How to Prep Your Home for an EV

There are a number of different benefits that come from owning an EV, but one thing that many drivers around Janesville take into account is that you also need to get your home ready. Turning your home into an electric vehicle charging station isn’t hard! If you take a few steps to prepare your home for an electric vehicle, it’s easy as pie. Susanville Ford is here to help you enjoy a seamless switch to electric motoring near Chester. Our finance department is also eager to help you get behind the wheel of an EV, with our selection of new vehicle specials for additional ways to save. Check out our tips about electric vehicle charging batteries and more below!

1. Choose a Charging Level 

What type of electric vehicle charging station will be your primary charging option? When it comes to electric vehicle home chargers and electric vehicle charging batteries you’ll decide between Level 1 or Level 2:

• Level 1 uses the portable charging cord that comes with your new EV, which can be plugged into any household-style outlet. Level 1 charging takes days to go from 0% to 100%.
• Level 2 is the preferred type of electric vehicle home charger for the majority of EV owners in Chester. With Level 2 DC charging, you can amass between 60–200 miles of range in about 30 minutes. This type of charger can be purchased separately from your EV and installed at your home by a certified electrician. 

2. Tidy Your Garage

You’ll want to clear out a space that’s large enough to park and charge your EV. Make sure you clear enough room for the charging cord to reach your vehicle without coiling or kinking, and ensure there is proper ventilation as well.

3. Locate Your Power Panel & Assess Energy Consumption

Your home has a power panel that distributes electricity. On the power panel, there should be a maximum amount of current flow noted, and it should be measured in Amperes. New homes typically have a 100 Amp power panel, but you must confirm the rating for your home where it’s printed on the main circuit breaker. 

You should also assess how much energy your household consumes, so you don’t risk overloading the power panel when your electric vehicle is charging its charging batteries. 

4. Hire an Electrician

Discuss your household’s energy consumption with them and ensure that it’s safe to add an electric vehicle charging station to your garage or driveway. They can let you know if your home is ready for an electric vehicle home charger as-is, or if there are changes that need to be made first. 

5. Buy Your Electric Vehicle Home Charger & Get it Installed 

Find out what types of electric vehicle home chargers are compatible with your new EV. Choose the one you like best, purchase it, and schedule an appointment for your certified electrician to install it in your garage.

Contact Us to Learn More! 

Now you have a better idea about how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle! Have any additional questions about your electric vehicle charging the batteries, or any other EV topics? Susanville Ford is here to help! Contact us anytime to chat, and we’ll be happy to provide more information. Stop by for a test drive and see just how much power they can offer, like the Mustang Mach-E.