EV Charger Cost
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Home EV Charging Station Cost [5 Examples of Electric Car Chagers]

In recent years, electric vehicles have become more popular as a part of the growing trend toward having eco-conscious modes of transportation. More and more companies plan to phase out gas cars and transition to EV cars.

Purchasing an EV charging station will cost about $400 – $1200. The cost to install it is $0 if a 120V outlet is used, $50 if you want to do it yourself, and about $1200 for an electrician. Altogether the average cost to buy an EV charger and use an electrician would be about $2000. 

Many electrical vehicle owners may want to upgrade to a faster charging system. The chargers in this article are level two chargers (up to ~70-mile range an hour), meaning they can charge many times faster than a level one charger (up to ~30-mile range an hour). We’ll look at 5 level 2 chargers.   


Before Choosing An EV Charging Station

For those who have doubts on which one will make the best choice, below are some considerations that might make it easier for you to arrive at the right decision:

  • Ease of Use: One of the most important is for the product to be user-friendly, not only when it comes to the operation but also its installation. The manufacturer must provide comprehensive instructions on how to use the product. It must be devoid of complications.
  • Reviews: For those who are still undecided on which to pick, it is also best to consult on the feedback of other users. Through their first-hand experiences, you will be able to easily weigh the pros and cons of the possibilities.
  • Charging Time: You can opt for a slow, fast, or rapid charger. More of this will be tackled in the latter part of this article. Obviously, the faster ones will be the better choice, but the problem is that they can also be costly.
  • Technical Specifications: To be a responsible buyer, you need to look at the technical details and know what they mean. For instance, consider the amperage, voltage, and wattage. You need to learn how they will have an impact on the performance of the electric vehicle charging station.
  • Safety: There are products with inferior quality, and hence, they can pose threats. With this, buy only a charging station that has undergone and passed stringent tests, which should be proof that it goes in accordance with global standards.
  • Warranty: A product with a longer warranty option will definitely be a tempting choice since you can have peace of mind. This is because if there are defects that are apparent, the manufacturer can handle the repair and replacement of the parts without any added cost on your end.

5 Examples of Home Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Below, we will let you know five of the popular products that are worth considering. We will list down a few of their notable features, as well as some of their pros and cons, which will be useful in trying to narrow down the possibilities.


1. JuiceBox 40A EV Level 2 Charging Station

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Power and reliability. These are two things that you can expect from this product. It will provide your house with a dependable charging station.

It is also considered a compact option, although not the smallest on the market today, making it the perfect choice for those who have limited space at home. It can be mounted on the wall; alternatively, you can also easily take it out and use it even when traveling.

Major Features:

  • Weatherproof construction
  • Wattage – 7.7 kilowatts
  • Voltage – 240 volts
  • Amperage – 40 amps
  • 25-foot cord
  • Uses a phone app and the web to control charging

Pros:

  • Indoor or outdoor installation
  • The unit appears durable, making it last for years
  • Can use 120 volt (w/ adapter not included) or a 220-volt outlet.  
  • Get access to your real-time and historical charging data
  • You can easily remove the unit from its mounting plate and take it wherever you want
  • Plug into any NEMA 14-50 outlet

2. ChargePoint 50 Amp Level 2 Charging Station

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With this product, you will be able to charge your electric vehicle at an average rate of 25 miles of range per hour, a feat that may be quite hard to surpass for many of its competitors. The package comes with a standard connector that will fit in most vehicles. In terms of safety, there is no need to worry as it has passed several global tests to prove that this is indeed going to be a dependable choice. Lastly, it is also worth noting that it comes with a warranty that lasts for three years.

Major Features:

  • Comes with a status indicator light for ease of monitoring its functions
  • Wi-Fi enabled for ease of control through a mobile app or remote
  • Level 2 charger
  • Amperage – 50 Amps, 240 volt
  • 23-foot cord

Pros:

  • Charges battery within a short span of time
  • Can be started and controlled remotely through the accompanying app
  • Offers options that can be customized based on user preferences
  • Has an attractive design
  • A tough body that will withstand the test of time

3. MUSTART TRAVELMASTER Level 2 Portable EV Charger

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Efficiency and simplicity – are two of the things that you can expect from this model. It comes with user-friendly features. The simple design makes sure that it is space-efficient. Lastly, it auto-adjusts to charge your EV at the maximum safe current.

Major Features:

  • 25 ft cable
  • Amperage – 15/25/32 amps
  • Level 2 charger
  • Indicator screen for simple operation

Pros:

  • Works perfectly and smoothly for a wide array of electric vehicles (SAE J1772)
  • Installation can be accomplished within a short time
  • Indoor installation, but has a connector rating of IP67 for temporary rainy conditions
  • Has adapters for both 120V outlet and 240V outlet
  • Automatically adjusts to provide as much power as your EV can accept

4. LEFANEV EV Charger Level 2 Station

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The simplicity of this product is one of the first things that will captivate your attention. From the installation to the operation of this electric vehicle charging station, it is sure to be user-friendly. You will also love the intelligent charging.

Major Features:

  • Charges with 7.7 kilowatts
  • Comes with a 20-foot flexible cord
  • The manufacturer is offering a 30-day unconditional replacement warranty
  • Uses SAE J1772 plug type at 32 amps

Pros:

  •  IP66 Waterproof Mode 3 Wall Box 
  •  Monitors Voltage, Current, Charging Time, and Power Consumed.
  • The cord will last for a long time
  • NEMA 14-50 plug 

5. PRIMECOM Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger

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The installation of this unit is sure to be a piece of cake, especially because all you need to do is connect it to your 240V outlet. It comes with a pretty long cable – 25ft. Compact design. Multiple light indicators let you know how your unit works for peace of mind. You can power share with multiple units. 

Major Features:

  • Amperage – Adjustable from 16 – 40 amps
  • Wirelessly control your charging – App
  • Input – 240 volts
  • 25-foot flexible cord
  • 3-year warranty

Pros:

  • Easy to install and use
  • Charges your battery fairly quickly – Level 2 
  • Has simple operation
  • Solid construction and safety features

Different Types of EV Charging Stations

As you try to slim down the available options, think about how they differ. Among others, one of the first considerations would be the speed at which they will charge your electric vehicles. In this case, the following are the options that you have:

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1. Level One Charger

  • This one is the slowest of the three types based on the charging speed.
  • Will use 120 volts of power to charge your electric vehicle
  • For an empty battery, it will take about eight hours before it can be fully-charged
  • Installation cost is low
  • An affordable option for many who are still new in electric vehicles
  • Can be connected to any wall socket
  • Can charge a battery that is good for two to five miles per hour

2. Level Two Charger – Ones shown in this article

  • Electric vehicles that are charged using this type of charger will have an additional runtime of ten to twenty miles per hour.
  • For short charges, it can deliver higher energy efficiency compared to Level One Charger
  • The installation cost is higher
  • Will need 240 volts of power
  • The wiring requirements are similar to those used for stoves or dryers

3. DC Fast Charger

  • This is the fastest of the three types but also the most expensive when it comes to product price, installation costs, and operation.
  • Drastic reduction in charging time, allowing users to charge their battery to up to 80% in under half an hour
  • If you live in a place with extremely cold weather, it may not be as reliable in terms of its battery charging performance.
  • Make use of direct current instead of the usual alternating current
  • More often than not, this is a practical choice only for public facilities because of its excessive costs

Install An EV Charger Yourself 

Getting a professional electrician to install anything that requires you to go into your electrical box is usually advised. Some electrical panels can handle 240V, and some can’t. You’ll need to know exactly how everything works with your EV charger and your panel.

You should have some experience working with electric panels, so you don’t make mistakes. That being said, this video shows how you can install your own EV charger.

If you planning to do it yourself, you can buy all of the items in this video for about $50 if you have the tools and are able to mount it similar to the video. 

 Here are the items that he used. You can also use the links under his video on YouTube. 

If you want an electrician to install it, you will need to pay about $1200, but rates can vary widely from electrician to electrician and from job to job. It all depends on how difficult the job is and how many parts are needed. 

It’s a good idea to go to places like Google or Yelp to get an idea if your electrician is a good one. If you see an AD in your search engine, be careful to look up more about the company because it might not be the best source for reviews.


Quick Tips for Using an EV Charging Station

Keep in mind the things that will be mentioned below, which we believe will be essential in making the most out of your electric vehicle’s battery and the charging station as well:

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  • You need to know when enough is enough, especially if you are in a public charging station and the line is already getting too long. In most instances, most owners of electric vehicles consider 80% to be enough if they are charging in public.
  • To conserve battery and minimize the need to frequently charge the battery, it will be best to reduce your speed when driving. The faster your speed is, the more it will be able to drain your vehicle’s battery. Also, keep in mind that as of these days, electric vehicles are not meant to be driven like sportscars.
  • Download compatible mobile apps. Not all electric vehicle charging stations can be connected to an app. In the same way, not all apps will have universal compatibility. The good thing about apps is that you can monitor everything easily.
  • Pay attention to safety. If you are installing your own charging station at home, it will be good to read the instructions from the manufacturer, especially the part that outlines how to install the product the right way. The right location will also help to minimize possible hazards.
  • Do not be afraid to ask for help, especially regarding installation. Some manufacturers will offer expert installation services as a part of the bundled price of the product. This is a good choice if you are not into electric cars and if you are admittedly someone who is not into technical complications.

Conclusion

If you have finally decided to join the electric vehicle trend, you need to invest in the right charging station. A vehicle charging station is an investment that you are sure to love. Make sure to pick one that has been well-received by its users. Pay attention to technical specifications as well to determine how powerful and reliable one product can be.

Are you looking for other products that will also be useful for the garage? Click here and read some of our buying guides that will help you determine some tools you might need for an electric vehicle.