Electric Car Chargers
Electric cars are becoming more common, and whether you’ve already gotten one or are thinking about following that trend, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (ESVE) is a wise investment. The equipment in question is better known as an electric car charging station, and it comes in both mobile and permanent formats. Though electric cars generally come with their own chargers, adding a permanent device to your home can save you time and money, not to mention you won’t have to worry about forgetting the charger at home.
Styles of Stations
EVSE stations are rated as either Level 1 or Level 2 depending on how much power they provide. A Level 1 station can recharge an electric vehicle with enough energy to travel about three to five miles per hour spent charging, while a Level 2 station can range from twelve to sixty miles worth of energy in the same period depending on factors such as the charger’s wattage and the car’s onboard storage capacity. For a permanent installation, a Level 2 station that’s compatible with your current vehicle and any future ones is the best option, as it will save you money that would otherwise be spent on having it replaced when you change vehicles.
Tesla Vehicles
If you happen to own a Tesla, Nipper Electric is a certified installer for Tesla charging stations. A typical Tesla charging station is either a 240V 30 Amp, 240V 60 Amp, or 240V 100 Amp system, and in any case, needs a lot of power to run. Consequently, we’ll need to make sure your electrical panel is up to the task, upgrade it if necessary, and install a dedicated circuit for the charger. In any case, you should always have a licensed and insured electrician do this kind of work; you don’t want to damage your car with a shoddy installation!
Benefits of ESVE Installations
Savings – Electric cars are, on average, cheaper to drive than gasoline ones, costing as little as half to travel the same distance. But, having a permanent ESVE can save you even more, since the station uses 40% less energy while on standby. Given that such a station will be on standby for roughly 85% of its operative lifespan and is ENERGY STAR certified, you can put a big dent in your gasoline and energy costs this way.
Smart Technology – It’s possible to remotely control and monitor some ESVE installations, checking not only the current battery level of the car but also past charging history and other useful data. With the right kind of charging station, you can keep an eye on your charger while you’re own the go while also getting in on savings programs with your local electric utility company. If you’re interested in smart technology, be sure to pay close attention to how it fits into any charger you’re thinking of purchasing.
Convenience – After monetary savings, convenience is probably the biggest factor in selecting which station to install and where to put it. While you might be expecting a huge hassle in that area, many Level 1 and 2 stations can actually be safely installed outdoors if need be. Modern apartment complexes tend to have them installed in their parking lots, and if you’d prefer, inside a garage is still a valid option. Whatever the circumstances, it’s likely that the charging station can be put somewhere that suits your needs.
When you want to be able sleep soundly at night knowing that your car is hooked up to a charging station that was installed with all the professionalism and care that you’d treat the vehicle with, give us a call. We’ll make sure your installation is done right.
