The Pros and Cons of Installing a Level 2 Charging Station on Your Property

Wanting to upgrade your charging station at home and take better advantage of your electric vehicle's capabilities? Look no further than the Level 2 charging station - a solution that can charge your EV at higher power levels and provide a faster charge than a traditional 120V Level 1 charging station.

Summary:

But before you jump to the idea of installing one, let's go over the pros and cons of installing a Level 2 charging station on your property.

What is a Level 2 Charging Station?

Before we dive into the pros and cons, let's get clarity on what we are referring to. A Level 2 charging station provides up to 240 volts of power, requiring a dedicated circuit to be installed. Most home installations require the installation of a 40-amp circuit breaker and a connection to a 240V service panel. Once installed, these charging stations can provide around 25 miles of range per hour, depending on the specific charging station and the type of vehicle.

The Pros of Installing a Level 2 Charging Station

There are many advantages to installing a Level 2 charging station at home, including:

• Faster Charging Times: With up to 25 miles of range per hour, Level 2 charging stations provide a faster charge than traditional Level 1 charging stations.
• Convenience: Being able to charge your EV at home is a huge convenience factor. You can easily plug in your vehicle overnight and wake up with a full charge in the morning, saving time and removing the need to visit public charging stations.
• Flexibility: With a Level 2 charging station at home, you have the flexibility to adjust your charging routine to accommodate your daily schedule. You can easily charge your EV during off-hours, taking advantage of lower off-peak electricity rates.
• Increased Property Value: Installing a Level 2 charging station can increase the value of your property, as more homebuyers are looking for homes that come equipped with an EV charging station - a feature that is likely to become more important as EV adoption rate increases globally.

The Cons of Installing a Level 2 Charging Station

Though there are several benefits of installing a Level 2 charging station, there are some downsides you must be aware of, including:

• Upfront Cost: Installing a Level 2 charging station can come with a significant upfront cost, including the cost of the charging station itself, installation fees, and any electrical upgrades that may be required.
• Space Constraints: Most Level 2 charging stations require proper space to be installed, including a 240V service panel and adequate space to install the station.
• Additional Maintenance: As with any piece of technology, a Level 2 charging station will require periodic maintenance to continue functioning properly over time. This maintenance can include system updates, physical cleaning, and repairs to any damaged components.

Key Takeaways

Now that we've explored both the pros and cons of installing a Level 2 charging station at home, let's summarize some of the key takeaways:

• The addition of a Level 2 charging station offers several advantages, including faster charging times, convenience, flexibility, increased property value, among others.
• However, the installation of a Level 2 charging station can come at a significant cost, require adequate space to install, and additional maintenance and upkeep over time.

The Final Verdict:

Taking into account the pros and cons, the installation of a Level 2 charging station largely depends on your vehicle usage patterns and your budget. If you're often on the go and require frequent charging, the added convenience and speed of a Level 2 charging station can be a great investment. However, if you're not driving lengthy distances every day, a Level 1 charging station may suffice - providing you with the convenience of charging your vehicle overnight at a more affordable cost."