As more electric vehicles come to market and consumers snap up stock with the help of federal incentives, now is a great time to consider getting an EV.

However, as they’re still relatively new, there aren’t many public charging stations in the Kansas City metro area. That means you may have difficulty charging your car quickly and conveniently when you’re on the go.

The simple solution to these issues is to install a home EV charger. Here’s a quick guide with the information you need:

Do I Need an EV Charging Station Before I Get an Electric Vehicle?

You technically don’t need a home charger before purchasing an EV because they typically come with a Level 1 120-volt charging cable.

However, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a trusted electrician before your car is delivered. The sooner you start the process, the sooner your charging station will be installed, and you’ll be well-versed in how they work and can acclimate more quickly.

Can I Charge My EV in a Standard 120-Volt Outlet?

It’s possible to do Level 1 charging in a standard outlet, but impractical for most electric vehicle owners.

It could take days to charge from empty, causing frustration along the way. Most homeowners opt for a Level 2 charger to meet their needs.

What Are the Differences Between Level 1, 2 & 3 EV Chargers?

When selecting an EV charging station, there are three types of chargers:

• Level 1 chargers take 40 to 50 hours to fully charge a battery but are accessible to those with only 120-volt outlets.
• Level 2 chargers take four to 10 hours to fully charge a battery and require a dedicated circuit for a 240-volt outlet.
• Level 3 chargers, also known as Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC), charge electric vehicles up to 80% in as little as 20 minutes. They’re not generally offered as an option for homeowners because they’re so expensive to purchase and maintain, and most homes do not meet the electrical requirements.

For most homeowners, Level 2 chargers are the way to go.

Features To Look for in an EV Charging Station

There are plenty of EV charging stations on the market for home use with an array of features meant to make your life easier. Features you may want to consider include:

• Compact and durable design
• UL certification for safety and peace of mind
• Wi-Fi enablement for smart monitoring
• A companion app to view data and manage charging
• Cable management for safety and aesthetic

We can help you select the right system for your budget and charging needs.

Contact A.B. May for EV Charger Installation

Installing a home EV charger is definitely not a DIY project.

Hiring licensed electricians is key to ensuring your home’s wiring is handled correctly, and your new charger is properly installed according to manufacturer specifications and stringent safety standards.

You can count on A.B. May to provide expert recommendations and installation, and we’d be happy to answer any questions you have.

Call us at 913-383-3100 to request EV charger installation for your Kansas City home today.