How to Prepare Your Home for an Electric Vehicle

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Charging

 

Are you interested in upgrading your Sackville commute behind the wheel of a fully-electric vehicle like the Ford F-150 Lightning or Ford Mustang Mach-E? The latest EVs can deliver near instantaneous torque while being just as capable and fun to drive as traditional gas-powered models. However, owning an EV is different and there are some things you’ll want to do beforehand to prepare your home for an electric vehicle. In this guide from the team at MacPhee Ford in Dartmouth, we’ll fill you in on how to prep for and install an electric vehicle home charger so you’ll be ready for your new EV.

Steps for Installing an Electric Vehicle Home Charger

With an electric vehicle, charging batteries will be a central concern. While there is an ever-growing number of electric vehicle charging stations in the Dartmouth area, your electric vehicle home charger will most likely be your primary method. Fortunately, getting your garage ready for an electric vehicle home charger is fairly simple and straightforward. Here’s how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle and have an electric vehicle home charger installed:

1. Decide on a Charging Type (AKA Charging Level)

EV charging systems fall into Level 1 or Level 2 categories. Here’s more information on charging times for each system:

  • Level 1 EV charging can often take a day or more to fully charge an electric car.
  • Level 2 EV charging usually takes several hours to fully charge an electric car, but you can usually get between 20-30 miles of range per hour. Many EV owners in the Bedford area alternate daytime “top-off” charging with overnight charging.

2. Get Your Garage Ready

Clean out and organize your garage to accommodate your new EV and electric vehicle home charger. You will want to make sure that you have room to walk around the vehicle and access its charging port.

3. Find Your Power Panel & Assess Consumption

It is important to know how much electrical energy you consistently use in your house before you install an electric vehicle home charger. The main power panel in your home should have a label that shows its maximum amperage rating, however it is a good idea to confirm with your municipality that your home is eligible for an electric vehicle home charger.

4. Hire an Electrician

A certified electrician will be needed to install a dedicated 240-volt plug or add a hardwired circuit back to the power panel. On average, it will cost anywhere from $400 to $1,100 for installation (before taxes). Y​​ou will also need to get a safety officer to inspect the electrical work before any wiring is concealed or connected to a supply source. Your electrician needs to complete the contractor consultation form after the installation is complete.

5. Buy Your Electric Vehicle Home Charger and Have it Installed

Find out what kind of electric vehicle home charger your EV requires and purchase it. Then, have it professionally installed by your electrician.

Get All the Details on Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at MacPhee Ford!

Now that you know how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle, charging batteries will be a breeze. Feel free to reach out to the experts at MacPhee Ford if you have any questions. Our team will be happy to help you choose the right electric vehicle home charger, find local Halifax-area electric vehicle charging stations, and provide you with information on the new Ford EVs and hybrids we have in stock.

 

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