More people are now opting to buy electric cars. If electric cars are also the vehicle of your choice, then you really ought to learn more about electrical car chargers. Below is helpful information regarding electric vehicle charging stations.

Hiring an Electrician

When preparing to install an EV charger station for your electric car it is important to find a qualified electrician! He will make sure that the electrical outlet will be properly and safely installed. If you don’t have an outlet in your carport or garage, he will install one. If you already have one, he will most likely check the electrical panel capacity. He will upgrade it if it lacks capacity. If your electrical panel has the capacity, then the electrician will add a new dedicated electrical circuit. After such installation, you are good to start now with your electric car. Be sure to get an experienced and licensed electrician when installing outlets for electric car chargers and EV stations.

Level 1 Charging

Charging includes level 1 and level 2. Level 1 Charging is plain, inexpensive, and simple to set up. Chargers with this type of charging use a special extension cord that you can plug into the outlet with the ordinary house voltage of 110 volts. This type of charging does not need a capacity upgrade. However, the electrician may still need to check the GFI (a special safety outlet). The driver has to make sure that no other appliances are using the same circuit. The only downside is the fact that it the charging is slower compared to the other types. Some may take 10 hours while some 20 hours to recharge. If you want to have fast and furious charging, you might want to consider level 2.

Level 2 Charger

Without a doubt, people would be more attracted to level 2 charging station for faster charging. However, the level 2 charger needs a special set-up since it needs 240 volts. The Level 2 Charger is covered in a container about eighteen inches around and hangs on the garage wall, stick out about one foot. Upon recharging with Level 2 charger, it appears similar to filling your tank with gas. You widen a “hose” to the recharge plug built into the electric vehicles. The level 2 chargers are so fast that you can charge the car overnight!

Recharging and Rebates

Level 1 charger that is compatible with any ordinary electrical outlet so recharging is possible for any kind of vehicle. As for level 2, the manufacturers have started to make universal standard chargers so that it will be compatible with any outlet. If you need an emergency charge, you might want to have a map of local electrical chargers.

Recharging is not the only factor you might want to consider but also rebates. Several states offer rebates to those who will install electric car chargers in Los Angeles, California. If you are planning on getting an electric car, you might want to inquire about state policies for rebates and other kinds of financial incentives in your area.

Resources:

LADWP EV Program

Southern California Edison Electric Vehicle Rates

Clean Vehicle Rebate Project

California Drive Clean

Federal Tax Credit For Electric Vehicles