Over the last few years, there has been a strong push for automobile manufacturers to build and market more high-quality electric cars. Just in the last year or so, some serious competitors have arisen, giving consumers the option of purchasing a vehicle that runs on electricity alone. These cars rely on no petroleum products and emit zero emissions. Electric cars don’t even have a tailpipe. Although the cars are now available, most potential buyers have no idea what is required to charge the vehicle at home. Here’s some information to help you along.
What’s Needed for Home Charging?
Whenever somebody buys a new electrical car, many dealerships no require that the homeowner have an electrician inspect the customer’s electrical system. If they do not agree to this, many dealerships require a waiver to be signed stating that they understand their responsibilities.
If you want to charge your electric car at home, you have two options. You can either plug into a standard three-pronged outlet that is rated for 15 amps (120V), or purchase a home charging station. A stage 2 home charging dock charges at 240V, meaning that it is much faster. This system must be installed by an electrician. Regardless of the method that you choose to charge your car, it is important to have an electrician ensure that your charging outlet is placed on a dedicated circuit. This will help you avoid any issues that could arise from an overloaded circuit.
Safety Precautions
You should treat your charging station in the same way that you would any other electrical appliance. They are safe to use outdoors, but it is not advised that you keep greasy rags, debris or other clutter on or near the station. Just use your common sense, and your charging station should be fine.
How Far Will Your Electric Car Drive on a Charge?
Naturally, the distance that your car will drive on a single charge is an important factor for anyone considering an electric vehicle. If your drives are pretty close to your home, this is probably not as much of an issue as someone who has farther distances to drive. Depending on the model that you choose, you can expect to go anywhere from 43 to 100 miles before needing to charge again. For this reason, most homeowners choose to have their charging devices located at home, rather than relying on charging stations elsewhere. Not only does this take care of all charging while you are sleeping, but who actually has time to sit at a charging station while your batteries fill up?
If you choose to purchase an electric car, then you have a responsibility to charge it safely, regardless of the type of charger that you choose. Whether you choose to stick with the slower 120V charger, or have a special 240V charging station installed, it can pay off to have an electrician inspect your electrical system to make sure it is safe and has the capacity to properly charge your vehicle on a daily basis.