Are electric cars just a fancy innovation to spark the imagination of the environment-conscious or do they really represent the future? Sales charts show that car customers have been more and more attracted to the prospects of going electric. How about the electric vehicle chargers? What costs and changes do these imply? See these questions answered below.

Benefits of Owning an Electric Car

A plug-in electric vehicle can rely solely on batteries (BEV) or be a hybrid (PHEV). These help not only bring positive change into the environment, but also avoid the gas stations and all the trouble involved. There are benefits to the individual, the community and the environment.

Electric cars make it easier to manage the costs. There is specific equipment for each user, depending on their particular lifestyle, all designed with savings in mind. Once you stop being reliable on gas stations, you get to be in control; the charging is done at home, whenever is needed. Moreover, you have a whole range of customization options to make sure you are not spending more than needed.

Electricity is a type of fuel that is unlimited – it can be continuously generated in many ways. Thus, one no longer has to rely on finite resources, which are about to be exhausted. You can go 100% “eco” and use only renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind installations to produce the needed electricity. This holds yet another very important advantage – the fact that you will be supporting the local economy. Electricity is generated on spot, while conventional fuel is mostly imported from overseas.

Shortly put, let us state the benefits again:

  • Customize according to driving style or lifestyle,
  • Better costs management,
  • Independence from gas stations and imported fuel,
  • Supports local economy,
  • Uses renewable resources,
  • Good for the environment and the community,
  • Vehicle Rate Plans for cheaper charging.

Installing a Car Charger: The Options

The charging equipment depends on the chosen type of electric car. One’s own driving style or habits will also have a major influence on this. The best part about this is that your home becomes your fuel station. It is such a simple and convenient way to ensure your transport needs. Note that an electric vehicle charger or EV charger needs adequate, professional installation.

There are specific standards in use for the charging equipment. Just like it happened with mobile phones, manufacturers have created universal chargers/charging systems that would work with a wide variety of models. Recently launched car models are in compliance with these standards, as well as the ones going to be launched. The following will detail the two main types of chargers available.

Level 1 and Level 2 Car Chargers

There are 2 charging voltages used with electric vehicles. A higher voltage will charge a battery quicker. However, it usually calls for an equipment upgrade. For the fastest results, one can install a Level 2 electric car charger in a car port or garage. This one will work at least twice as fast as the lower level one. However, Level 1 charging works for most people nowadays. The Level 1 typical charger is a charging cord.

Level 1 systems are charging a hybrid in 10 hours and an all-electric vehicle in 20, while a Level 2 takes 4-6 hours. Level 2 means a higher voltage and it does work faster, but requires an updated system and wiring. This investment is currently not considered necessary by most EV owners.

Los Angeles professional electricians know which charger station works best for a property and can be consulted  when in doubt. In a situation where the charging station needs to be installed in a rented home, it is necessary to consult with a home fuel adviser beforehand, as well as with the property owner.

Tips for Better Savings

Going electric can help one save money not only because of the different fueling. There are state or federal incentives for the acquisition of an electric car or a charging system. Moreover, it can be opted for the Electric Vehicle Rate Plan or a similar one that allows to charge at night, when electricity costs are lower. Also, energy usage can be analyzed to estimate the costs for charging. Southern California Edison or the LADWP can help one save more through various plans. These ensure savings for charging during the off-peak hours, meaning after 9pm or after midnight, depending on the selected plan.

Rebates and Tax Credit

Buying an EV can be made more advantageous now through tax credits and rebates. Los Angeles and the whole of California have very unstable and changeable financial incentives of this kind, which means one has to act quickly. In California, rebates can reach $5,000 for an electric car and as much as $20,000 for commercial vehicles. Electric chargers also benefit of rebates. Tax credit can reduce the costs by up to $7,500 (with a minimum of $2,500), to give an average example. Such regulations apply to all electric vehicles, as well as to hybrids.

Rebates can also be obtained through the L.A. Department of Water and Power and the EDTA. The latter provides information on LA incentives and also allows to perform searches based on other zip codes.

Call the Los Angeles electric vehicle car charger installation experts at Branover Contractors Inc today to learn more.