Going Green: Installing a Car Charging Station at Home

For people who have an electric car and want a charging station at their home, they can put that station either in their garage or their driveway. It is not something everyone has though, so if you’re interested in this, you’ll want to make sure you do it the right way. In an age of growing popularity of smart tech in homes, charging stations are often an overlooked addition.

With a car charging station at home, there will be fewer worries about making sure the vehicle is adequately charged up. Your vehicle can also charge overnight, so it is always ready to go in the morning. Instead of being required to park it at a charging station somewhere else and wait, it can just be driven home and charged, making a home charging station very convenient.

The Cost of a Home Car Charging Station

Home charging stations cost around $600, as a national average. The high end of the range is around $1,500, while the lower end is under $300. The difference in price comes from the brand and type of charging station, along with the area of the country in which it is located.

While the charging station itself may not be that costly, it is important to remember there will also be additional cost to have it installed. Installing a home car charging station is generally not something just anyone can do. Besides, having a professional installation is safer and more cost effective in the majority of cases.

How Much Space Do You Need?

A home charging station is not big, so having a lot of space to install one shouldn’t be a concern. It can be placed in a space not a lot larger than a standard electrical outlet, so there is no reason to be concerned about the level of space the charging station will take up. In the garage, there is little worry about the room needed, and when it comes to the driveway, the charging station will be small and out of the way.

Even with a homeowner’s association (HOA) or other entity that might have requirements on what can and cannot be seen from the street, a charging station will generally not be an issue. Of course, this could be different for some people and their homes so it’s always best to check first.

Make Sure the Wiring is Done Correctly

One of the biggest issues for people who are installing a car charging station at home is the wiring. These are not items that can simply be hooked up and used right away. These stations have to be wired in properly. Just like with other home improvement projects, hiring a professional is a good idea, since that way the wiring will be completed correctly.

This also reduces the risk of fire and other hazards, along with reducing the chances of a car not charging properly and therefore not being ready to drive when the owner wants it. Hiring a professional to help with the purchase of the home car charging station, the wiring, and the installation is the best way to remain safe and have a successful charging station.