Should You Upgrade Your Car Garage with an EV Charger?

With the ever-changing gasoline prices and the increasing need to preserve the environment, electric vehicles are gradually becoming prominent on our roads. Today, most of them can cover longer distances than yesteryear’s versions (the current driving range is between 120 and 220 kilometres). Many people are starting to embrace electric vehicles as the future of road transport. That said, it is essential to understand how you’ll accommodate and charge your new electric vehicle. Below we’ll take a look at whether you should upgrade your garage with an EV charger or not. 

According to recent data, by Statistics Canada, sales of electric vehicles saw significant gains in the third quarter of 2020. With 18,771 new vehicles registered across Canada in the period between July and September. That number more than doubles the 9,069 vehicles sold in the previous quarter. This rapid increase in the purchase of electric vehicles underscores the growing preference. 

Why You Should Upgrade Your Garage with an EV Charger

Instead of using gas, electric cars need to be charged to run. Previously, most electric car owners would charge their vehicles at electric vehicle charging stations. However, more people are beginning to upgrade their garages with EV chargers. Here are some reasons for this: 

1. It is convenient.

One of the major benefits of installing an EV charger in your garage is because it makes charging your vehicle more convenient. On average, it will take you four to six hours to fully charge your vehicle with a Level 2 charger. Suppose you have to visit your parents who live 50 miles away the next morning, and you get back home in the evening with your EV low on battery. You can simply drive it into your garage, plug in your EV charger and let it charge overnight. 

Now let’s say you don’t have an EV charger in your garage. Apart from having to drive to a public charging station, you’ll have to wait for around six hours for your car to charge. Plus, chances are that you may find a queue in a public charging station. Clearly, you are better off having a charger in your garage. 

Charging your vehicle will be as easy as driving to your garage, plugging it in, and then going about other businesses as you wait for it to fully charge. You cannot match the convenience you get from having an EV charger in your garage to charging your car at a public charging station. 

2. It is cost-efficient. 

Besides an EV charger saving you from the hassle of buying battery power from a third party every time you need it, it also ensures that you pay a flat rate for unlimited energy. Of course, there will be a slight spike in your electricity bill. However, you’ll still save money given that you won’t have to frequent a public charging station to replenish your battery. 

Installing an EV charger in your garage is not only easy but cost-friendly. The charger cost will range anywhere between $300 and $2000 CAD. Depending on the type of charger you use (Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3). That said, you should note that the cost of installing an EV charger in your garage is separate from that of buying a charger. 

The amount of money you’ll spend on installing an EV charger varies depending on the charger you want to be installed. Level 1 charger installation tends to be less costly than Level 2 and Level 3 charger installations. The installation cost may seem to be high initially. However, having an EV charger in your garage will cut down the costs you incur by using public charging stations in the long run.  

3. It is safe.

There are numerous reasons why an EV charger in your garage is safer than going to a public charging station. For starters, charging your electric vehicle in your garage is less risky. When charging your EV in a public station, you will be assuming the same risks as parking your car on the street. Your car risks being vandalized or damaged by natural elements like hail storms and floods. Charging your car in your garage saves you from such risks. 

Also, you won’t have to worry about having to wait for hours on end in a public station for your electric car to get charged. It’s no secret that you will accrue many benefits by installing an EV charger in your garage.

Nonetheless, there are some potential demerits that you may experience while you are at it. First, the initial cost of installing the EV charger may be exorbitant. Costs will vary depending on the station you purchase, whether the charger is hardwired or portable and where you live. The average cost ranges between $1000 to $2500 CAD. 

Secondly, it may not be safe given that standard electrical wall sockets are not designed to charge for long periods at the capacity needed for an electric car. As such, it may lead to you experiencing electrical problems with your home electrical system. Moreover, having an EV charger may considerably increase your electricity bill. 

Choose Carlyle Construction to Install Your EV Charger

Installing an EV charger in your garage has many benefits, including cost-effectiveness and convenience. That said, you need to have your EV charger installed by a professional. Carlyle Construction is your number one choice for such a task. We are certified electricians with loads of experience in EV charger installation. 

We will guide you on matters such as the most suitable charger for your vehicle and the sufficient service space for your electrical panel. Moreover, we will help you obtain the necessary electrical permit. 

Here is a breakdown of our services and prices:  

• A Level 1 charger will cost you between $300 to $800 CAD. The labour for installing it will cost you another $800 to $1500 CAD. 
• Level 2 charger costs approximately $500 to $1000 CAD. The labour for installing it will cost you another CAD 2000. 

Contact us today for more information on our services.