Q & A for Electric Car Charging Stations
Q. Will my house require additional wiring?
A. Yes. If you choose a Level 2 charging station, it requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit.
Q. What is a Level 2 charging station?
A. A charging station using a 220 volt/15-110 amp electrical circuit and is usually hard-wired.
Q. What is a Level 1 charging station?
A. A Level 1 charging station uses a 120-volt / 15-amp circuit. The Level 1 plugs directly into a standard home outlet. Most PEVs from major car manufacturers come with a Level 1 Charger included.
Q. Does the battery have to be drained to zero periodically?
A. No. The Lithium-ion battery has no “memory effect.” This means it never has to be drained or fully charged. The battery’s life is unaffected. Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, quick to charge, and have a long service life.
Q. How long will it take to charge my electric vehicle?
A. The charging times differ based on the amperage of the electric car charging station system and the size of the battery. Generally, you can expect 25 miles of charging time per hour when using a Level 2 charging station or a 240-volt outlet. Most car batteries can be fully recharged with a Level 2 charging station in as little as 2-3 hours, whereas a Level 1 station may take 15 or more hours.
Q. Does it matter when I plug-in to charge?
A. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend plugging in every time you park. Check with your utility company to see if it is more effective to charge during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs.
For more information, please get in touch with Owings Mechanical to speak with our experienced professionals about your specific questions. We would be glad to help. Owings Mechanical offers electrical and plumbing services. For more information on the many services we provide go here.