If you’ve been thinking about switching out your gas-fueled car for an electric car, you’ve probably already weighed the pros and cons. However, you still might be asking yourself, “How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle at home?”
Nowadays, public charging stations are available to EV drivers, but these stations might be few and far between depending on where you live. Here’s everything you need to know about at-home EV charging station costs.
Level 1
Generally speaking, a Level 1 charging station is often included with your electric vehicle purchase. These cables are residential chargers and use a 120-volt circuit (found in most home garages). Plus, what’s convenient is that many of them plug straight into a typical wall socket.
Level 1 chargers are overall easy to use and on the cheaper side, with an EV charging station costing around $600. However, these chargers take the longest to charge your EV—which some may say is too long. Every hour of charge time with a Level 1 charging unit equals four miles of driving time. So, if you completely deplete your battery, electricity will be needed to charge your battery well through the night and into the morning.
Level 2
Now we move up a step with Level 2 charging stations. These chargers use 240-volt circuits, which are known for larger household appliances and systems, including:
- Electric stoves
- Electric dryers
- Larger AC
With a Level 2 charging station, you will most likely need to run a 240-volt circuit to your garage or place where the power will be accessible to your EV. But how much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle at home with a Level 2 charging station? On average, the price for a Level 2 charger can range from $200 to $1,000 before installation. If you’re looking to install an EV home charger, consult a professional electrician.
Level 3
Level 3 charging stations are the last—and most powerful—option. The most enticing advantage to Level 3 chargers is their charging capacity and speed.
For instance, it only takes upwards of an hour for an EV battery to fully charge with some of these chargers. One hour of charging can equal 250 to 300 miles of driving time before a recharge is needed. DC fast chargers at public stations will have you seeing an almost full battery in under an hour.
However, these chargers do have their drawbacks, namely when it comes to price and accessibility. So, how much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle at home with a Level 3 charger? These charging systems can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000. Plus, these chargers are designed for commercial use only, which means a residential area’s electrical grid cannot support them.
Home Charging Stations
Several factors can influence an at-home EV charging station cost. For example, you may have to factor in the price of wiring, labor, WiFi, and other add-ons. Plus, other factors beyond your control can affect the EV charging station cost, such as:
- The Region Where You Live: Where you live can impact the cost.
- The Time of Year: It takes longer to charge an EV in colder weather.
- The Hours of Peak Charges: On average, nighttime has the lowest charging costs
Charging your EV overnight is generally considered to be the cheapest option for homeowners. However, where you live will have a specific electricity rate and determine the exact electricity costs you encounter.
Charging vs. Fueling
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into answering the question, “How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle at home?” If you’re looking to invest in an EV, you also have to consider one other cost on top of what we’ve already mentioned: set up costs. Along with the expenses of installation, charging networks, and charging itself, you will also need to think about electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
Install an EV Charging Station With the Experts
Now that we’ve gone over EV charging station costs, you might still be wondering which solution is best for you and your car. RR Electric offers professional electric vehicle charging station installations in the Simi Valley, CA, area. Our high-rated technicians are proud to install Tesla wall chargers and more.
Are you ready to charge your electric car with a reliable charging station? Contact us today!
