Okay, you had fun choosing which electrical vehicle to purchase. Now, to get around with your electric car, you'll need to have access to charging stations. You have three options to choose from to charge your electrical vehicle; at public charging stations, at work, or to purchase a charging station of your own. If you determined to get your own charging station at home, you would need to see about electrical service requirements. Here we present frequently asked questions about EV charging for you to be well-prepared for your at-home EV charging station installation. 

1. Is the home charging station safe?

Yes.  The charging station is designed so that no electricity flows through the cord or coupler until after it is connected to the vehicle.  As a further safety feature, once connected, your EV will not allow you to move while the charging station is plugged in.

2. Will my electricity bill go up?

Yes, but with a personal charging station at your disposal, you can choose to charge your car at night, when you can take advantage of significantly lower electricity prices. Another way to save on your electricity bill is to use residential solar panels, you can opt to generate your own electricity during the day. This way, EV charging is bound to become more cost effective in the long run.

3. What are the types of EV charging station?

The simplest way to charge your EV is to connect Level 1 charger that comes with your EV to your existing 120V outlet. If you prefer more efficiency with higher charging speed, the other option is to purchase Level 2 charger separately and install it with professional.

4. How do I set up a Level 2 charging station at home?

There are two ways to set up your EV charging station by connecting to your existing meter or installing a separate meter depending on your power capacity and your preference of usage. Installing a second meter requires an approval from your utility and it will be managed with a separate account and you will get a separate bill. 

5. Do I need home electrical panel upgrades?

It depends on the power capacity and usage in your home. ENE recommends to use our Service Load Calculation tool to figure out how much power in your home is being used and is available for your EV charging station to use.

6. Circuit size and Charging rate

If you try to charge a car at a rate equal to or greater than the capacity of your wiring, you will flip the circuit breaker. Unless the circuit is rated for continuous use, you should limit the charging rate to 80% of the circuit's capacity. Most charging stations can be set to limit charging speed to less than their maximum capacity. If you have a two-car household, you may also want the ability to charge two cars at the same time. Higher capacity wiring will cost you more today, but upgrading your wiring at a later date would involve doing all the electrical work over again with more cost. 

7. Do I need permit and inspection?

Yes, for a Level 2 EV charging station an electrical permit is required, and a mechanical permit is required if the manufacturer specifies use of mechanical ventilation. Plans are not required to secure the permits. At the time of inspection, you need to provide the following information to the City inspector. 

• UL listing number

• Panel rating, circuit size and charging load

• Indicate if a second electric meter will be installed

• Location of utility panel and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

8. When is the best time to charge my EV?

According to Pacific Gas & Electric company, costs are lowest from 12 a.m. to 2 p.m., every day, including weekends and holidays when demand is lowest, making this the best time to charge your vehicle. Electricity is more expensive during Peak (4-9 p.m.) and Partial-Peak (3 p.m.-4 p.m. and 9 p.m.-12 a.m.) periods. 

9. Are there any incentives or rate structures that can save me money?

• Apply for the Clean Fuel Rebate

As an EV owner, you’re contributing to a cleaner energy future by fueling your vehicle with electricity. Pacific Gas & Electric company customers with EV are eligible to receive an $800 Clean Fuel Rebate for their use of electric as. Clean transportation fuel. Visit PG&E website to apply. 

• Enroll in an EV rate plan

PG&E offers two electric vehicle rate plans for residential customers. EV2-A combines your vehicle’s electricity costs with those of your residence. EV-B involves the installation of another meter, which separates your vehicle’s electricity costs from those of your home. Visit PG&E website to check.

10. What types of warranty is offered?

The warranty on EV charging equipment is generally between 1 and 3 years depending on the brand. ENE offers a warranty on the installation for 1 year. 

11. Other recommendations

• Consider switching to EV Plan with your utility company

• Pairing your EV with rooftop solar is a great combined energy solution. If you’re considering upgrading to an electric car in the future, there are many solar installers that offer Solar-EV packages

• Pairing with Smart Panel Sense that allows you to monitor and choose an optimal time to charge your EV for energy efficiency and savings on your electric bills