1-833-44-EV-ENE (1-833-443-8363) ev@ene.com

EV Charging Guide

Electric Vehicle Charging Basics

For most drivers, charging an electric car is as simple as charging a cell phone. In fact, it usually takes only around 5 seconds of your time to “refuel” your electric car. Why? Because most charging (over 85%, according to EV driver polling) happens at home, overnight, while the driver sleeps. You just plug in your car when you get home and it’s typically re-charged back to full before you even wake up the next morning. It’s the car that “refuels” while you sleep! There are three levels of charging rate to choose from, depending upon your needs and lifestyle.

Level 1 Charging

REGULAR SPEED
EX: Overnight Charging at Home

  • Uses a standard outlet (the same type of outlet you charge your phone with!)
  • No “charging station” needed! 
  • Adds a range of between 3 – 6 miles per hour of charging, or up to ~50 miles overnight.

Level 2 Charging

PLUS SPEED
EX: Home, Workplace, Destination Charging

  • Wired to an electrical panel or hard-wired to a wall-mounted EV charging station.
  • Most common type of charging (private and public) and adds 20-40 miles of range per hour. Get a full charge overnight!

Level 3 Charging

PREMIUM SPEED
EX: Highway Rest Stop, Community Hub Charging

  • Also known as public DC Fast Charging, Quick charging, and Supercharging.
  • Level 3 adds hundreds of miles of range per hour of charging. Charge in around 30 minutes or less.
Get a handy charging station map by downloading the PlugShare app.

Public Charging Equipment & Networks

Public charging can be easy and convenient with a bit of preparation. There are various charging networks and station types across the country. In general, public chargers fall into two categories:

Smart charging stations, also called networked or connected stations, these typically require a membership, card, or app to access and may charge a fee. The most common networks include Tesla, ChargePoint, and EVgo.

Non-networked charging stations do not require any membership to activate and usually are free and just connect when you plug in, or may require an access code.

Using apps like PlugShare helps you locate nearby public chargers and handle any setup in advance from the comfort of home.

Public Charging in Middleton

Charging Equipment

Every EV comes with a charging adapter that connects to a standard home outlet (also known as Level 1 charging). This is typically used overnight while you sleep and adds up to 50 miles of range in 12 hours, more than most people drive on a typical day. For some drivers, this may be adequate, especially if the vehicle is not driven much daily or is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Though not required, in order to get the most out of any plug-in car’s electric mileage benefits, it is typically recommended to purchase a Level 2 home charging station. This will recharge your EV five to ten times faster than Level 1, and allow even ones with large batteries to always fully charge overnight.

The best time to get a Level 2 is just before taking delivery of your vehicle, so the equipment can be installed and ready for charging the moment you receive your electric car. Massachusetts requires all chargers to be ENERGY STAR Certified Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). To find and compare products, visit the
ENERGY STAR website.

Which Charging Port Do You Have?

Charging Equipment Installation

Things to consider when choosing and installing your home EV charging station

Home charging installation can be simple or more involved, with costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your electrical panel’s location and proximity to the charging spot. Hire a licensed electrician to install a 240-volt circuit with a 50- or 60-amp breaker and either a NEMA 14-50 outlet or a hard-wired charger. In Massachusetts, you’ll also need an electrical permit, so be sure to contact your local building department to file the necessary paperwork.

It’s recommended to use all-copper wiring and hardwire a wall-mounted charging station for a more reliable connection. Most EV chargers include built-in ground fault protection, so using a ground fault circuit breaker can cause nuisance tripping and leave your car uncharged. To avoid this, ask your electrician to install an unprotected breaker and review the charger’s manual to confirm additional ground fault protection isn’t needed.

Typical Level 2 mobile charge cords that come with an EV at purchase are fine to plug in to a GFCI protected 240-volt outlet.  If you choose this plug in method, be sure to install an upgraded commercial level outlet to safely carry a continuous 240-volts of power for 6-8 hours. 

When choosing a location, select a spot that is convenient for charging your EV.  You should also consider the appropriate length of charging cord necessary to easily reach your parking spot.  Charging units will vary in their cord length and can be selected to suit your needs.

When searching for reputable home EV charging equipment, try these links for extensive reviews and comparisons.  You don’t necessarily need to buy anything through their website as you may find these units at a lower price on Amazon or direct from the manufacturer: 

Quick EV Charger Comparison Guide 

These Are The Best EV Chargers Of 2024 – YouTube 

If you don’t already have a trusted local electrician, there are several turnkey services that will do a great job, but they tend to be more expensive.  An electrician hired directly will probably be less costly, but don’t let price be the only consideration.  A proper electrical code rated system is the most important factor for safe home charging. 

Contact us to get free information and support on the purchase and installation process
Here are some links to EV charging installation companies: Qmerit | Smart Charge America | Boston EVC 

Commercial Charging

Planning a Project?

Energy New England can provide assistance with resourses, recommendations for specific projects & rebate information

Contact an EV Specialist:
Email ev@ene.org

or

Visit ENE