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What to Consider When Having an Electric Car Charger Installed

by Andrew H

The latest Federal electric vehicle subsidies and the reduction in the purchase price for the newest electric vehicles have led thousands of Iowans to consider buying an electric car for the first time. Home charging is a leading consideration in the electrical vehicle buying process. But without electrical services expertise or hands-on experience installing car chargers, planning for charger installation can be difficult.

As you prepare for your electrical vehicle purchase, this post explains what to consider when installing an electric car charger in your home.

The Charger Installation Company

Planning the process with precision means finding a car charger installation service staffed by electricians with years of experience. The firm you select should be an Authorized Installer for your electrical vehicle manufacturer. For example, companies like Tesla have strict standards that electricians must meet to become authorized to provide charging station installation services. 

Authorized installers have hands-on experience using the equipment and understand the nuances of the charger installation process. They know how to identify potential problems before they arise and how to streamline the installation to save you time and money during the integration process.

The Charging Station Location

The location of the charging station should be a primary consideration. Consider the impact on the rest of the home and whether you can install the charging station where the machinery and cable won’t impact, for example, a garage woodworking station or yard space. 

Ensure you can park your vehicle so the cable can reach the charging port. 

Load Calculations

How much power will your electric vehicle charging station require? And does your electrical panel match the system’s power demands? Work with your electrician to conduct a load calculation to examine the potential electrical load and whether you have to upgrade the panel to accommodate the electric car charger.

Tesla recommends the installation of a 240 volt. NEMA 14 50 amp outlet. If you live in an older home, you’ll likely need to consider upgrading your panel before integrating a charging station. An electrical panel upgrade may also benefit those in newer homes with 200 amp panels nearing their load capacity. 

The Cost to Install Electric Vehicle Chargers

While cost should not be a leading factor in your choice of vehicle or installation service, ensure you evaluate the potential expenses before moving forward. Several elements make up the total cost of the installation, including required permits, the complexity of the integration process, and the potential upgrades to ready the home for your charging station. 

The latest electrical vehicle industry guides show the average cost to install a charging station is between $1500 and $2500. 

Call Custom Electrical Services to Plan Your Charging Station Installation

Custom Electrical Services leads Iowa as an electric vehicle charging station installer. We’re the local Des Moines, IA Factory-Authorized electrician for Tesla and BMW charging stations. We also have vast experience and knowledge in the installation process for Toyota Prius, Chevy Volt, and Ford Fusion charging stations.

We’re your electrical services partner from the planning stages to the final installation work, helping you capitalize on electric vehicle technology in your home. For more information about your charging station installation options or to book a quote for a charging station in your home, contact us today!  

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