How To Prepare Your Home for an EV Charger
When you invest in a new electric vehicle, you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits, including tax incentives, fewer maintenance needs, and no more trips to Dulles Airport- and DC Metro-area gas pumps. To make charging effortless, a home charging system is essential. In this guide, BMW of Sterling tells you how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle charger, including information about the available Virginia EV home charger tax credits that can help you save on installation.
How to Prepare for an Electric Vehicle Home Charger
There are four general steps to successfully preparing your home for an electric vehicle charger. We outline each of them below:
Choose a Charging Level
Your first step is to determine which charging level fits your driving needs. Level 1 charging uses a standard wall outlet and can take a day or more to fully charge an EV. Level 2 charging uses a higher-voltage outlet, which must be installed by a professional, but it charges much faster, often between 60 and 120 miles of charge every 45 minutes. Most EV owners use a combination of both, with Level 2 being a fast way to top off your charge level and Level 1 an excellent option when you have more time to charge.
Get Your Garage Ready
Decide where you want your electric vehicle home charger to go. Then, declutter your garage so you have room for the charger and easy access to and from it.
Review Energy Consumption
Before installing an EV charger, learn about your energy usage. Review past bills and usage reports, if possible, and confirm that your home’s electrical system can accommodate the additional power needs of an electric vehicle home charger. Your electrician can go over this information with you, or you can contact your electric company for more information.
Hire an Electrician
Assess your energy needs with your electrician, and, based on these needs, install the system most appropriate for your home. Remember that a licensed electrician must install a Level 2 system, as it requires a special 240-volt outlet.
Virginia EV Home Charger Tax Credits
While there are no specific Virginia EV home charger tax credits offered at the state level, you may be able to find incentives through local utility companies. For instance, as of this writing, Dominion Energy offers residential customers a rebate of $125 for the purchase of a new Level 2 electric vehicle home charger. Qualified customers must enroll in the demand response program and register their charging station. You’ll also get an additional $40 each year on the anniversary of your enrollment in the program.
BMW of Sterling is Here to Help You Prepare Your Home for an Electric Vehicle Charger
Questions about how to prepare for an electric vehicle home charger? We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to contact us. When you’re in the market for a new EV, be sure to explore our latest inventory, and if you find something that piques your interest, you can get preapproved and value your trade-in right from home. A BMW electric vehicle will be sure to revolutionize all your drives in Loudoun County and beyond!