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How to Prep Your Home for an EV

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Driving on Highway
 

Making the decision to purchase and own an electric vehicle comes with a lot of benefits, including lower maintenance costs and reduced carbon footprint. That being said, one of the key factors in switching to an EV is the preparation required to get your home ready. Mainly ensuring that your home is set up for an electric vehicle home charger. 

While electric vehicle charging stations are available in the Countryside area, most EV owners prefer to charge their vehicles at home. In this blog post, we will share five simple steps to prepare your home for an EV like the new Volkswagen ID.4 Electric Vehicle from The Autobarn Volkswagen of Countryside.

Step 1. Choosing Your EV Charger Type

The first step to preparing your home for an electric vehicle home charger is to decide on the charger type or charging level you need. We recommend researching the types of EV chargers available and deciding which works best for your new vehicle. Our team at The Autobarn Volkswagen of Countryside is also available to help you get ready to take your EV home.

There are two main types of EV chargers: Level 1 and Level 2

  • Level 1 chargers can take days to fully charge your electric vehicle.
  • Level 2 chargers can provide 60-200 miles of range in just 20-30 minutes of charging with DC charging. Therefore, most people opt for daytime “top-off” charging combined with overnight charging.

 It is essential to do your research and choose the charger that suits your needs and budget.

Step 2. Prepare Your Garage

Before delivering your EV, it is essential to get your garage ready! This means decluttering and organizing your garage so there is enough space for your electric vehicle and your charger. 

Step 3. Determine Your Home Electrical Capacity

Your power panel distributes electricity throughout your home, and it is crucial to know its maximum rating before you install an EV home charger. You can do this in two easy steps:

  1. Most new homes come with a 100 Amp power panel, but checking the amperage rating on your main circuit breaker is important. It should be printed on the main breaker.
  2. Assess your home’s electrical energy consumption to avoid overloading your electric distribution panel. 

The most important thing is to ensure your home has the power to charge your new EV safely and efficiently. We recommend speaking with a licensed electrician in LaGrange if you have concerns about self-assessing your home’s electricity rating. 

Step 4. Hire a Licensed Electrician

The next step in getting your home ready in Chicago for your electric vehicle is to hire a licensed electrician. They will help you assess your home’s electrical system, advise on any necessary upgrades, and address any concerns about adding an EV charging system. 

Depending on your current power consumption, you might install a 240-volt plug or hardwired circuit back to the power panel. While installation typically ranges from a couple of hundred dollars to $1,000, it could be up to $3,000 if your power panel requires upgrading. But having the proper amount of power for your new EV is important.

Step 5. Purchase & Install Your Charger

After you have chosen your EV charger, prepared your garage, assessed your power panel, and spoken with a certificated electrician, it’s finally time to purchase your charger! This needs to be installed professionally to ensure that there are no problems down the road. 

Have More Questions? Contact The Autobarn Volkswagen of Countryside!

We understand that getting your home ready for an electric vehicle home charger can be daunting. However, following these five simple steps can make the process much easier. That being said, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact The Autobarn Volkswagen of Countryside or call 708-469-4248. 

 

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