Home EV Charging Station Basics – Part 2

Part 2 covers the type of EV charging station you should choose and the installation costs of Level 2 charging stations.

Choosing Your EV Charging Station

Electric vehicle owners can choose three types of EV charging stations for their homes: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. However, only a Level 1 or Level 2 station is typically installed at home.  

Level 1 – Uses a standard three-prong plug plugged into a home’s 120-volt outlet. Simple, economical, and easy to use, the drawback of a Level 1 station is prolonged charging times. Bringing an empty EV battery to full charge can take one to two days.

Level 2 – Utilizes 240 volts and can charge an EV battery faster than a Level 1 station. They can charge 10 to 20 miles of driving range per hour. On the other hand, a Level 1 station can only charge at 3 to 5 miles of driving range per hour.

Level 3 – Intended for commercial use and super-fast charging, a Level 3 charging station can recharge an empty EV battery in just an hour. However, its super speed is quite expensive. A Level 3 installation can cost $50,000, making it more suitable for businesses.

Installation Cost of Level 2

We recommend getting a few written estimates from reputable licensed electricians, so you can better understand the costs of a Level 2 EV charging station installation.

Getting a permit can run from $100 to $300. Chargers can cost up to $1,000. Expenses for wiring and electrical equipment can be up to $1,000. The cost of labor may be up to  $1,500.

The Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022 offers an incentive to defray a portion of installation expenses by providing a tax credit for up to 30% of the equipment cost for a maximum of $1,000 per unit.

Maryland also offers an incentive for installing an EV charging station. Check out this link for a list of federal and state incentives for EV vehicles: EV Vehicle Incentives.

Electrical Services You Can Trust

Founded in 1991, Meyer Electrical Services provides home and commercial electrical services in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., where we are licensed and insured. Based in Bethesda, our team proudly serves all of Montgomery County. Receive a free consultation for custom electrical work today by calling (301) 941-1400.