A Comprehensive Guide on EV Chargers

If you are an electric vehicle (EV) owner or are thinking about becoming one, installing a battery charger is the best home upgrade you can make. 

Imagine the convenience of waking up every day to a fully charged vehicle. You are ready to head anywhere—from your favorite Clinton River picnic spot to shopping in downtown Farmington to navigating I-696 detours. 

Our Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Plumbing electricians install EV chargers throughout Macomb and Oakland counties and can make your home EV-ready with this essential upgrade. We are a full-service HVAC company with plumbing and electrical expertise with over 25 years of service to Clinton Township, MI, and neighboring communities. 

If you are considering an EV charger, call us for a free consultation. We will determine the best type for your home and budget, and recommend a convenient location for installation.

In the meantime, there are a few factors Michigan EV owners should know about home charging stations. Consider this your comprehensive guide from your friendly HVAC experts at Great Dane!

Understand Your EV Options in Clinton Township, MI

Let’s talk about the different types of equipment. Each charges your vehicle at a different speed.

Level 1 Charging: A basic charger is often included with your EV. It uses a standard 120-volt outlet and is the slowest charging option, adding approximately five miles of range per hour. Think of it as a backup for short daily commutes. 

The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) says eight hours of charging at 120 volts can replenish about 40 miles of electric range for a mid-size EV.

Level 2 Charging: A Level 2 charger works faster and adds roughly 25 miles of range per hour, making overnight charging more effective. This charger requires a 240-volt outlet, the same voltage requirement as a clothes dryer, air conditioner, or electric stove. A Level 2 charger can replenish your EV battery faster than a basic charger.

These chargers are not just for residential use. The DOE notes that as of 2023, nearly 80 percent of public EV charging ports in the U.S. were Level 2.

DC Fast Charging: This Level 3 charger is typically available at public charging stations. It can add 60 miles or more of range in 20 to 30 minutes and is primarily for commercial use. The power demands and specialized equipment needed for this model make this charging level impractical and costly at home. 

Do I Need to Upgrade My Home for EV Charging?

You will have to upgrade your electrical panel if it can’t handle the additional load of a Level 2 EV charger. One of our licensed electricians can assess your home electrical system for capacity and safety and determine if wiring or electrical panel updates are necessary. 

Before installing your new charger, we can handle the upgrades and ensure the system has the correct gauge wiring, dedicated circuits, and safety features like ground fault circuit interrupters. 

We will also discuss a location for your new equipment. Consider where you plan to park and charge your EV. Will it be inside a garage or outdoors and protected from the elements? How close will it be to your home’s electrical panel? We can recommend charging locations, but ultimately, where you plan to park and charge is up to you. 

Most communities in Southeastern Michigan require a permit for EV charging station installation. When you work with Great Dane, you leave the hassle of permit acquisition to us. 

How Much Will I Pay for an EV Charger?

In an article on finding the best EV chargers, Consumer Reports says the national average installation cost is approximately $1,000, and HomeAdvisor pegs the typical cost range between $551 and $1,383.

The cost varies depending on several factors: 

• Charger Level: Level 2 chargers cost more than Level 1 options. Wi-Fi capability and other smart features also increase the price over the standard model.

• Installation complexity: Factors like the distance between your electrical panel and the charging location, electrical panel upgrades, and a new circuit in your garage will impact costs.

• Outdoor Chargers: An outdoor installation requires a weatherproof cover, which will increase the cost. Securing the station to prevent theft or vandalism adds more expense. 

• Permitting fees: These vary depending on your local municipality.

• Financial Incentives: The 30 percent federal tax credit for installing a home EV charger expires on June 30, 2026. Check with Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for a list of utility companies, including DTE, that offer rebates. 

Ready to Power Your EV at Your Clinton Township, MI, Home?

Installing an EV charger at home is a smart investment that offers convenience, efficiency, and long-term cost savings. By understanding the different charger types and prioritizing professional installation, you can ensure that charging your EV at home is safe and reliable. 

Let our Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Plumbing experts install a charger for your EV. Call us at 586-799-0960 or request service online.