# 4 Important Things to Know about Installing an Electric Vehicle Charger at Home

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/charge-ev-home-4-things-to-know-about-installing/
- Published: 2022-08-10T14:13:44-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become the leading choice of consumers over traditional
ones as they offer high battery life, efficiency, and affordability. According to
[reports](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1059214/global-battery-electric-vehicle-sales/),
the market share of EVs has increased to 8.3% in 2021. For which was only 4.2% in
2020. What’s more? The size of the global electric vehicle market is likely to reach
[1.4 trillion US dollars](https://www.statista.com/statistics/271537/worldwide-revenue-from-electric-vehicles-since-2010/)
by 2027. This translates to a CAGR of more than 19.19% between 2022 and 2027. If
you are planning to purchase an electric vehicle, consider [installing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/leviton-evr-green-charging-station-overview/)
a home charger system.

While you can find EV charging [stations](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/02/ecotality-and-sears-expand-relationship-unveil-electric-vehicle-chargers-in-tennessee-and-arizona/)
in places like retail parking lots or city centers, a charger at home can be a wise
decision. Contrary to popular belief, [installing](https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/blog/the-complete-guide-to-electric-vehicle-charging-stations)
EV charging systems is easy and convenient. In this post, we will share four vital
things that will help you install an [electric vehicle charger](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/11/dodge-charger-the-electric-muscle-car-revolution/)
at home without hassles.

![While you can find EV charging stations in places like retail parking lots or 
city centers, a charger at home can be a wise decision](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ed-harvey-9RZlFXzrANI-unsplash.jpg?resize=420%2C280&
quality=89&ssl=1)

## 1. Understand the Difference between Home and Public Charging Stations

[Home charging systems](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/10/geothermal-home-systems-explained-for-everyone/)
supply alternating current (AC). However, the EV needs direct power (DC). So, when
you plug the EV into the charger, its onboard also converts the AC [supply](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/ctek-developing-wireless-battery-charging/)
to DC. Thereby charging the battery.

On the other hand, public charging stations may supply alternating current (AC power)
or DC. Usually, they discharge direct current (DC power) to enable high-power charging.
These stations can be helpful while traveling long distances. For everyday use, 
home charging systems are the most suitable option.

## 2. Consider the Charging Level Choices

There are three levels of EV chargers available in the market.

 1. **Level 1 Chargers:** Need 20+ hours to charge the empty or low battery. So a 120V,
    AC Supply. It’s also known as simply plugging into the wall outlets.
 2. **Level 2 Chargers: **Need around 6 hours to charge a low or empty battery. For
    that’s 208-240V at AC Supply.
 3. **Level 3 Chargers: **Need 15-45 minutes to charge a low or empty battery, 480V,
    DC Supply

According to industry experts, level 1 and level 2 chargers are ideal for residential
use. Especially as their power requirement is less. For that’s highly cost-efficient.
Whereas level 3 chargers are expensive and all because of needing high voltage for
operation. Hence, they are not suitable for home installations. In fact, continuous
use of level 3 [chargers can damage the vehicle’s](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/07/ev-charger-a-guide-to-charging-your-electric-vehicle-im/)
battery.

So, opt for level 1 and level 2 chargers. Especially for a hassle-free [charging experience at home](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/11/smart-charging-at-home-elecq-makes-ev-charging-cheaper/).

## 3. Assess the Cost of Home Charging Your EV

While assessing the costs, you should consider the price of both the charger and
the electricity. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average
national energy cost was [14.09 cents/kWh](https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/epm_table_grapher.php?t=epmt_5_03).
However in most states an EV after hours in a separate meter can get 10 cents/kWh:
where 100 kWh battery back is $10.00 to refill.

While the upfront cost of installing EV chargers is high. Yet they consume minimal
electricity. The [electricity consumption won’t cost](https://greenlivingguy.com/2008/04/costs-for-building-your-own-electric-vehicle/)
more than the prices you pay for fuel and gas. EV chargers can prove to be a better
and cost-efficient alternative in the long term. No wonder most EV owners prefer
home [stations to charge](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/04/bronx-ev-charging-stations-and-fast-charging-hubs/)
their batteries.

## 4. Compare DIY and Professional Installation Services

How should you plan your home EV charger installation? Should you opt for a professional
installation or DIY? The simple answer is always to invest in professional installation
services. The reason?

Installing an EV [charger at home](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/blink-charging-installs-ten-new-fast-level-2-chargers-in-new-jersey/)
with the utmost safety requires a high level of expertise. Lack of knowledge and
experience can put your family and friends at risk of high voltage [electric shock or fire](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/11/idtechex-releases-new-report-on-fire-protection-materials-for-electric-vehicle-batteries/).
Additionally, poor installation can impact the performance of your EV charger.

Get in touch with an electrician, who is an [electric car expert](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/02/why-do-we-need-more-electric-cars-by-seth-leitman/).
That’s for appropriate guidance. They can provide you with quality services. Especially
that will result in a successful installation.

## Conclusion

Recent research reveals that EVs require [50%](https://elearning.unyp.cz/pluginfile.php/58141/mod_data/content/8808/Vilimovsky%2C%20Adam%20%28516299%29%20-%20Final%20Project.pdf)
less maintenance than combustion engine vehicles. They lack components requiring
service and [run on electricity](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/10/electric-cars-are-greener-in-the-long-run-heres-the-proof/).
Thereby minimizing pollution and the cost of ownership.

EVs are essential for a [sustainable energy future](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/honda-earth-dreams-for-a-sustainable-future/).
Especially with EV batteries providing an untapped opportunity to operate from [renewable energy sources](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/06/what-to-know-about-investing-in-renewable-energy/).
The best part? Installing EV chargers at [home is safe](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/how-to-safely-remove-asbestos-at-home/)
and easy. Consider the many aspects of EVs to understand crucial details about their
working, costs, and other requirements. This will enable you to [install](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/09/cushman-wakefield-to-introduce-blink-ev-chargers-to-its-commercial-properties/)
an EV charger at home and enjoy a great driving experience.

_**Author Bio:**_

Cory Peterson is Director of Sales & Marketing at LED Lighting Supply, where he 
focuses on improving customer experience and revenue operations. Cory writes about
commercial, industrial, and sports lighting, along with topics important to [contractors](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/06/contractor-informational-meetings-announced-for-new-ny-green-bank-sponsored-home-energy-loan-financing-program/)
and facility managers. In his free time, Cory enjoys traveling, snorkeling, boxing,
and cooking.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 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.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)