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What should I know before choosing an EV Charger?

L1 vs. L2 Chargers

Level 1 chargers are often included with a vehicle and plug into a standard 120V household outlet. If needed, you can purchase a Level 1 charger for approximately $200. Level 1 chargers add about 5 miles of range to your vehicle per hour of charging.

Level 2 chargers require a 240V outlet or a hardwired connection. They charge your vehicle more quickly than a Level 1 charger, typically adding 10 – 25 miles of range to your vehicle per hour. Level 2 chargers cost $300-$800 and are not usually included with a vehicle.

You may or may not have a 240V outlet available in the location where you wish to charge your vehicle. If you do not, you will need to install the necessary hardware to use a Level 2 charger. Installation costs for Level 2 chargers range from zero dollars (if plugging into an existing suitable 240V outlet) to several thousand dollars if upgrading circuits and/or electrical panels. Contact a qualified electrician for more information.

Plug-in vs. Hardwired chargers

Another aspect of EV chargers is the method that they use to connect to your home’s power. A plug-in charger connects to an outlet, either 120V or 240V, the same way as a normal appliance. Hardwired chargers run on a dedicated circuit and cannot be easily uninstalled or moved.

Plug-in charging stations are typically less expensive and more convenient to install than hardwired options. However, they are best when used indoors, and they typically have a lower maximum current than hardwired chargers.

Hardwired chargers must be specially installed in your home. They are not easily portable, such as from one home to another. They are the recommended chargers for outdoor installation, as they have much better weather protection than a plug-in charger. They also have a higher maximum amperage, and any charger above 40 Amps must be hardwired. Contact a qualified electrician for more information.

Vehicle images

Vehicle images by EVOXImages.com

Electric Vehicle Energy Costs

First, the electricity use for the user’s home is calculated using information provided about their electric bill. Energy costs with a conventional vehicle are comprised of the home electric bill plus the cost of fuel for the vehicle. To calculate energy costs with a plug-in vehicle, home electricity use and vehicle electricity use are combined into one bill. Conventional fuel costs (i.e., Gasoline) are also included for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Customer Energy Use

An hourly consumption profile is generated from the average monthly bill information provided. Statistical average profiles published by the electric company are used to calculate an hourly consumption profile for the user based on their electric rate plan and average monthly bill amount. This assumption will be reasonably accurate for the majority of users, but those with unique profiles, such as users with time-of-use rates, may experience notable differences.

Environmental Savings

Environmental calculations are based on state level EPA emission factors from the Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) . Emissions are calculated for both the electric vehicle and conventional vehicle.

Weekday vs. weekend miles and extended trips

Mileage is referenced in terms of average daily driving and annual miles so that users can adjust to account for typical commuting as well as one-time, longer trips.

Operations and Maintenance

Maintenance and repair costs are calculated using methodology published by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) in its 2021 report: "Comprehensive Total Cost of Ownership Quantification for Vehicles with Different Size Classes and Powertrains". The cost of maintenance (regular service to prevent damage and prolong vehicle life) is calculated on a dollar per mile basis for each powertrain type, determined using national average costs for maintenance items and average maintenance service schedules. The cost of repairs (work to fix malfunctioning parts that inhibit the use of the vehicle) is calculated on a dollar per mile basis according to MSRP, adjusted for powertrain type and vehicle class. The dollar per mile rate for repairs increases every 15,000 vehicle miles travelled (VMT) to account for increasing repair costs as vehicles age. However, it is assumed that no repair costs are incurred for the first 36,000 VMT to reflect coverage provided by a standard zero-deductible warranty. Electric vehicles are expected to be cheaper to maintain and repair than comparable gasoline vehicles due to the absence of engine oil, timing belts, oxygen sensors, spark plugs and other components.

Vehicle MSRP

MSRPs are estimates based on data from www.fueleconomy.gov and vehicle manufacturer websites.

Charging Station Map

Charging station data is compiled using data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center.

Cost of Vehicle Charger

The Level 1 default equipment cost is $200. The default equipment cost for a Level 2 home charging station is $800 and the default installation cost is $1,400. These values may be adjusted by the user. The default values are based on market research and include labor, materials, and permitting.

Federal Incentives

https://www.irs.gov provides information on the Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit and the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit (applicable to estimates that include the installation of solar panels).

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