How to Prep Your Home for an EV

When bringing home a new vehicle, most Sussex drivers probably rarely think about how to ready their home and garage for it. But, if you’re thinking about switching to a new electric vehicle there’s a little more to think about. Primarily, you need to consider whether your current garage or driveway setup is conducive to charging an EV. More than likely, you don’t want to stop at a public electric vehicle charging station every time you need to charge.

That means you need to prepare your home for an electric vehicle and the accompanying charger before you take the leap into your first EV. No need to worry, as Mercedes-Benz of Newton is here to provide some helpful tips! Read on for more information, then browse our new Mercedes-EQ inventory to find a luxury EV that appeals to you.

1. Choose a Charging Level 

When charging an electric vehicle at home in the Hackettstown area, there are two options: Level 1 and Level 2. When time and convenience are a concern for your electric vehicle, charging batteries via Level 2 is the fastest choice. 

• Level 1 EV charging is done using the portable charging cord included in the vehicle when it was purchased or leased. This level of charging takes days to reach a full charge because it only uses a standard household-style outlet. 
• Level 2 EV charging can provide a full charge in just a few hours. In some EVs, you can gain 60–200 miles of range in just 20–30 minutes of charging. You will need to install a personal electric vehicle charging station in order to take advantage of Level 2 DC charging at home. Read on to learn how you can prepare your home for an electric vehicle and a Level 2 charger! 

2. Tidy Your Garage

If you have a lot of boxes and day-to-day clutter hanging around your garage, now’s the time to clean it out! You need to have enough space to park your new EV and ensure the charging cord will reach your wall outlet for Level 1 charging. If you’re going to install an at-home Level 2 DC charging station, you also need to make room for that near the vehicle. 

3. Locate Your Power Panel & Assess Consumption

Every home has a power panel that distributes electricity throughout the home. The power panel is rated for a maximum amount of current flow, which is measured in Amperes. In a newer home, it’s usually a 100 Amp power panel, but the amperage rating should be stated on the main circuit breaker. 

You also need to assess how much electrical energy your household uses before your electric vehicle charging station is installed so that you don’t overload the electric distribution panel.

4. Find a Certified Electrician

You will need to find and hire a local certified electrician who can install your electric vehicle charging station. If you’re having any trouble or doubts with Step 3, the electrician you hire should visit your home prior to you buying and installing the charging station. They can help assess your power panel and energy consumption to ensure safe charging in the future. Your electrician may install a dedicated 240-volt plug or install a hardwired circuit back to the power panel — these costs could range from a couple hundred dollars to $1K–$3K, depending on the sufficiency of your power panel. 

5. Purchase an Electric Vehicle Charging Station & Schedule Installation 

If this step hasn’t already been started or completed, now is the time to research an EV charging station for home use. After purchasing, you can schedule the installation with your certified electrician. 

Mercedes-Benz of Newton is Here to Help with Your EV Transition!

Have some lingering questions about electric vehicle charging batteries or what to expect in terms of EV service and maintenance? Our team is here to help! Contact us or visit our dealership near Hamburg to strike up a conversation with our team.