Adding an EV charger to your home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or stressful experience. With careful planning and the right support, you can easily start charging at home and avoid the hassle of using public charging stations.
Choosing the Right Charger
The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a Level 1 or a Level 2 charger. Level 1 chargers use a standard outlet but charge at a significantly slower rate than Level 2 chargers. Daily EV drivers often find Level 1 charging to be far too slow.
If you opt for a Level 2 charger, it’ll need a 240-volt line. The majority of people in St. Peters, MO choose this type because it offers more convenience and faster charging times.
Assessing Electrical Capacity
Not all homes have an electrical system that’s ready to support an EV home charger. However, limited amperage or a lack of open breaker slots doesn’t mean installation is off the table. In most cases, one of our licensed electricians can install a subpanel, add a dedicated circuit, or upgrade your service capacity to accommodate EV charging safely without major modifications to your electrical system.
Before installing a home charging station, we’ll perform a thorough electrical inspection to evaluate your system’s current load, panel space, and overall capacity. Some homes may require a full panel upgrade to ensure proper performance and code compliance, especially for higher-capacity Level 2 chargers.
Researching Incentives
We always recommend researching incentives and rebates for EV home chargers. Accessing these financial benefits can make the installation process much less expensive for you, especially if you need electrical upgrades.
Permitting Requirements
To add electric vehicle charging in St. Peters, you’ll need to get a permit from the local building department. The permit process ensures the installation meets all local safety codes and electrical standards. One of our electricians can walk you through the permit process so that you don’t have to deal with confusing paperwork.
If we have to make changes to your electrical system to make your home compatible with an EV charger, you might need additional permits. We’ll walk you through the entire process. After we install the charger, a local inspector will perform a check to verify that all work meets code. You never want to skip the permit process because it’ll lead to problems that make your home harder to insure or sell.
Hiring a Licensed Electrician
You should never attempt to add a home EV charger yourself. It’s a dangerous job that involves high-voltage wiring, breaker work, and, sometimes, panel upgrades. One of our electricians will install the charger and make any necessary electrical modifications to ensure all work complies with local codes. We have many years of experience doing these types of installations. From selecting a compatible charger model to sizing and installing the appropriate dedicated circuit, we prioritize electrical safety and system performance at every stage.
Benefits of Having Your Own EV Charger at Home
After we install your home EV charger, you’ll notice the benefits right away. Home charging makes owning an electric car easier, cheaper, and more convenient.
Convenient Charging Anytime
With an EV charger at home, you no longer have to travel to public charging stations to recharge. You can do all of your charging right at home while you sleep. Waking up each morning to a fully charged vehicle removes the stress of planning your day around charging stops.
Lower Charging Costs
Charging at public stations can get expensive. But when you charge at home, you get the advantage of being able to plug in during off-peak times. This translates into cheaper charging costs because electricity rates are usually lower at night.
Increased Home Value
As electric vehicles become more common, many buyers actively seek homes equipped with EV chargers. Installing a charger can make your property more attractive on the market and may help you command a higher asking price when it’s time to sell.
Better Battery Health
Using a Level 2 charger at home supports long-term battery health by providing steady, controlled charging cycles. Unlike DC fast charging at public stations, Level 2 charging is gentler on the battery, helping to minimize thermal stress and reduce degradation over time. Regular overnight charging at home also allows for more consistent charge levels, which helps preserve battery capacity.
Contact Your Local Experts
Jerry Kelly offers top-tier support for EV charger installations. We can assess your electrical system and make any necessary modifications so your home is fully compatible with your new charger. Contact us today for professional EV charger installation in St. Peters, MO.