical system to be plug-in ready.
Something that many people don’t realize is that you can actually plug an electric car into an electricity outlet just like you plug a dryer into an electricity outlet.
However, the reason that isn’t the most common way to charge an electric car is quite clear — it takes a long time! Upgrading to a 240 volt reduces charging time by 50%.
Having a home EV charging station is somewhat akin to having your own gas pump at home. However, you don’t have to worry about it blowing up your house or causing you health problems. Also, you can just plug in when you get home and then unplug when you next leave. No need to wait while it charges. Typically, a smartphone or tablet app will also tell you when your car has finished charging. The convenience is really unbeatable by gasoline-powered cars.
Consult Penney Electric, a licensed electrician, we will review the electrical load of your home. We will design a charging system and obtain a permit for a general purpose NEMA 14-50 outlet from your local building department if required.
Most plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) owners charge their vehicles at home using a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, which can be installed on 120- or 240-volt circuits. Depending on which charging level you select, you may need to upgrade your home's electrical system to be plug-in ready.
Something that many people don’t realize is that you can actually plug an electric car into an electricity outlet just like you plug a dryer into an electricity outlet.
However, the reason that isn’t the most common way to charge an electric car is quite clear — it takes a long time! Upgrading to a 240 volt reduces charging time by 50%.
Having a home EV charging station is somewhat akin to having your own gas pump at home. However, you don’t have to worry about it blowing up your house or causing you health problems. Also, you can just plug in when you get home and then unplug when you next leave. No need to wait while it charges. Typically, a smartphone or tablet app will also tell you when your car has finished charging. The convenience is really unbeatable by gasoline-powered cars.
Consult Penney Electric, a licensed electrician, we will review the electrical load of your home. We will design a charging system and obtain a permit for a general purpose NEMA 14-50 outlet from your local building department if required.
TYPES OF AT-HOME EV CHARGING SYSTEMS:
Level 1 (120 volts)
Level 2 (240 volts)
DC fast charging
Level 1 (120 volts)
- It uses the standard 120-volt outlet that typically won't require customers to make modifications to their electric panels or home wiring.
- Most plug-in hybrid electric vehicles take four to six hours to fully charge.
- A battery electric vehicle takes 12 to 24 hours for a full charge.
Level 2 (240 volts)
- It will likely require a new dedicated circuit from the electric panel to a wall location near the PEV parking spot.
- It increases the charge power two to four times and decreases the typical full charge time for a battery electric vehicle to four to eight hours.
DC fast charging
- It is the fastest charging method available and is used for commercial charging.
- Some vehicles can charge in as little as 15 minutes, depending on the battery type.
NEMA Details:
Voltage: Single phase, 208-250 volt AC supply, 60 hertz
Circuit Breaker: 50 amp (125% overcurrent protection)
Operating Current: 40 amp (maximum continuous current)
Conductors: 6 AWG, Copper Wire Only. Upsize wiring for installations over 150 feet
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter: Not required
Service Disconnect: Not required
Receptacle Recommendation: High quality, industrial grade receptacle
Ventilation: Not required
Outdoors: Install with NEMA 3R rainproof enclosure
Outlet connectors vary by make and model of each Electric Vehicle
Voltage: Single phase, 208-250 volt AC supply, 60 hertz
Circuit Breaker: 50 amp (125% overcurrent protection)
Operating Current: 40 amp (maximum continuous current)
Conductors: 6 AWG, Copper Wire Only. Upsize wiring for installations over 150 feet
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter: Not required
Service Disconnect: Not required
Receptacle Recommendation: High quality, industrial grade receptacle
Ventilation: Not required
Outdoors: Install with NEMA 3R rainproof enclosure
Outlet connectors vary by make and model of each Electric Vehicle