With today’s high gas prices, many people are considering buying electric vehicles (EVs) that do not rely on gas. When purchasing an EV, you will want to consider more than just the car’s make and model – you need to make sure your garage is ready. Here are some things to think about before you head to the dealership:
Climate Control
Electric vehicle batteries do not handle cold temperatures well. A study reported that when the temperature is under 20°F, an EVs’ driving range can decrease by 12-41%. With the brutal Minnesota winters, you may want to invest in an insulated garage door or a heated garage to help maintain the temperature of the car’s environment – it will pay off in the long run.
Making Room
You will want to make sure that you have space inside your garage for the car and a charging station. If you currently have just enough space to park your car, you will need to make more room to accommodate the electric vehicle charger (EVC).
The Charging Station
Xcel Energy estimates it costs an average of $1,000 to $2,000 to buy and install an electric vehicle charger in your garage. The price depends on your current electrical set-up and what kind of charger you use.
There are two kinds of in-home EVCs: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 chargers run off of a regular 120 V outlet. They are cheaper to install but will only give you between 3 and 5 miles of range per hour of charging. Meanwhile, Level 2 chargers use 240 V power and give you between 15 and 40 miles of range per hour of charging.
Talk to an Electrician
Have an electrician come to look at your garage to determine how much your current electrical supply and outlets can handle. Your home may require a new service line to run to the house. The electrician will also evaluate the distance from the electrical panel to the charging location and tell you if special cables are needed to supply power to your EVC.
Once your garage is prepared, you are ready to bring your electric vehicle home! If you need recommendations for garage professionals or want to purchase a new home to accommodate an EV, please reach out. I would be more than happy to offer my assistance.