Where Should I Install an EV Charger?
When considering the purchase of an electric vehicle (EV), one crucial aspect is determining the best location for your Level 2 charger. It isn't the same for every buyer! A homeowner looking to install an EV charging station at their home should consider various locations— inside the garage, inside a carport, and near the driveway—but as you consider your preferences, remember to think about all the important factors.
"Consider the proximity to your electrical panel, how the panel is oriented, panel capacity, ease of access, and where you’re going to park your vehicle," recommends Emporia Energy CEO, Shawn McLaughlin. A licensed electrician can be prepared to update electrical outlets or fulfill a panel upgrade to meet building codes, but unless they've installed a NEMA 14-50 outlet or 240-volt charging station before, they may not understand how the vehicle charging location for residential consumers can be a make-or-break decision. Take the time to weigh the options and have a definitive point of view that matches your lifestyle.
Consider the Options
Indoor mounting. Having an electric car charging station inside an attached or detached garage of a single-family home makes perfect sense, but if you park outside, consider...
Outdoor mounting. Mounting the charger in a car port or near the driveway makes outdoor charging possible if you plan to park outside. If you don't have a garage, you can install the charger on the side of the house or on a post in a parking space in your own driveway.
Consider convenience. It depends where you plan to park your vehicle for overnight charging, and if you plan to share the charger between multiple vehicles.
Consider proximity to the electrical panel. Determine whether it's a dedicated circuit, and whether the professional electrician will need to upgrade from a standard plug to a 240-volt outlet. In some cases, they may choose to add another panel to support electrical capacity.
Check what side of the vehicle your charging port is on. Avoid nuisance tripping and put the charging station on the same side. Better yet, consider a spot near the end of the vehicle where the cord could easily swing to either side without getting tangled.
Assess available wall space and the ease of installing on that wall. Installing on garage studs is easy, but installing atop vinyl siding or running wires underground or through brick becomes more complicated.
Related: How to Get Level 2 EV Charging Without an Electric Panel Upgrade
Is an EV charger safe in the rain and snow?
Just like public charging stations, most residential Level 2 products are outdoor chargers (including Emporia's products) and are rated NEMA Type 4; that said, you should double-check your product of choice if you are planning on installing in an unsheltered area. "A Watertight seal on NEMA Type 4 withstands installation inside or outside," confirms McLaughlin.
How does location affect installation costs?
"Some of these location factors for an electric car charger can impact the price of installation. McLaughlin points out, "The farther from the electrical panel, the more wiring is required to install your charger, plus running wire through additional walls or custom work like trenching or conduit bends can all increase the cost of charger installation."
Related: How to Choose an EV Charger on a Budget
Can you install a residential charging station for an on-street parking space?
While there are many limitations to on-street charging, the United States hasn't ruled it out. The U.S. Access Board is dedicated to making charging stations accessible to all in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by advocating for a variety of accessible charging stations including at street parking and in the public right-of-way. That said, running wires across roadways and sidewalks can be dangerous and installation of charging stations near the road may require extra permitting based on your geography. Please refer to local guidelines before installing a car charger for an on-street parking spot.
