There’s no doubt that electric vehicles (EVs) are on the upswing, but is one right for you? That probably depends on where you live and what kind of driving you do.
Electric Vehicles for Business and Commercial Use
According to industry sources, 90% of commercial fleet managers believe electric vehicles are the wave of the future. From passenger cars to delivery trucks and service vans, electric vehicles are available in sizes and configurations to fit most business needs. They can put in a full day’s work and charge up overnight to be ready to go again in the morning.
Of course that means the business needs heavy-duty charging stations to service the fleet’s power needs since offsite charging is impractical for most applications due to time and cost considerations.
Fortunately, Allstar Electrical Services has a number of choices for commercial charging stations and the experienced staff to install them. You can learn more about commercial vehicle charging stations on the Allstar Electrical website.
Electric Vehicles for Personal Use
From commuters to soccer moms to sporty types, the variety of electric-powered vehicles is blossoming. And with skyrocketing gasoline and diesel prices, you may be giving EVs a more serious look. But is an EV the right choice for you?
Choosing an EV for personal use involves some practical considerations. Where do you live? How will you use it?
The first two things to look at are where you park and how far you drive.
Most personal EVs have a range of 300-400 miles on a full charge. That’s fine for several days of light use. But if your commute is long or you plan a road trip, charging can become a daily (or hourly) routine. That’s when where you live comes into play.
If you have a personal garage or carport, a low-output home charging station offers convenient overnight charging capability. If you live in a multi-unit building, that may not be so easy. Some parking garages may have charging stations, as may some business lots, and if access to them is easy, you may be fine. But practically speaking, it could also be a logistical nightmare. You’re more likely to need to use a commercial charging station, just like you fill up at a gas station, and that can be expensive and time-consuming—presuming you can even find one.
While commercial filling stations for EVs are becoming more common, they’re not plentiful yet so maybe a gas-powered vehicle is a better choice, at least for the time being. As battery technology improves and faster charging evolves, though, you may have better options soon, so don’t despair, just be patient.
Getting Your Personal Charging Station
Denver and many other cities require most new residential construction to include conduit and service for 240-volt EV charging stations, so if you’re buying new, you may already have what you need to pull wiring easily and economically. But unless an EV charging option is already installed, there’s more work to do.
Installing EV charging stations for existing structures requires running conduit and wiring on a separate GFCI-protected circuit to an outlet, typically in a garage. It can involve panel upgrades and adding extra electrical service as well, especially in older homes. If your garage or carport isn’t attached, it could also require burying a new line from your service entrance. Even if your builder has run conduit, adding a 240-volt line and an EV outlet requires a permit and professional installation.
Home EV Chargers Save Money—and Add Value, too
Don’t let the one-time cost of installing an EV charging station in your home put you off. If you see an electric car or truck in your future, it’s worth it. It lets you charge your vehicle(s) conveniently at home, avoiding the hassle and expense of commercial charging stations. Plus, since you’ll probably be charging your EV overnight, you’ll be buying electricity at off-peak rates instead of higher daytime prices (and without markups for overhead and profits).
Plus, it adds value to your home when it comes time to sell.
Allstar Electrical Services has installed dozens of EV charging stations in homes, parking garages, and at businesses with multiple EV fleets. We’ve helped Coloradans increase efficiency while adding comfort and convenience to their homes and businesses for over 20 years.
To learn more about home charging stations and the many ways upgraded electric services and emerging technologies can improve your home or business, schedule an appointment our website or give us a call at 303.399.7420.