Preparing Your Home for an EV
What You’ve Heard Before
Switching from gas to electric cars definitely offers advantages. Not only do EVs make driving more sustainable, but they also save you time and money at the gas pump. Most electric vehicles are also eligible for $7,500 federal tax credit. They’re also more pleasant to drive—driving more quietly and delivering torque immediately. Maintenance is also easier, less frequent, and cheaper. When considering switching to an EV, it’s important to consider how to prepare for charging an EV at home. Visit Smith Chevy Hammond to learn more about how to make the transition to an EV today!
What You Haven’t Heard
Becoming an electric vehicle owner requires keeping a few things in mind. There are a few things you’ll want to do to make the transition easier. The main thing you’ll have to do is get a home charger so you can charge your vehicle at home. If you don’t park in a garage or driveway, charging at home will not be easy. If you do park in a garage or driveway, you’ll want to install an SAE J1772, also known as a Level 2 Charger, because your charging capacity will be around 12–60 miles of range per hour. That’s enough to add 200-plus miles of range overnight. Without it, you’ll only be able to add roughly four miles of range for every hour on the socket.
Installing an EV Charger
You’ll probably want to find a certified electrician to install your EV charger. If the charger shares a circuit with other appliances, charging will be slowed down, making it difficult to properly charge your electric vehicle. You may also want to consider the placement of the charger in relation to how your vehicle will be parked. You’ll want the charger close enough to reach your vehicle while still giving it its own circuit if possible.
Insulating Your Garage
It may also be a good idea to consider insulating your garage for climate control. Electric vehicle batteries do not handle fluctuating weather conditions very well. Although storing your EV in a garage will help with that, garage insulation may be needed if you live in a climate that fluctuates between extreme temperature or conditions.
Choosing a Charging Station
While you’ll probably mostly recharge your EV at home, you might need to charge up at a station out on the road. All electric vehicles sold in the United States can use the SAE J1772 Level 2 charger, but Level 3 charging — also called DC fast charging—is also available. Downloading the networking charging apps, like PlugShare, now will save you the hassle later.
Visit Smith Hammond!
Looking for a Chevy dealer near me? Visit Smith Chevrolet today for all your needs, whether you’re looking for a new or used car, need to schedule service with our Smith Chevy Parts department, or want to trade-in your vehicle today! At Smith Motors, our unmatched service and diverse Chevrolet inventory have set us apart as the preferred dealer of Hammond residents. Stop in today to discover why we’re the most trusted Chevy dealer in Northwest Indiana! Visit us to learn more about how the transition to an electric vehicle today!
