Approximately 80% of charging activities for electric vehicles (EVs) occur in the home, the Department of Energy reports. As such, 60% of consumers using Level 1 units state that they are likely to switch to either a Level 2 permanently installed charger or a Level 2 portable device, according to J.D. Power. Nonetheless, upgrading to a higher level may not be a cost-effective decision for EV owners.
As EVs become increasingly popular and incentives for renewable energy increase, the need to upgrade from a standard Level 1 to a Level 2 charger is now a thought on many early adopters' minds. According to a March J.D. Power survey, 60% of current Level 1 users say they are likely to upgrade their home charging stations. Home charging makes up roughly 80% of all charging, according to Department of Energy estimates, making this a significant decision. Before making a financial decision, consumers need to consider multiple factors, including driving patterns, EV size, how many EVs there are in the family, cost versus potential incentives, and more. This was detailed by Brian Wilkerson, head of product with Ford Pro Charging. Level 1 chargers, which come with EVs, plug into standard 120-volt outlets and draw approximately as much power as a space heater. This is an easy, albeit slow, solution and can take 40-50+ hours to charge an EV to 80% from empty. Alternatively, upgraded, Level 2 charger cables can be plugged in to 120- or 240-volt outlets. Level 2 charging is also available publicly in places such as workplaces, restaurants, retail stores, and more. A Level 2 charging station permanently mounted at home is another option, allowing users to better manage their charging needs and taking advantage of potential rebates. This solution usually requires costly electrical work, however. In sum, with the right considerations, early EV adopters can make an informed decision on whether to upgrade to a Level 2 charger at home.
Most people can charge their electric vehicles (EVs) at home using a Level 1 charger without needing any modifications to their electricity supply. However, using a Level 2 charger may require more power, along with electrical work that can be costly - up to thousands of dollars - depending on the location of the panel and wiring setup. For households with low or moderate income, The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers rebates that can cover up to 100% of panel costs, with a cap of $4,000, and up to $14,000 for multiple electrification projects. According to Albert Gore, executive director of The Zero Emission Transportation Association, a Level 2 charging station offers the convenience of only needing to plug in once a week as opposed to daily, while still having the capability of charging an EV to 80% from empty in four to 10 hours. Additionally, with larger batteries that take higher charging speeds, a Level 2 may be the more optimal choice, especially when more than one EV is in the family. Home EV chargers can cost between $500 and $800 for the hardware, plus accessories and installation costs, and potential tax credits, rebates, and other promotions may be available to offset these costs. Consumers should do research on the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy, the Department of Energy website, local governments, utilities, and car companies to find these savings.
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