Feb 22, 2023

EV Chargers - All You Need to Know About Selecting and Installing the Right Charger

by Michael Shuster

EV Chargers - All You Need to Know About Selecting and Installing the Right Charger

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as a more sustainable mode of transportation. One of the most important aspects of owning an electric vehicle is ensuring that it has sufficient charge to get you where you need to go. To do this, you need to have the right EV charger for your vehicle. In this article, we'll discuss how to choose and install the right EV charger for your vehicle, with technical considerations.

Are electric vehicle chargers compatible with all electric vehicles?

No, electric vehicle (EV) chargers are not necessarily compatible with all electric vehicles. The type of charger required depends on the make and model of the EV, as each vehicle has specific requirements for charging. Furthermore, the charger must be compatible with the connector port on the vehicle. To ensure compatibility, it is best to purchase a charger that is compatible for the model of your EV. Additionally, you should check with the manufacturer of your electric vehicle to determine the best home charger for your model.

 

Key considerations for selecting an EV charger:

  1. Determine Your Charging Needs: The first step in choosing the right EV charger is determining your charging needs. There are two levels of charging: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 charging is done with a standard 120-volt wall outlet and typically provides about 4 to 5 miles of range per hour. Level 2 charging requires a special charging station that is typically installed in a garage or carport and provides up to 25 miles of range per hour. Determine which level of charging you need based on your driving habits and the range of your electric vehicle. The charging rate is important to consider, as it impacts the time it takes to charge the battery, and thus the vehicle's availability. When choosing an EV charger, it's important to consider your driving frequency and distance. If you plan on taking longer trips or driving more frequently, you will need a charger with a higher output and capacity. On the other hand, if you only drive occasionally and don't plan on taking long trips, you can choose a charger with a lower output and capacity. Consider your driving needs carefully and make sure the electric vehicle charger you choose is able to meet them.
  2. Consider Your Home's Electrical Capacity: Before installing an EV charger in your home, you need to consider your house's electrical capacity. Level 1 charging can be done with a standard 120-volt wall outlet, but Level 2 charging requires a 240-volt circuit. You may need to upgrade your home's electrical system to accommodate the extra load. An electrician must verify the capacity of the electrical service, the amperage of the existing panel, the feeder size, and the potential for a dedicated circuit. A typical Level 2 charging station operates at 30-50 amperes (A), and a 40-A circuit breaker and 8 AWG cable will suffice for most installations.
  3. Choose a Charging Station: Once you've determined your charging needs and your home's electrical capacity, you can choose a charging station. There are many different EV charging stations on the market, so it's important to choose one that is compatible with your vehicle and provides the level of charging you need. Look for a charging station that is compatible with the J1772 plug, which is the standard connector used by most electric vehicles in Canada. In addition to the connector, the charger's output must be checked, to match the vehicle's maximum accepted charging rate.
  4. Consider Smart Charging Features: Modern EV chargers often come with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to connect the charger to a home network or access data from the charger remotely. This can be especially useful if you’re looking to install multiple chargers in your house, as it can enable them to be connected to a central control center. Through this center, you can track data from all connected chargers such as energy usage, access alerts and notifications, and even set up schedules for when charging begins and ends. This can help you manage your energy usage better and gain a better understanding of your EV charging habits. The advantage of scheduling charging during off-peak hours will allow you to take advantage of lower energy costs during those hours. Smart charging requires a communication protocol between the charger and the vehicle, usually utilizing the SAE J1772 Combo protocol. Consider whether you want these features and choose a charging station that offers them if you do. Solar Power Store's new EV charger is equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities enabling creating a convenient charging experience for electric vehicles at home.
  5. Consider Renewable Energy Sources: If you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint even further, consider choosing an EV charging station that is powered by renewable energy sources like solar instead of a direct connection to hydro. Some EV charging station providers offer renewable energy options such as Solar Power Store Canada, so be sure to ask about them. This requires a distributed energy storage system to balance the intermittency of the renewable source, or a connection to the grid, for energy exchange.
  6. Installing Certified equipment: It is important to ensure the EV charger you choose is certified up to local regulations. There are many electric vehicle chargers available on the market, particularly on Amazon that are not fully certified to the Canadian electrical code. Local regulations may require certain safety measure and proper installation to be met in order to protect your home's electrical system. Certification also ensures that the charger is compatible with the J1772 connector and provides the level of charging you need. It is also important to make sure that the charger is compliant with all safety standards, to protect you and your family. Finally, choosing a certified charger ensures that you are getting the highest quality product available. Solar Power Store's EV charging stations are cUL certified and approved for use in Canada.

Choosing the right EV charger for your vehicle is an important decision. By determining your charging needs, considering your home's electrical capacity, choosing a compatible charging station, and considering smart charging features and renewable energy sources, you can ensure that you have the right charger for your electric vehicle. It is essential to verify the compatibility and technical aspects, as it can impact the efficiency, safety, and performance of the system.

 

How do I install an electric vehicle charger?

Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger at your home doesn't have to be a complicated process. With the right preparation and the right tools, you can easily install a charger in your house. Here's a quick guide to help you get started:

  1. ALWAYS ensure all electrical work is done by a professional electrician!
  2. Confirm if your charger requires a special plug such as a NEMA 14-50 plug or needs to be directly wired to the circuit.
  3. Make sure your home is equipped with right electrical wiring to support an EV charger. Many EV chargers require a dedicated circuit or a special connector, so you'll need to check with your local electric utility company to see what type of charging station will work best for your home.
  4. When you have the right type of charger, you'll need to make sure you have the necessary tools to install it. You'll need some basic supplies like screwdrivers, wrenches, and wire strippers. You may also need to purchase some additional items such as mounting brackets, conduits, and ground rods.
  5. Finally, it's time to install the charger. Follow all the instructions provided by the manufacturer and make sure to follow all safety protocols. This typically involves:
    • Mounting the EV charger to a wall or charging stand
    • Plugging in the EV charger into the socket (if your charger requires direct wiring, please consult a professional electrician and DO NOT attempt to wire it yourself).
    • Smart Charger Set-Up: Connecting the EV charger to your local Wi-Fi network and setting it up with the respective application.

Installing an EV charger in your home is a great way to make sure your electric vehicle is always ready to go. With the right preparation and the right tools, you can easily install a charger in your house and be ready to hit the road.

 

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