As gas prices continue to rise, so does the demand for electric vehicles (EVs). People want to switch to a vehicle that doesn’t cost them an arm and a leg to “fill up.” And having a home EV charger adds a whole new level of convenience.
But what does this mean for the electrical contractors who install the chargers for these vehicles? Whether EV chargers will be the everyday service call or an occasional job, we must be ready to provide proper power and know all the little tricks of the trade when it comes to the installation of this equipment.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when pricing and installing EV chargers.
- Stay up to date on the cost of wire. Most EV chargers require at least a 50A to 60A capacity. The market price of this cable is expensive, so count every foot.
- Help lead the client toward picking a charger that will charge the car faster than 12 to 14 hours. We have seen that people think they want to go cheap on the EV charger install, but, in the end, complain about charging times. Therefore, I would suggest a Level 2 or even better, a Level 3 charger.
- Most chargers require copper wire only, so don’t make the mistake of running aluminum circuitry thinking you are saving money. You will just end up voiding the warranty on the unit.
- Install the charging unit in a place that will not get hit by the actual vehicle while also in an accessible location.
- Make sure the service is large enough to provide power to a large charging unit. This means 60A or more added to the overall power consumption on the main service.
- With efficiency top of mind, now would be a good time to suggest other cost-saving solutions. Occupancy sensors, lighting dimmers, LED bulb conversion, and smart home add-ons can be some of the topics of discussion.
- Remember to educate the client on the unit. They are trusting us to be the experts. Sometimes, it may even help to guide the client toward the best charger or at least present options for the client to consider.
- Article 625 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) should be referenced when installing vehicle charging stations. Remember to follow all applicable codes from your local jurisdiction.
The jury is still out on the longevity of EV charger equipment or the hazards associated with them, so follow all safety protocols while installing these units. As the years pass, we will continue to learn more about what to expect.
Gerald Talbot is a licensed, master electrician in Georgia, where he was born and raised. He has been in the industry for 22 years and is currently the operations manager for Mister Sparky Atlanta, where he manages a team of technicians. In his spare time, he plays with his kids, volunteers, and enjoys flipping houses. He can be reached at [email protected].
