Tired of waiting in lines or having to go out of your way to charge your electric vehicle? Have you ever considered installing an Electric Vehicle (EV) charger in your home? Aside from long-term savings, the benefit and convenience of an EV charger in your home is worth looking into. Luckily, a Mechanical One certified installer is ready at your disposal to walk you through all your options and make sure you make the best decision for you and your home. Mechanical One's certified installers, ensure expertise, reliability, and compliance with the highest industry standards. Comfortable EV charging has never been easier. Here’s everything you need to know about charger types, benefits, and how Mechanical One can help.
Introduction to Electric Vehicle Charging
EV charging is an essential part of owning an electric vehicle, and having a home EV charger is the most convenient and cost-effective way to keep your vehicle ready to go. As more drivers make the switch to EVs, the demand for reliable home charging solutions continues to grow. Installing a home EV charger involves more than just plugging in a device—it requires a careful assessment of your home’s electrical system, including your main electrical panel, to ensure it can handle the additional load. The installation process typically starts with a thorough evaluation of your electrical capacity, followed by selecting the right charger for your needs, and working with a certified installer to guarantee a safe, code-compliant installation. Whether you’re upgrading your electrical panel or simply adding a new circuit, proper planning and professional installation are key to a successful EV charging setup that will serve you for years to come.
What exactly is EV charging?
Electric vehicles require EV charging, and although installing an EV charger in your home is not a required electrical upgrade, it sure does make your life easier. EV chargers are broken down into two main groups: Alternating Current (AC) Chargers (most common for homes) and Direct Current (DC) Chargers (more common in businesses and public spaces.) So, what’s the difference? EV charges are split between level 1, level 2, and level 3. Remember what is best for you all depends on the type of electric vehicle you own, the kind of battery it has, and your lifestyle. When selecting a charger, it's important to consider whether your home's electrical system can provide sufficient capacity not only for your current EV charger but also for any additional electrification technologies you may want to add in the future. Make sure to speak to the dealership or seller about all this during the purchase. Here is a general breakdown of each:
Level 1
Level 1 chargers plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and tend to charge the slowest, about 4-5 miles of range per hour. This is best for someone charging overnight and not driving long distances. They are also the most cost efficient on average.
Level 2
Level 2 requires a 240-volt outlet and charges most electric vehicles within 4-8 hours. This is best for someone who wants a quicker charge and has more driving to do. This is the most purchased option for the average EV charger buying.
Level 3
DC chargers referred to as level 3, they charge much faster by bypassing the onboard charger and feeding electricity directly to the battery directly from your panel. This is ideal for quick top offs, and not long-term use since DC chargers produce more heat therefore affecting the longevity of the battery health. This is also what you’re most likely to find at a public charging site, which is another reason to install a more battery friendly level 1 or 2 charger. No matter what upgrade you decide to go with, make sure it's the best fit for you.
Choosing the Right Charger
Selecting the right EV charger for your home is an important decision that can impact your daily routine and long-term satisfaction with your electric vehicle. Level 2 chargers are the most popular choice for home charging, offering faster charging times and greater convenience compared to standard Level 1 options. When choosing a charger, consider factors such as your vehicle’s compatibility, desired charging speed, and any smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, scheduling, or energy monitoring that can help you manage your charging more efficiently. Top brands offer a variety of chargers to suit different needs and budgets. To ensure a smooth installation process, it’s wise to schedule a home charging assessment with a certified installer. They will evaluate your electrical system, recommend the best charger for your situation, and handle all necessary permits and electrical work. This professional approach not only streamlines the installation but also ensures your new charging station is safe, reliable, and ready to power your EV for years to come.
Assessing Your Home’s Electrical Capacity
Before installing a home EV charger, it’s crucial to assess your home’s electrical capacity to ensure your system can support the additional demand. A certified installer or licensed electrician will inspect your main electrical panel, evaluate the existing wiring, and check the circuit breaker to determine if upgrades are needed. If your current electrical panel lacks sufficient capacity, the installer will recommend the necessary electrical work to safely accommodate your new charger and any future electrification technologies you may want to add, such as solar panels or battery storage. This assessment is a vital part of the installation process, as it ensures your electrical system is up to code, future-proof, and capable of handling the increased load without risk. By working with experienced professionals, you can be confident that your EV charger installation will be safe, efficient, and ready to meet your charging needs both now and in the future.
Benefits of installing an EV charger in your home
Before installing an EV charger, you might be asking what are the actual benefits of home charging? Well, one of the most frustrating parts of owning an electric vehicle is having to schedule time to charge, especially during busy weekends and peak hours. An EV charger installed in your home allows you the convenience of home charging on your time, like overnight while you sleep. This not only is safer for you, but often faster as well, since you’re not competing with other cars charging at the same time which causes a reduction of charging speeds at public sites. There are many different kinds of home chargers and often they come with apps that allow you to schedule charging, and track costs so you can confirm you’re getting the best bang for your buck. They also allow you to plan your charges so you’re not over powering and causing unnecessary strain to your electrical system. Upgrading your home’s electrical panel to accommodate additional electrification technologies can further enhance these benefits and future-proof your investment.
Raising your home’s value
Installing a home EV charger not only makes daily life more convenient but can also boost your property’s value and appeal to future buyers. As electric vehicles become more popular, homes equipped with EV chargers are increasingly sought after, especially in areas with a high concentration of EV owners. Many utilities and local governments offer incentives or rebates to help offset the cost of installation, making it an even smarter investment. By choosing a certified installer to handle the installation process, you ensure that your home EV charger is installed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all local codes—further enhancing your home’s marketability. Whether you’re planning to stay in your home for years or considering selling in the future, a professionally installed EV charger is a valuable upgrade that pays dividends in convenience, savings, and resale value. Home electricity rates are often cheaper than what you'd pay at public or commercial charging stations. Therefore, saving you money in the long run. Not to mention the added value you put into your home when you make these kinds of electrical upgrades. A 2020 Realtor.com analysis found homes upgraded with EV chargers sold for about 1.5% higher prices than comparable homes without one. Find more information here: How EV Charger Installation Impacts Property Value: Benefits for Homeowners . Home EV chargers give you peace of mind while adding real monetary value.
Federal EV Charger Tax Credit (section 30-C)
Getting tax credits back for some electrical work you were already thinking of doing is a win-win. The federal Alternative-Fuel-Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (Section 30C) covers 30% of the cost of purchase and installation up to $1,000 per charging port when installed at your primary residence in eligible areas. Many states and local utilities also offer additional rebates, which can be stacked with the federal credit for even more savings. These incentives for EV installation won’t last forever the federal credit is set to expire on June 30, 2026 so acting soon could mean hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.
What to expect
So now your interest is peaked, and you might be considering installing an EV charger, but what all goes into the installation process? First things first, before EV charger installation, do some research and see what chargers are out there, there are some competitive top brands. Here is some research on the top brands in 2024 The Top-Rated Electric Car Home Chargers For 2024. Don’t worry if this part is tricky, our electricians can help you with this too.
When planning your project, be aware of applicable fees related to EV charger installation, such as labor costs or permitting fees, which may vary depending on your local jurisdiction. These applicable fees are separate from the installation costs and should be considered when budgeting for your EV charger installation.
Installation Costs
Once you’ve got a good idea on what charger you might want, and make the decision to purchase the charging equipment, it’s time to think about where you want the outlet to be. A project like this's installation costs can vary depending on a few factors, anywhere from 500-1000+ dollars. Keep in mind the closer your outlet is to your electrical panel, the less you’ll probably spend on installation costs, as pricing is usually determined by distance from your electrical panel. If your electrical panel is in your garage this makes the project more cost efficient for you. The shorter the distance the less time the electrician has to spend thus lowering labor costs. Now you have to have a certified installer come out to give you an official install quote, knowing the distance from outlet to the main electrical panel and having the charger you want in hand will make this process go by faster. Once a quote is agreed upon, we will schedule the installation, which in most cases can be done in about 45 minutes, as long as there are no complications or access issues with the installation or too much distance from your garage to the panel.
Your "Start charging" Checklist:
Step 1: Research charger types
Step 2: Decide where to install (keep electrical panel in mind)
Step 3: Call 407-404-400 for a charger installation quote (price includes any required permits)
Step 4: Schedule install with our certified installers
Step 5: Enjoy worry-free EV charging
Why Choose Mechanical One for you EV charger installation?
Installation Warranty
The best part of our licensed electricians installing an EV charger in your home is that you are now covered under warranty for 1 year if any issues arise from installation. We’re able to provide you with this warranty because we trust our certified installers to do the work correctly, the first time. Your neighborly electrician may seem like an okay option to go with, but to be able to ensure safety, meet code requirements, and protect your investment, you need a licensed professional who specializes in EV charger installations.
Obtaining Permits
Mechanical One also takes care of all the little things that go into a home upgrade like permitting so you don't have to worry, any required permits will come with your installation. Mechanical One's permitting staff will schedule proper inspections and obtain permits to ensure you're in compliance with local jurisdiction and Florida laws. We stand by the fact that you deserve to feel at ease when making changes to your home.
Save time in the future by making the right choice the first time. Contact Mechanical One today at 407-404-4000 for a free consultation and quote from one of our licensed electricians on your EV charger installation. Remember Mechanical one can also help with any other repairs your home may need.
