How To Prep Your Home For an EV

More and more Middlesex-area drivers are making the switch from gas to electric, and there are countless benefits to choosing an EV lifestyle. But, how do you prepare your home for an electric vehicle? Bridgewater Kia is here to help! Learn how to choose between Level 1 and Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, and get your garage ready for your Kia EV6 or Niro EV!

Choose Your Electric Vehicle Home Charger

While you can charge your EV on the go in Plainfield or Manville, most EV owners opt for an electric vehicle home charger for convenience. This allows you to top off your battery overnight so it’s ready for a day of driving. There are two ways for your electric vehicle to charge batteries at home:

• Level 1: When you get your new EV, you’ll receive a charging cord that can be plugged directly into any grounded three-prong outlet in your home. This is Level 1 charging. It typically takes multiple days to fully charge an EV with this method.
• Level 2: Most EV owners choose to install a Level 2 electric vehicle charging station for faster home charging speeds. This allows your electric vehicle to charge batteries in several hours in most cases.

Prepare Your Garage

Your garage will act as your parking spot as well as your electric vehicle charging station, so it’s a good time to tidy up. Clear out the clutter, rearrange and organize, and clean up the area so you’re ready to go. This is especially important if you’re planning on bringing out an electrician for your electric vehicle home charger installation.

Assess Your Energy Usage

Your home’s power panel sends energy to all the appliances and devices in your home – and this will also include your vehicle. So, it’s important to know how much energy you currently use. Check your power panel’s amperage and perform a simple self-assessment to establish your energy usage on a typical day and week. This will tell you if your home can handle the extra electrical demands of an EV or if you need a power panel upgrade.

Hire an Electrician for the Installation

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to call up an electrician. Let them know the results of your self-assessment and be sure to discuss any questions that you have. They’ll let you know whether you’ll need a dedicated 240-volt plug or a hardwired circuit back to the power panel. Then, arrange the installation date and enjoy your new electric vehicle home charger!

Check Out Kia EV and Hybrid Models at Bridgewater Kia

Ready to check out the latest hybrids and EVs with the Kia Experts at Bridgewater Kia? Our showroom is ready for you, so stop by Bridgewater today! We can show you the different models available and set you up on a test drive. Contact us with any other questions about how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle in the meantime, and check out our Warranty for Life!