Helpful Garage Prepping Tips for an Electric Vehicle

Helpful Garage Prepping Tips for an Electric Vehicle

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Many eco-conscious individuals are switching from gas-powered vehicles to more stable solutions provided by electric cars. With the rising global prices of gas and fuel and the environmental impact of using gas, electric vehicles seem to be the future for many who care about the environment. However, these are pretty new and require special attention to run. Your garage may need a unique charging system to keep your electric car ready to roll. The goal is to help install the necessary tools to help you charge the car at home. It is possible to prep your existing garage to match the needs of your new electric vehicle. Below are a few ways to achieve this goal.

You Need to Work with a Professional Electrician

Creating the ideal electric vehicle garage is not a walk in the park. The first thing you ought to do is determine the current the garage can withstand. This is not something you do unless you are a professionally trained electrician. The expert will evaluate the need for a new service line to run everything if the current one cannot handle the extra load. The professional will determine the following:

  • The right location to install your new service based on where you park the electric vehicle
  • A load calculation of all the existing circuits in the garage
  • The overall cost that will go into installing the new EVSE

Get the Wiring Right

Figure out the distance from the electrical panel to your charging location. This will increase the cost since a 40-amp circuit needs an 8-gauge wire. The price will increase as you need more amperage since the wire thickness increases.

Consider the Outlet

Experts recommend installing a NEMA 14-50 outlet instead of hardwired charging equipment. Some electric vehicles will have portable charging cords that serve on both 120- and 240-volt circuits. You do not need to get extra charging equipment and if you do, having the plug-in unit means you can use the outlet for additional high-draw equipment like a welder. What’s more, you can always take the pricey box whenever you move.

Get the Right Equipment

It helps to know the amount of energy your electric vehicle uses. The Wi-Fi-connected Juice Box has an app that tracks the history and energy amounts dispensed in each session. You can also schedule to charge for a set time. This makes it a helpful feature if your electrical utility tends to deliver lower rates during off-peak times.

Climate Control

While electric vehicles have come a long way, they still struggle with temperature fluctuations. Your garage should be properly insulated to avoid drastic temperature shifts, negatively affecting your electric car. Proper insulation of the garage ensures that the battery charges correctly, and it also prolongs the battery’s lifespan.

With all the changes required to make a garage suitable for your electric vehicle, creating a new garage from scratch may be something to consider. Either way, it may be a good idea to consult a professional when dealing with charging an electric vehicle at home

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