Electric vehicles are run by a rechargeable battery instead of traditional gasoline. In order to power an electric vehicle battery, it must be plugged in and charged at an electric vehicle charging station, which can be installed at home or at a public or commercial space. In recent years, more and more people have been turning to electric vehicles as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. This shift in demand has made it increasingly important to consider installing an electric car charger in one’s home or workplace. Not only does it provide convenient and reliable access to charging, but the reduction in personal carbon emissions makes them a vital investment for a more green and sustainable future as well.
Types of Electric Car Charging Stations
There are three different types of EV charging stations, including Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging stations. The vast majority of electric vehicles will come with a basic Level 1 charger that is compatible with a standard 120-volt outlet, providing a charging rate of approximately 4-5 miles of range per hour. However, the higher two tiers of chargers are able to charge at much quicker speeds. Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt outlet and provide a charge rate of around 20-25 miles of range per hour, while DC Fast Charging stations are the most powerful, requiring 480 volts and reaching an 80% charge in 20-30 minutes. Find out if all electric cars use the same charger here.
The cost to install an EV charging station depends slightly on the region or type of station. A level 1 station will be the least expensive, generally costing around $300-$600 for installation costs. Level 2 charging stations are more expensive as they also require a 240-volt outlet, so the total cost is around $1,200-$2000. Finally, a DC Fast Charging station will range from $10,000-$40,000. There are often additional costs to consider as well, including the installation of an electrical circuit panel to handle the increased electrical load, or the extra wiring or hardware needed to prepare the parking or garage space for charger installation. These costs will vary widely based on the existing infrastructure of the property.
Costs by Type of Connection
There are two main types of electric car chargers: hardwired and plug-in. Hardwired chargers are mounted permanently to the wall and are wired directly to the building’s electrical system. Plug-in chargers are portable and plug into a standard electrical outlet. Hardwired chargers are more expensive to install than plug-ins, but charge EVs at much quicker rates and can offer more voltage. The cost of installation for a hardwired charger ranges on average from $850 to $1,800, while a plugged-in charger’s installation cost ranges from $1,000 to $2000. The reason for plug-in chargers averaging a higher price is that they require the installation of a 240-volt outlet - this is the typical plug found behind a washing machine, for example. While it is true that the basic Level 1 charger does work with a standard 120-volt outlet, they can be insufficient for daily drivers or drivers who use their EV for more than a short distance. They will often take up to 24 hours to fully charge your vehicle, so it is therefore wise to consider a hardwired or a plug-in charger for primary charging purposes.
Total Costs of Electric Car Charging Stations
There are multiple factors that go into determining the total cost of an electric car charger, including the type and brand of charger, existing electrical infrastructure, location, and more. In addition to the labor and parts of the installation itself are the cost of permits and inspections, other work needed to prepare the site, and the electricity once the charger is installed. As noted earlier, the three different types of chargers range widely from around $300 to $35,000 in materials, depending on if a Level 1, Level 2, or DC Fast Charging station suits the owner’s needs and budget the best.
The cost of electricity is the main ongoing cost of owning an electric vehicle charger. The exact rate will depend on the area’s price of electricity and the type of charger installed, but on average, it costs between $.10 and $.20 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to charge an electric car. For example, a 60 kWh battery with an electricity price rate of $0.15 per kWh will bring the cost of full charging to around $9.00.
The final primary consideration that comes with installing an EV charger are the permits and inspections required by local authorities, as well as any upgrades or modifications to the building’s electrical system. The total cost of these preparations will vary drastically depending on the station’s location and existing infrastructure. The best path to determining the total cost of these items is to consult with a qualified local electrician and a charging station professional, who will provide a good sense of the total costs involved with installation. In total, not including materials, the cost to install an electric car charger will range from around $300 to $4,500.
Funding and incentives for Electric Car Charging Stations
There are several government incentives and rebates that exist as a way to encourage EV charging station installations. In the United States, there is a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the cost and installation, with a maximum of $1,000 for commercial installation. For individual consumers, up to $7,500 in tax credit is available upon installation. On a local level, some states and municipalities after more rebates and tax credits, depending on the area. More rebates can come in the form of programs from utility companies that can include reduced electricity cost rates. It is worth it to research all of the available savings and rebates, because taking advantage of them will make the investment far more affordable.
Conclusion
While the preparation and installation of personal or commercial electric vehicle charging stations can be a significant investment, the total cost to install an electric car charger will vary widely based on many factors. Government and local incentives exist as a way to make the switch to electric vehicles significantly more affordable. With the benefits such as long-term savings and the positive ecological effects, it’s no wonder so many people are switching from traditional gasoline vehicles and stations to electric vehicles. Installing a charging station can also not only benefit individual EV owners, their employees, or their residents, but it also greatly supports the global transition to a more sustainable transportation system. Check out the infromation of our commercialEv charging stations and see our locations:
- Commercial EV Charging Stations Denver, CO
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