FAQs
Where should I buy an EV charger?
Simple. You can buy an EV charger for your home directly from us. EV Power Solutions always keeps quality Level 2 EV chargers in stock. We sell at no markup, with no middleman required. Reach out to our team to learn more. We can hook you up with the charger that best fits your needs and handle everything that comes afterward.
What is a Level 2 charger compared to Level 1 or Level 3?
EV Charging levels are largely based on the frequency that you drive your electric vehicle.
Also known as “trickle” charging, Level 1 chargers are the most basic, offering approximately 3 to 5 miles of range for every hour charged. Typically included when you purchase your electric vehicle, they can be plugged into an average 120-volt household outlet and are the slowest chargers available, taking upwards of 40 hours to charge an EV.
Level 3 chargers, on the other hand, are the fastest form of EV charging available, and are meant for public use. Also called DC (Direct Current) Fast Chargers, they can recharge your EV at a rate of 3-20 miles of range per minute. Because the voltage is so much higher, Level 3 chargers are typically not found in residential homes but are meant for public consumption at shopping malls and other charging stations.
Level 2 residential charging is designed for residential properties. By far, the most convenient and fastest means of powering up your EV at home. Level 2 chargers are capable of delivering between 12-80 miles of range per hour, depending on your charger’s output level and your vehicle’s max charge rate.
What is a load calculation?
Most Level 2 chargers running full blast require a 60-amp line and breaker and will charge constantly at 48 amps.
Before installing your EV charger, our master electrician will calculate the square footage of your home and the power required to operate all appliances to determine if your house can handle the full 48 amps.
If not, the EV Power team can offer you options, including an energy management device that will automatically shut your EV charger down when your home reaches 80 percent of its threshold. Once this level drops below the 80 percent mark, the charger will restart.
What does commissioning mean?
Commissioning is the final step of the installation process. Our team will link your charger to your home’s WiFi connection and run quality assurance and amperage tests.
When installing a Tesla EV charger, we will register your Wall Connector with the company via the Tesla app, making certain that everything is in sync.
Is a permit required?
Yes. Permits are required in the State of Maryland and the State of Virginia for residential installation of Level 2 EV Chargers. EV Power Solutions will handle permitting for you and include it as an itemized component in your proposal.
How much power is needed?
Most Level 2 chargers require 240 volts and a dedicated 60-amp circuit to run consistently at 48 amps.
Which charger should I pick?
EV Power Solutions works with many EV Charging companies.
Your choice of charger will largely depend on your electric vehicle and your personal preference.
Aside from Tesla and a few older Nissans, all EVs charge using a J1772 (CCS) connector.
Tesla’s proprietary NACS charging connector is the big exception, but it too can be used with most electric vehicles in conjunction with an adapter.
We stock both Tesla units (J1772 and NACS), ChargePoint Home Flex, and WallBox Pulsar Plus, and can provide all at MSRP.
Talk to our team to find the charger that best fits your needs.
How long does installation take?
Installations are typically completed in half a day, if not less.
Do I need to be home?
No. You do not need to be present during the charger’s installation (and neither does your electric vehicle, for that matter). However, your input is often helpful during the commissioning process when we will need access to your home’s WiFi.
Why do you recommend hardwired vs NEMA 14-50 outlet installation?
Per the electrical code, any outlet including a NEMA 14-50 needs to be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupted (GFCI) protected at the breaker. All chargers are also internally GFCI protected, which means a GFCI appliance plugged into a GFCI outlet will cause a faulty trip (they don’t communicate well with each other). Max power is also only 40 amps compared to the 48-50 amps that you can get with hardwired versions.
What kind of wire do you use?
EV Power Solutions uses Service Entrance (SE) wire as opposed to NM-B (Romex) wire. Our wire is rated at 65 amps while most electricians use Romex, which is only rated at 55 amps. If your breaker is rated at 60 amps, we want the wire to be rated at the same amperage or higher.
Do you offer a lifetime warranty?
Yes. EV Power Solutions is one of the only companies offering a lifetime warranty on labor and parts (excluding the charger itself).
Most EV Chargers come with a 3 or 4-year warranty, depending on the manufacturer.
Why shouldn’t I hire any electrician for my EV charger install?
Put simply, there is no guarantee an everyday electrician who is putting up chandeliers, replacing kitchen outlets, and spearheading remodeling projects - and might install a Tesla charger on a Tuesday afternoon – will take the time necessary to make sure the job is done correctly.
At EV Power Solutions, our certified Master Electrician has the expertise required to perform a seamless, flawless EV charger install, and can expertly navigate occasionally finicky software to get your EV up and running in no time flat.