Begin with a Professional Load Analysis from an Electrician
The key to a successful EV charging station installation process is calculating household electrical usage and EV charger load and ensuring you have enough residual capacity to charge the vehicle safely. The National Electrical Code sets the standards for load calculations in the U.S. and advises the following steps to complete a home load analysis:
- Multiply the square footage of the living space by 3 to determine your total lighting and receptacle demand
- Add 1500 watts for each small kitchen appliance
- Add the wattage for all appliances on their circuits, including water heaters and air conditioners
- Add the first three numbers together
- Add either the wattage of the air conditioner or the home central heating system, whichever is greater.
- Then, divide the total by 230 to determine the electrical load in amps.
The total load capacity after the analysis will help you determine whether your current panel size is suitable for an electric vehicle. For a pinpoint and professional load analysis, book a visit from our electricians, and we’ll help guide you through the load calculations and prepare your home for EV charger installation.
Electrical Panel Capacity a Leading Consideration
When evaluating whether you require upgrades to meet the additional power demands of the latest EV charging stations, a leading factor is your electrical panel’s current capacity.
Most current models of EV charger draw 30-to-50 amps of power. So, with your central AC requiring 15-to-25 amps of power, your 100-amp panel will likely require an upgrade. Although some homeowners have their EV charging stations connected to 100-amp panels, the slow draw of power becomes a constant challenge.
Speed of Charging a Factor with 100-Amp Panels
One of the frustrations of those attempting to use a 100-amp panel with an EV charging station is the charging speed. While the panel itself may have the available capacity, the charge rate will be slow, making charging the vehicle an inconvenience if you commute to work each day.
Homes with 100 amp panels may also experience the following signs of interrupted power when adding heavy-demand electrical equipment such as EV chargers:
- Flickering lights
- Tripping breakers
- Lack of power in appliances such as fridges and air conditioners
Onboard Battery Can Make All the Difference
Sizing your charger to the capacity of your vehicle’s battery is another critical consideration. The charging station converts AC power from your electrical panel into DC power, which charges the battery. Your panel should match your battery’s capacity and specifications to meet the power demand. An onboard charger delivering more kilowatt hours of current will charge your vehicle faster than a lower-capacity charger. However, if the charging station supports a higher load than the battery’s maximum power intake, you may be wasting electricity.
You should also note that charging speed decreases as the battery reaches 100% capacity to prevent overheating and preserve battery health.
The Levels of Electrical Vehicle Charger
There are three levels of electric vehicle charger:
Level 1
Level 1 chargers are the slowest charging option and generally require 20 to 40 hours of charge time for a 120-240 mile journey with a standard 120v receptacle. You’ll likely find this charging scheduling unsuitable, as your vehicle will be out of use for 24 hours or more while it recharges.
Level 2
More than 80% of EV owners choose a Level 2 charger. The charger requires a dedicated hardwired 240-volt AC circuit with a specialized connection or a NEMA 14-50 outlet. You can charge most vehicles up to 124 miles within 5 hours using a Level 2 charger. The convenience of Level 2 chargers added to their value in terms of the cost savings compared with public charging stations, ensures Level 2 EV charging station installation is a great option for most EV owners.
Level 3
Level 3 chargers are designed primarily for heavy-duty vehicles and fleets, as vehicles require specialized charging components such as a Combined Charging System plug to accept the direct current. While Level 3 charging systems can fully charge cars within an hour, they’re often considered impractical for residential use due to their cost and complex components.
Questions to Ask Your EV Charging Station Installer
Now that you have more information when evaluating charging station options, it’s time to consider approaching charging station installers and reviewing your service options. Below are three questions you might ask your charging station installer before scheduling the installation service.
Can your team handle the permit process?
Installing a Level 2 EV charger in your Iowa home requires a permit. Discuss the permit application and approval process with the electrical before finalizing your choice of installation company.
How can your team help simplify EV charger maintenance?
Maintaining your electric vehicle charger begins during the installation process. Experienced installers help reduce maintenance issues by installing charging stations in an area of the home where they’re less likely to be bumped and damaged and ensuring optimal cable storage close to the charging system.
Is your team factory authorized for EV charger installation?
The top EV manufacturers have rigorous standards for qualifying installation specialists. Ensure the company you select is a factory-authorized installation company for your vehicle brand. For example, Custom Electrical is a factory-authorized installer for Tesla and BMW electric vehicle chargers.
Book Charging Station Installation with Custom Electrical for Superior Service
Custom Electrical Services is Iowa’s leader in electric vehicle charging station installation. We offer years of experience, factory-trained electricians, and over 800 reviews of our electrical work from throughout Iowa. Ready to book your home charging station installation? Call our dispatch center today via (515) 669-3418.
