There are 3 types of EV chargers in the market. They are Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. As a homeowner, you only need to concern yourself with a Level 1 and Level 2 charger. A Level 3 charger is for commercial use. In this article, we will discuss 4 questions:
What are the differences between a Level 1 and Level 2 charger?
|
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
|
120 V |
240 V |
|
Standard Outlet |
Need to add new outlet |
|
3-8 km/hr charge |
16-50 km/hr charge |
|
No need for permit |
Permit needed for install |
What is the right charger for you?
Level 1 Charger
Pros:
– Save money on install. There is likely no install needed so you will save money
– No electrical installation means less invasiveness in your home
Cons:
– Vehicle takes a long time to charge
– Need to plan trips ahead so you aren’t stuck with a low battery
– If your commute is long, you may not be able to charge it enough at home to keep up with your vehicles demand
– You May still need to add an outlet if you don’t have a dedicated circuit for the charger
Level 2 Charger
Pros:
– Charges much faster than Level 1
– Generally more energy efficient than Level 1 chargers
– Can keep up with the demands of a longer daily commute
– Less need to plan everything ahead because your battery will have greater charge than if you were using level 1 charger
Cons:
– Initial cost of installation and equipment
– Likely more invasive. Electrician must run new wire, possibly cutting drywall, which will take a few hours of the day
Do you need a permit to install a Level 2 charger?
Yes. Even if you use an electrician for the install, a permit/inspection is required. It is required whenever any electrical equipment is added to the home.
Should I use an electrician to install a Level 2 charger?
I will always suggest hiring a licensed electrician to install any electrical equipment in the home. This is not because a homeowner can’t do the work (with proper inspection), but because the electrician knows what to look out for, the hazards involved, and the code knowledge to do the job right.
If you do decide to hire an electrician to install a Level 2 charger, be sure to hire a Licenced Electrical Contractor to do the work.
