EV Charging Stations

The average cost for installing a standard level 2 240V electric vehicle charging station ranges between $458 and $749, while the cost can be more for a single output EV charger depending on the model purchased.

Electric cars are becoming cheaper and more attractive financially to the majority of consumers in our area, which in turn makes them more likely to need a way to re-fuel them. Instead of gas, they require electricity and time to charge. This can be a pitfall for those on tight schedules because they may have to stay at the public stations for long periods of time. Because these vehicles don’t rely on traditional fuels, public charging areas with the quantity of chargers necessary to keep up with demand aren’t readily available. Responsible owners should consider contacting a professional to install a personal station at home for quick, easy and reliable access to re-fueling their vehicle.

Personal devices are beneficial for owners but can be difficult to install without a trained professional. Many garages are not equipped with the necessary power capacity, meaning the electrical infrastructure might need to be re-examined. Garages in older or smaller houses might also need an electrical upgrade. Thankfully, the perks of installing your own station can easily outweigh the costs, as homeowners become capable of using it whenever they like without traveling to, and paying at, public spaces.

What Is a Charging Station?

This device consists of one or more units that look similar to the pumps found in a traditional gas station. Users can simply pull up, remove the cable from the unit, and plug the cord right into the outlet on their vehicles. It takes just a few minutes for the battery to begin charging, though the time takes to charge the battery completely for the vehicle depends on the vehicle. A Tesla model 3 would take considerably longer to charge than a Nissan Leaf. Pay stations give drivers the option of paying each time they need to use one, but they must be at a physical location other than at home to charge.

Who Needs One?

Anyone who drives or owns an electric vehicle needs a charging station. Even if you live in a heavily populated area, there is no guarantee that you’ll reach one before your vehicle runs out of power. Having one at home allows homeowners to plug in when it is convenient or at night, and wake to a vehicle that is ready to go. You can also use it to check your car’s power level.

Electric Car Charging Station Costs

There are numerous types of home stations available on the market. Each one for personal use typically ranges between 110 and 240 volts, and these items require an Electrician to install. Many of the products can be installed in garages or even outdoors, and some come with additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity or connections to systems like Amazon Echo. Some of the most popular models for sale include the Juicebox Pro 40, the AeroVironment TurboCord, and the ClipperCreek.

The Juicebox Pro 40 - $579

The Juicebox Pro 40 costs between $500-$800 for the standard equipment. This product was designed for quick use and operates as a 40 amp, 10kw EV charging station. People who use this home device need to install a 14-50R outlet, although it can also be purchased with adaptors that work in regular outlets. Individuals interested in this product need to contact our professionals to ensure their electrical systems can handle the required amperage. The Juicebox Pro 40 works with most standard electric cars, excluding Tesla models.

The ChargePoint Home Charger - $642-$749

ChargePoint Home chargers come from a company that has set the standard in the EV Charging industry. With more chargers online than any other provider, their products have been tested and perfected over many years in the industrial and residential markets

Manage Charging from Anywhere

Set reminders, schedule charging, track energy use and connect to your smart home using the ChargePoint app. Get current updates on the status of your EV and manage home charging with your voice using Amazon Alexa.

Track all Your Charging In One Place

See how much you’re charging and saving all in one account.

Set It and Forget It

Schedule your charging and get friendly reminders if you forget to plug in.

Wired Into the Future is a ChargePoint Certified Installer so you can be rest assured the installation will be done correctly.

Siemens VersiCharge Universal (VC30GRYU) $458

The VersiCharge is a level 2 item which requires a 240v connection. The product can be installed inside or outdoors and requires 32 amps of power to be used effectively, this type of install requires a dedicated electrical circuit and should consult a qualified electrician such as Wired Into the Future to determine the installation details specific to their home. The VersiCharge follows rigorous safety standards and can be used for most electric car makes and models. It can be purchased online for approximately $460.

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Cost to Install at Home

EV charging stations costs vary based on labor, wiring, and additional features requested by the homeowner. The breakdown can be done primarily based on the price of labor and cost for hardware involved, while keeping a few add-ons in mind.

Factors Affecting Costs

Many people want to know exactly how much a vehicle charging station will cost, but the final project outlay will depend on many factors.

Permits

One item that can significantly impact the price is the need for permits. Business owners will need permits to make notable changes to an existing business, and some homeowners may need paperwork for the electrical work needed. The fees for the proper paperwork varies by local jurisdiction, but averages between $100-$300. Below is a breakdown of the most common prices for each section of the request.

• Application: $40-$60
• Electrical Permit: $80-$200
• Additional Handling Charges: $20-$40
• Electrical Modifications

An often-ignored aspect when calculating the costs of installing a station at home are the electrical facilities available at your residence. Is the electrical service capable of handling the load of an EV charging station? Is there space in the electrical panel for the EV charging circuit? A typical sub-panel replacement/update can cost costs homeowners between $800-$1200 depending on the specific situation. The wires that run from the breaker box to the EV charging station can also raise the price, our standard installation covers up to 10 feet between the Circuit Panel (load Center) and the Charging station.

Additional Features

The breaker box used by the system can also increase or lower the total price. Most of these systems require a 240-volt circuit, and if the home needs a new breaker capable of transporting this level of energy, the price will rise. The wires that run from the breaker box to the system can also raise the price, especially if the system needs new or longer wires.

Most people will also need to look at the type of system they use and the additional features included in the product. A Wi-Fi-enabled system will usually cost more than another without Wi-Fi. Some systems use a single cord that users can plug into any outlet and then into their vehicles, but others are more complicated and require a breaker box and a permanent electric connection.

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Types of Charging Stations

Level 1

According to the hierarchy, a Level 1 charging station is nothing complex. It just refers to plugging your electric car into a typical outlet. Usually, your car manufacturer makes available a Level 1 cable when you buy the car, which can be directly plugged in to a standard wall plug point. A Level 1 device doesn’t cost much but it takes considerably longer to charge compared to other equipment.

Level 2

Level 2 charging points are mainstream and more widespread in use. They are versatile in that they allow you to power your electric vehicles at a much quicker rate than level 1 points, and are also the most common level found in public. They need to be wall-mounted on a bracket and will require a professional electrician to do the job for you. Level 2 charger installation costs are higher and vary proportionally to the amperage and the EV charger cable length.

Level 3

Level 3 equipment costs the most as they are the fastest way to charge your electric cars. This is possible because the car’s on-board charger is overridden and power is supplied directly to the battery. Level 3 charging, or "Fast Chargers", were designed for commercial use and are typically not available for home installations.

Tesla Charger Installation Costs

Teslas are a specific brand of fully electric vehicles designed for everyday use. The current models on the market are the Model S, Model X, and Model 3 series. The Model S is a standard, high-functioning car designed to be larger and more economical than other vehicles. It is roughly the size of a standard gas car and can seat five people comfortably. The Model X series is larger and designed to be like an SUV with the capacity to seat 5-7 people. The Model 3 is the latest Tesla to hit the market, it's slightly smaller than the Model S, and less costly.

People interested in a faster charge can purchase a Tesla wall connector for roughly $650. Each wall connector is designed to handle 208-240 volt power supplies. The wall connector needs to be installed with a 60-90 amp circuit breaker and requires a trained electrician. We Typically Charge $450 for a standard installation, the typical total cost of installing a Tesla wall connector can range between $1,100-$1,400. This estimate includes the price of the physical wall connector.

People who electrically fuel their vehicles in public can take advantage of the Tesla Supercharger, which is a series of free stations developed to charge Models S, Model 3, and X. It uses a 480-volt system to quickly top-off vehicles within 30 minutes to 1 hour. Superchargers are currently free to use by some Tesla owners, and paid subscriptions for others. This equipment cannot be installed at home because the electrical capacity required is industrial grade, meaning a typical development and residence lacks the necessary power to use one.

CONSULT WITH AN EV STATION PROFESSIONAL

CONSULT WITH AN EV STATION PROFESSIONAL

Advantages of Adding an EV Station at Home

Price Incentives

Public charging stations cost you about 25-55 cents per kilowatt-hour. The price to install an electric car charger at home is going to prove advantageous no matter what, since this one-time investment will mean that you don’t have to spend a lot each time you want to refill your car’s battery.

Tax Incentives

Those interested in driving electric cars will find that there may be some tax incentives available. The federal government offers incentives of up to $3,250 for those who purchase hybrid or fully electric vehicles. Plug It America worked with the government to create incentives for those who add home units as well. This program lets home and business owners deduct 30% of the cost of installing a charging station, and it lets them get back up to $1,000 of the total amount they spent on the installation.

PG&E Incentives UPDATE:

If you reside in the PG&E territory the clean fuel rebate from PG&E has increased to $800 towards the cost of your EV charging Station and installation. This can offset a large amount of the cost. Here is the page on the PG&E website that explains the rebate and application process.

Reliability

An at-home charging station would mean that you can fuel your car any time you want without the need to look for a public port. There is always a risk running out of power before you end up at the next charging station. Having one at home can ensure that you maintain steady power levels and can refill the battery overnight.

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Things to Consider before Installing

There are several things to consider before installing one of these devices, including the cost of hardware. Shoppers can find the hardware and components needed for installation at most home improvement stores, but they'll need a professional to install those components. Another factor that electric vehicle owners should consider is the portability of the equipment. Some of the more expensive systems contain a small battery that can be used, but drivers usually need to plug in this device every night to keep it charged.

Many people will also want to consider the amperage capacity of the system, including the amount of energy that it provides and uses. A system that uses too much electricity may overpower a home's system. Others will want to consider the length of the charging cord. A good cord should be long enough that it can reach the vehicle anywhere it sits around the driveway or garage.

Let Wired Into the Future's EVSE certified electricians guide you through the EV Charging station process and install your electric "Gas Pump" at your home or business