Making your home ready for an electric vehicle
Star Tribune
The lack of public charging infrastructure can be an anxiety source for those considering an electric vehicle.
Just ask Star Tribune agriculture reporter Chris Vondracek, who wrote last fall about being stranded in a St. Cloud, Minnesota, parking lot with his Nissan Leaf ’s battery drained.
“Our state does not yet have widespread adoption of electric charging infrastructure,” he wrote. “And I’ve got the battle stories to prove it.”
And yet, Vondracek is one of many Americans turning to EVS. And about 80 percent of charging happens at home. So perhaps with planning, running out of charge will be as rare as running out of fuel.
Still, installing the equipment for an EV might seem like a logistical headache, and it might cost some money as well. But it’s usually not difficult, those in the industry said.
“I think it’s pretty fast and easy,” said Jukka Kukkonen, a consultant who teaches about EVS at the University of St. Thomas.
Here is what you need to know:
The levels
There are two kinds of electric vehicle charging a person can have at home: Level 1 and Level 2.
Level 1 is simply plugging a cord that often comes with your EV into a normal household outlet. It doesn’t need any type of home upgrades, making it a cheap and simple option that many people have used and will use for years, Kukkonen said.
The downside: It’s slow.
Level 2 needs more infrastructure, namely a 240-volt outlet and the EV charger itself. The Level 2 infrastructure can fully charge a car overnight no matter how far you drive, Kukkonen said. So that’s what Kukkonen recommended for most people.
The cost
While Level 1 doesn’t typically need home upgrades, Kukkonen said, have an electrician make sure the outlets and wiring you use are in good shape.
A Level 2 charger costs between $400 to $800, Kukkonen said, and installation is relatively easy.
Where to start?
For a Level 2 charger, Kukkonen recommended first asking the dealership if it has a deal for equipment and installation services. Next, he said to call your local electric utility to see what kind of programs it offers.
Kukkonen said you can buy charging stations on your own from a local provider. You can also buy a charger from an online retailer, he said, just make sure it’s good quality and listed as meeting safety standards from Underwriters Laboratories.
Nevertheless, Adam Wortman, who owns an Ev-installation company, said it’s always good to have early conversations with your electrician since they’re installation experts.
Plug perusals
The types of charging plugs — which transmit energy to the vehicle — are in a state of flux. The most common plug is J1772. But Tesla has its own plug that most manufacturers are now offering.
Still, Kukkonen said, every charging station can easily use an adapter to fit whatever kind of plug style your car takes.
Kukkonnen said don’t fret about the evolving technology, just buy a charging station now and use an adapter if standards change. If you buy a Tesla, get their model, he said. If not, get the J1772.
Adding value
There are also tax credits and rebates potentially available for EV charging. One tax credit can provide 30 percent of the cost of installing a home charger, up to $1,000. But the credit is only for people in certain low-income or rural areas.