What types of electric vehicle (EV) chargers are available for home use?

Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are available for home installations. While most electric vehicles come with a Level 1 charger standard, many homeowners prefer to install a Level 2 charger, which provides significantly faster charging and is better suited to daily driving.

What are the benefits to installing your own home EV charger?

Installing your own EV charger at home gives you convenience, cost-savings, and control. You will already be saving on gasoline versus a standard vehicle, but installing your own EV charger means you can charge your vehicle's battery overnight while you sleep, saving you from public charging stations. When you own your own charger, you can also schedule charging for times that are most convenient to you, more closely monitor your energy usage, precondition your vehicle's cabin conditions, and coordinate charging with your home's solar system, if you have one.

Is installing a home EV charger a good investment?

Yes, installing your own EV charger provides cost-savings, convenience, and flexibility, making it a great investment for EV owners.

Can I charge my EV using solar power?

Yes, electric vehicles can be charged using the electricity from a solar electric system. An EV charger functions like any other appliance in your home. A properly-size home solar system is typically designed to offset your property's electrical load, including the electricity used by an EV charger.

What is an Electric Vehicle Charger and Why Install One at Home?

As electric vehicles become more popular, more Maine homeowners are choosing to install electric car chargers at home for added convenience, cost savings, and sustainability. A home EV charger allows you to power your vehicle safely and efficiently, often right in your own driveway or garage.

Whether you’re interested in a standalone electric vehicle charger or pairing your charger with a home solar electric system, installing your own EV charger puts you in control of how and when you charge your car.

What Is An Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger?

An electric vehicle charger is a device that supplies electricity to recharge your EV’s battery. While public charging stations are available, many EV owners prefer the convenience of charging at home.

Home EV chargers are designed to work with your home’s electrical system and can be installed indoors or outdoors. For most electric vehicle owners, a Level 2 EV charger is recommended because it offers significantly faster charging compared to standard outlets. Chargers can be installed in garages or outdoors. They are designed to operate safely in Maine’s cold weather conditions when properly installed.

Benefits of Owning a Home EV Charger

Convenient Overnight Charging

With a home EV charger, you can plug in your vehicle overnight and wake up to a fully charged battery every morning. This is especially beneficial for daily commuting and eliminates the need to search for public charging stations.

Cost-Effective Charging

Charging your electric vehicle at home is often less expensive than using public charging stations. When paired with a solar electric system, your EV charger can run on clean, renewable energy. This helps reduce or even eliminate fuel and electricity costs over time.

Greater Control Over Charging

Owning your own charger gives you full control over your charging schedule. Many modern EV chargers are smart chargers, allowing homeowners to:

Schedule charging during times that are most convenient to you
Precondition your vehicle cabin temperature
Monitor energy usage
Coordinate charging with solar production

The flexibility of owning your own EV charger helps optimize both personal comfort and energy efficiency.

What Types of EV Chargers Are Available for Homes?

When choosing a home EV charger, think about how much you drive and how quickly your vehicle needs to recharge. Home EV chargers generally fall into two categories: Level 1 and Level 2. Each offers different charging speeds, installation requirements, and best-use scenarios depending on your driving habits and home electrical system.

Level 1 EV Chargers

Most electric vehicles come with a standard Level 1 charger.

No specific installation required; plugs into a typical 120-volt, three-pronged household outlet
Adds approximately 25-40 miles of range over an eight-hour overnight charge, depending on the vehicle and driving efficiency
Best for low-mileage drivers or plug-in hybrids

Level 2 EV Chargers

Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240-volt circuit, similar to what powers an electric water heater.

Significantly faster charging than Level 1
Requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit
Available in power ranges from 20 to 80 amps, depending on vehicle and electrical capacity (Most homeowners install 40-amp or 60-amp chargers)
Ideal for daily drivers and fully electric vehicles

Do You Need an Electrical Upgrade for a Home EV Charger?

Before installing any charger, especially a Level 2 charger, it’s important to confirm your home’s electrical system can safely support the added load. For instance, many Maine homes, especially older houses, may require a panel upgrade, load calculation, or energy management solution to meet electrical code and ensure safe operation.

One of our licensed electricians at MSS Electric can evaluate your system and recommend the right approach for your home.

Can You Charge an Electric Vehicle with Solar Power?

Yes, electric vehicles can absolutely be charged using solar energy.

Your EV charger functions like any other electrical load in your home. Therefore, a properly designed solar array can usually offset your entire household electricity usage, including your electric car charger. By combining and EV charger with a home solar electric system, homeowners can:

Eliminate gasoline costs
Reduce or stabilize electricity expenses
Power their vehicle with clean, renewable energy

This combination creates a sustainable transportation and energy solution with long-term financial benefits.

Is a Home EV Charger Right for You?

If you own an electric vehicle — or plan to purchase one — installing a home EV charger is a smart investment. It provides convenience, cost savings, and flexibility, and it pairs seamlessly with solar energy systems for maximum cost savings and sustainability.

In conclusion, whether you’re looking for a fast Level 2 charger or exploring solar-power EV charging options, a professionally installed home car charger ensures safe, reliable charging for years to come. Reach out to our team of Maine-based licensed electricians to learn more about EV chargers and whether adding one might be right for you.