FAQ

EV Charging Station Questions

Thinking about an electric vehicle (EV) charger for your Longmont, CO, home? You’ve come to the right place. Our EV charging station FAQs answer all your questions, from how EV chargers work to the charging time and installation costs.

Q: How Do Home EV Charging Stations Work?

Home EV charging stations work by connecting your electric vehicle to a power source. There are two main types of charging speeds:

• Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V household outlet. It's the slowest option, often taking 40-50 hours to fully charge an all-electric vehicle from empty, or 5-6 hours for a plug-in hybrid.
• Level 2 charging uses a dedicated 240V outlet, similar to a clothes dryer. This method is much faster, fully charging an all-electric vehicle in about 4-10 hours and a plug-in hybrid in just 1-2 hours.

For Level 2 charging, you might need a professional electrician from Carbon Valley Heating & Air to install a new 240V outlet in your garage.

Q: What’s the Difference Between Level 1 and Level 2 Charging?

The main difference lies in the charging speed and the type of outlet used. Level 1 charging is the slowest and uses a standard 120V household outlet. It's best for plug-in hybrids or for topping off an EV overnight if you don't drive much.

Level 2 charging is significantly faster, using a 240V outlet. This makes it the ideal choice for most EV owners in Longmont, CO, who want the convenience of a full overnight charge.

Q: How Long Will It Take to Charge My Electric Vehicle?

The time it takes to charge your electric vehicle depends on the type of charger you use and the size of your car's battery.

• Level 1 charging is the slowest, typically adding 2-5 miles of range per hour. This method can take 40-50 hours to fully charge a depleted all-electric vehicle, making it best for topping off your battery overnight.
• Level 2 charging is the most common and practical option for home use. It can add 10-25 miles of range per hour, allowing most electric vehicles to get a full charge overnight (in about 8-10 hours) or a significant charge in just a few hours.

The exact time can be influenced by factors such as your car's battery size, its current state of charge, and even the weather in the greater Weld County area.

Q: Do I Need to Upgrade My Electrical Panel to Install a Level 2 EV Charger?

It's a possibility. Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240V circuit, and your current electrical panel must have enough available capacity to handle the extra load. An electrician from Carbon Valley Heating & Air can inspect your system to determine if an upgrade or modification is necessary for a safe and efficient installation.

Q: How Much Does a Home EV Charger Cost?

The total cost of an EV charging station installation depends on several factors:

• Charger Level: Level 2 chargers are more expensive than Level 1 options, with costs increasing for models that have smart features like Wi-Fi.
• Installation Complexity: The distance between your electrical panel and the charging location, as well as the need for any electrical panel upgrades, will impact the price.
• Outdoor Chargers: Installing a charger outdoors requires a weather-resistant unit and potentially extra security measures, which adds to the overall cost.
• Permitting Fees: The cost of permits will vary depending on your local municipality's requirements.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Install an EV Charging Station?

Installation time varies based on the complexity of the job. A simple installation might only take a few hours if a 240V outlet is already in a convenient location. However, if your Longmont, CO, electrician needs to run new wiring from your electrical panel or a panel upgrade is required, the project could take longer.

Q: Can an EV Charger Increase My Home's Value?

Yes, it can. According to Zillow, homes in Longmont, CO, with electric vehicle chargers can sell up to 10 days faster than homes without them. As more buyers prioritize eco-friendly features like solar panels, smart thermostats, and home EV chargers, having an EV charging station can make your property more appealing and potentially increase its resale value.

Carbon Valley Heating & Air for EV Charger Installation 

Thinking about adding an EV charger to your home? We can help you navigate the process. Call Carbon Valley Heating & Air today at (720) 507-9924 or request service online for more information or to request a quote to install a level 1 or level 2 EV charger at your Longmont, CO, home.