# Electric Car Charger Installation Made Easy

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/electric-car-charger-installation-made-easy/
- Published: 2011-09-01T17:49:11-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## **Electric Cars Can Be Plugged In On a Plug**

That is one of the greatest parts about electric cars. Electric cars CAN have plugs
and chargers up to 20 amps so that your car CAN plug into your **standard household
120-volt AC outlet**.

![Comparison of home EV charging costs for standard wall outlet and home AC charger
with estimated annual energy cost and influencing factors](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/the-green-living-guy-6a4472b840c1a-400x400.png?resize
=400%2C400&ssl=1)

A detailed comparison of home EV charging options and associated costs.

Higher current capacity electric car chargers require a dedicated [240-volt AC circuit](https://auto.howstuffworks.com/electric-car5.htm)?
the kind that power your household electric range or clothes dryer.

You See: [you CAN install](https://auto.howstuffworks.com/electric-car5.htm) an 
electric car charger it is EASIER to install than almost any other alternative fuel!

### **Single Phase versus the Grid**

Also, to not be afraid, three-phase [electric power](https://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/vehicles/electric-car-shock1.htm)
is found in industry and the power grid, not in the home. The [power delivered to the home](https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/power9.htm)
is usually single-phase. [Very high-voltage power lines](https://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/vehicles/electric-car-shock1.htm)
have six wires plus a lightning ground at the top. Opposing wires are the same phase.
AC electric cars usually use three phase motors where the voltage and frequency 
must be changed as driving conditions vary.

### **On Board and Off Board Chargers**

Another consideration is to determine whether you want to have an on-board or an
off-board charger on your electric car.

Onboard gives the driving convenience charge whenever you like. It is light in weight
and low in the consumption of power.

## Conclusion: Home EV Charging Makes Electric Driving Easier

Installing an electric car charger at home removes one of the biggest perceived 
barriers to owning an EV. In many cases, drivers can start with a standard 120-volt
outlet. However, a dedicated 240-volt circuit can deliver much faster and more practical
charging for everyday driving. ([The Green Living Guy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/electric-car-charger-installation-made-easy/))

More importantly, home charging turns your garage or driveway into your own personal
fueling station. You plug in when you get home. Then, your vehicle charges while
you sleep. As a result, you can start most mornings with the energy you need for
the day.

Of course, homeowners should make sure their electrical system can safely support
the additional load. Therefore, a qualified electrician should evaluate the panel,
wiring, circuit capacity and installation location before adding higher-powered 
charging equipment.

At the same time, EV charging technology continues to improve. Chargers are becoming
smarter, faster and easier to integrate with solar power, battery storage and home
energy management systems. Consequently, charging an electric vehicle can become
part of a larger clean-energy strategy.

Ultimately, the ability to charge at home remains one of the strongest advantages
of electric transportation. Instead of making another trip to a gas station, electricity
comes directly to the vehicle. Plug it in. Let it charge. Then drive.

That simplicity is exactly why electric vehicles can fit so naturally into everyday
life.

 

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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