The United States is moving forward with a national electric vehicle EV charging network. The goal is to provide EV drivers confidence that they can find a place to charge, jump start private investment in charging infrastructure and electric vehicles, and support the President’s goals of making America’s fuel economy 50% more efficient by 2030.
EV charging has become easier and more affordable than ever before. In fact, most EVs come with a Level 1 charger that is free to use. However, for a more convenient and faster charging experience, a hard wired Level 2 charger is recommended. While most EVs can plug into any Level 2 public charging station, the best charging experiences are often found at home or work.
Home charger installations can be as low as $750-$1,000 depending on the location and power requirements of your site. Generally, a charger will be installed in a garage or carport where it can easily access the electrical panel. Adding a hardwired Level 2 charger to your home will require an electrician to upgrade your existing wiring and add a dedicated, high-powered circuit for the charging station.
Many municipalities, counties, and cities offer rebates and tax credits to help offset upfront costs for home EV charger installation. Some even have a list of approved vendors to choose from. Using a qualified installer will ensure that your home or business has the necessary wiring to handle a Level 2 charger and that your installation is safe.
In the workplace, nationwide car charger installation stations are becoming more common. Many large companies and organizations are taking steps to become more environmentally friendly by installing charging stations. For example, Ford is investing $400 million to install thousands of DC fast-charging ports at its ports and freight corridors. This will help reduce harmful emissions from heavy-duty trucks and create jobs in disadvantaged communities.
Another exciting development is that EV manufacturers are starting to make their own charging stations and hardware. This will allow them to offer their customers a more streamlined ownership and maintenance process.
Currently, the quickest way to charge an EV is to use one of the public Level 2 chargers at gas stations or parking lots. These chargers are typically free to use for EV owners, but can be slow to charge. Additionally, some of these charging stations are only available in certain locations and may require a membership to use. This is why it is important to research all your options when considering an EV.