Frequently Asked Questions – Home EV Charger Installation
General
At Peak EV Solutions, we provide start-to-finish home EV charger installation services including selecting a charger, maximizing savings through rebates and incentives, and connecting you with our network of Peak Certified Installers. We are EV experts that will ensure your charger is installed by a professional electrician at a competitive price. Plus, you won’t find a better customer service experience.
At Peak EVS, we provide EV charger installation services in the greater Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs areas including but not limited to Adams City, Arvada, Aurora, Avondale, Beulah Valley, Boulder, Bow Mar, Broomfield, Calhan, Castle Rock, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado City, Colorado Springs, Columbine, Commerce City, Denver, Dupont, Eastlake, Edgewater, Englewood, Federal Heights, Fountain, Foxfield, Franktown, Glendale, Golden, Grant Ranch, Green Mountain Falls, Greenwood Village, Henderson, Highlands Ranch, Ken Caryl, Lafayette, Lakeside, Lakewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, Louisville, Louviers, Lowry, Manitou Springs, Monclair, Montbello, Monument, Morrison, Mountain View, Northglenn, Palmer Lake, Parker, Penrose, Pueblo, Pueblo West, Ramah, Roxborough, Salt Creek, Security-Widefield, Sheridan, St. Charles, Superior, Thornton, Vineland, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge. Keep an eye out as we look to expand our offerings to other cities and states!
At Peak EVS, we provide EV charger installation services in the greater Austin, Texas area including but not limited to Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville. Keep an eye out as we look to expand our offerings to other cities and states!
You name it, our network of Peak Certified Installers can do it. EV charger installation is largely independent so we can help you no matter what vehicle you drive. We have served customers that drive vehicles such as Audi e-tron, BMW i3, BMW iX3, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Volt (Plug-in hybrid), Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jaguar I-PACE, Kia Niro EV, Lucid Air, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Mini Cooper SE, Nissan LEAF, Polestar 2, Porsche Taycan, Rivian R1T, Rivian R1S, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y, and Volkswagen ID.4.
Our network of Peak Certified Installers have installed all types of electric vehicle (EV) chargers including AeroVironment TurboCord, AmazingE EVSE, ChargePoint Home Flex, ClipperCreek HCS-40, Enel X JuiceBox Pro 40, EVoCharge EVSE, JuiceNet, Emporia, Leviton Evr-Green e30, Rivian Wall Charger, Schneider Electric EVLink, Siemens VersiCharge, and Tesla Wall Connector.
There are many rebates and incentives available through Federal, State, Local, and Utility programs. To check your eligibility, use our EV charger rebates and incentives search tool. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that some programs require chargers to be UL and/or Energy Star certified.
Installation time depends on several factors, but our network of Peak Certified Installers will communicate and work with your needs. Depending on the complexity of the installation, the amount of time required to install the charger once our installers are onsite can vary from a few hours to a full day. Typically, jobs take less than 5 hours.
Cost
The cost of installing a level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charger at home can vary significantly, depending on factors such as the make and model of the charger, the type of installation required (hardwired vs. NEMA 14-50), and any additional components or accessories needed. Generally, EV charger installation costs can range from $500 to $2,000, with the biggest expense being an upgrade to your existing electrical panel, if necessary.
It depends on your location but many times you can combine multiple rebates and incentives for EV charger installation, if eligible, but be sure to review the terms and conditions of each program. For more information, check out our Rebates page.
Charging your electric vehicle (EV) at home typically costs between $0.20 and $0.25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), but this can vary depending on your electricity provider and plan. Meanwhile, public charging rates for EVs vary based on the type of charger, location, and electricity rate, with costs generally ranging between $0.50 and $1.00 per kWh.
Find valuable information on our Rebates page about level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Rebates and incentives for EV chargers are constantly changing, so if you’re uncertain, don’t hesitate to contact Peak EV Solutions. We’ll help ensure that you take advantage of all available savings.
Chargers
While it is not necessary to have a Level 2 charger installed at your home if you drive a PHEV, it can be beneficial, as Level 2 charging will provide faster charging times. If you would like help deciding what is best for your situation, contact us at Peak EV Solutions today.
At Peak EV Solutions, we recommend obtaining and installing the charger or a plug prior to taking delivery of your vehicle to make sure that you can begin charging faster from day 1. It’s not necessary, but having a charger installed before you bring your EV home can make the transition smoother. Some EVs come with level 2 chargers so it’s best to check with the automotive manufacturer prior to your decision.
Yes, we recommend that you buy a UL and/or Energy Star certified charger. UL is an independent testing lab that certifies the safety of products and systems. Most local building codes and electrical codes require that all electric vehicle chargers be UL certified before they can be used. Energy Star certified EV chargers provide the same functionality as non-certified products but use 40% less energy in standby mode, reducing their impact on the environment.
What is the difference between Tesla home charger, ChargePoint, Enel X Juicebox, and other chargers?
Currently, Tesla home chargers are specific to Tesla vehicles and can only be used to charge Tesla vehicles unless you have an adaptor. ChargePoint residential chargers and Enel X Juicebox chargers are designed for home use and are compatible with a variety of electric vehicles. However, many automotive manufacturers have pledged to switch over to Tesla’s charger standard called NACS. While that might not affect you right now, it could in the future. If you are unsure, reach out to us at Peak EV Solutions and we’ll be happy to help.
No, not all charging plugs are the same. There are different standards, such as SAE J1772 (common for Level 2 chargers), CCS (for DC fast charging), CHAdeMO, and Tesla’s proprietary connector (NACS). Many automotive OEMs have decided to adopt Tesla’s NACS charging standard in the coming years.
Level 1, Level 2, and DCFC chargers are different types of electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt household outlet and can deliver up to 2-3 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt circuit and can deliver up to 20-25 miles of range per hour of charging. DCFC (Direct Current Fast Charger) chargers are much more powerful and use a special high-voltage DC connection to provide a much faster charging rate. DCFC chargers can deliver up to 80% of a battery’s charge in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the EVs battery capacity and the charger’s power output. The main difference between the three types of chargers is their charging speed, cost, and the voltage used to deliver the charge. Our Resources page has some great information if you are looking to learn more.
We always suggest that you check with the manufacturer of your specific model of electric vehicle to determine the best type of charger to use with it and then make your buying decision based on those recommendations. Many of the new vehicles being sold will come with a charger, mitigating the need to purchase one and taking the guesswork out of which model is compatible with your vehicle. It’s also important to consider if there are charger requirements for your rebates and incentives. Some programs require chargers to be UL and/or Energy Star certified. If you are unsure about what charger to use, contact Peak EV Solutions today and we will help you choose.
In the context of electric vehicles (EVs), a kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of measurement used to describe the amount of energy stored in the vehicle’s battery. It represents the amount of energy needed to power the vehicle for a certain distance or period of time.
For example, if an EV has a battery capacity of 60 kWh and an average range of 200 miles, it means that the vehicle can travel approximately 3.3 miles per kWh (200 miles / 60 kWh = 3.3 miles/kWh). This measurement is often used by electric vehicle manufacturers to advertise the vehicle’s range and efficiency.
When charging an EV, the charging speed is often measured in kilowatts (kW), which represents the amount of power delivered to the vehicle’s battery per hour. For instance, a 50 kW charger can deliver 50 kWh of energy to the battery in one hour, which can provide a significant boost to the vehicle’s driving range.
When choosing an EV charger, you should consider the type of vehicle you have, the type of charging station you need, the amount of power you need, and any additional features or accessories you may require. The most popular types of EV chargers are Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging. Level 1 charging is the slowest and least expensive option and can provide up to 12 miles of range per hour of charging by plugging into existing home outlets. Level 2 chargers are more expensive, but they can provide up to 25 miles of range per hour of charging. DC Fast Charging is the fastest and most expensive option, and it can provide up to 100 miles of range per hour of charging. DCFC chargers are typically reserved for public chargers because of their cost to install.
We recommend installing a level 2 charger. More information and the most common Level 2 chargers can be found on our charger page. Additionally, you should check to see if there are any government or utility subsidies available that can help reduce the cost of your charger.
Charging
The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle at home can vary depending on the type of charger, the size of the battery pack, and the amount of charge needed. Generally, a Level 2 charger will take between 5-8 hours to fully charge a battery from empty to full.
It is certainly possible that you can rent out your charger during non-use hours, there are several companies that provide peer-to-peer software. However, you should be sure to check with your local laws and regulations to make sure that this is allowed in your area. Additionally, you should make sure that you have the proper insurance coverage in case of any damage or injuries that may occur while your charger is being rented.
Charging an electric vehicle (EV) battery to 100% does not necessarily damage it, but it may have some negative effects on the battery’s long-term health. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in EVs, prefer to be kept at a state of charge between 20-80%. When a battery is charged to 100%, it is subjected to higher voltage and temperatures, which can accelerate the degradation of the battery’s capacity over time. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid charging an EV to 100% on a regular basis, especially if it is not necessary for your driving needs. However, it is generally safe to charge an EV to 100% when necessary, such as for a long road trip or when you know you will need the full range of your vehicle.
The best electric vehicle charging stations depend on your needs. You can find charging stations by using mobile apps such as Tesla, PlugShare, ChargeHub, or PlugInsights. Many newer makes and models of EVs also have charger locations built into the navigation software. To make sure you have the best charging experience, it’s important to research the charging station before you use it. We recommend that you check user reviews and make sure the charging station is compatible with your vehicle.
It is certainly possible that having an EV charger installed at your home can raise its value. Studies have found that the value of homes with EV chargers can be up to 10% higher than homes without them. Additionally, potential buyers may be more likely to pay a higher price for a home with an EV charger already installed, since it can save them the cost of installing one themselves. As electric vehicles increase in popularity, our guess is that this will become a selling point for home buyers.
Installation
Our Peak Certified Installers will review the charger load along with the existing panel and capacity when providing our recommendations and estimates. Contact us today to learn more.
Most chargers are designed to withstand outdoor conditions but we recommend that you review the manufacturer’s charger specifications. We also provide a brief overview of Indoor/Outdoor Certification on our website.
The cost of a panel upgrade depends on the type of panel you need, the size of the panel, and the complexity of the upgrade. Generally, a simple panel upgrade can average $3,500, while a more complicated upgrade can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. However, there may be rebates and incentives available to help offset these costs. Check out our rebates and incentives page to learn more.
It depends on the size of the EV charger and the capacity of the existing electrical panel. Our Peak Certified Installers will review the charger load along with the existing panel and capacity when providing recommendations and estimates. Depending on the city and county that you reside in, there may be rebates available to cover a portion of the costs. Our team of experts will ensure that you receive all available rebates and incentives.
There are typically two options for adding a Level 2 charger to your home, hardwired and a NEMA 14-50 plug. Our Chargers page covers the topic but if you are unsure you can always reach out to us directly with questions.
It is never recommended that anyone other than a professional electrician install an EV charger. Hiring a professional through Peak EV Solutions to install your electric vehicle charger is a smart decision for several reasons. Our network of Peak Certified Installers have the knowledge and experience to ensure the job is done correctly, safely, and efficiently. We will also provide you with advice on the best type of charger to suit your needs and handle any unexpected issues that may arise during the installation. We will also ensure that you receive all available rebates and incentives. Professional installation also eliminates any potential safety risks, such as improper wiring or inadequate grounding.
Yes, it is possible to have multiple electric vehicle charging stations at your home. Depending on the amount of space you have available and the type of vehicles you have, you may need to install several different types of chargers to meet the needs of all your vehicles. Our Peak Certified Installers will review the charger(s) load along with the existing panel and capacity when providing recommendations and estimates.
Yes, if required to do so, our Peak Certified Installers will visit your home. However, many times our installers can accomplish everything that they require for estimating purposes by having a few quick conversations over the phone, sharing photographs, and a few simple measurements. Utilizing technology and gathering basic info from the homeowner will allow our installers to quickly turn around a quote and get your charger installed as soon as possible. This allows our network to provide you with free quotes and install your EV charger at competitive prices.
The type of electrical outlet you need for a home EV charger depends on the type of charger you are using. Level 1 chargers usually use a standard 120V outlet, while Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240V outlet such as a NEMA 14 50 which is the same as or similar to what you would plug your dryer into. Peak EV Solutions’ network of Certified Installers specialize in installing residential Level 2 chargers.
It is possible to install an EV charger in a condominium or apartment, depending on the rules and regulations of the building. You will most likely need to get permission from your landlord or building owner before proceeding. There may be grants and incentives available in your area to offset the costs so be sure to check out our Rebates page or reach out directly to us.
As a general rule of thumb, your local municipality will require an electrical permit and an inspection after the completion of your home EV charging station installation. Our Peak Certified Installers are required to always apply for and receive permits prior to commencing installation so you don’t have to.
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