How to Prepare Your Home for an Electric Vehicle

When you purchase a new car, preparing your home to make way for the new arrival usually isn’t on the agenda. However, knowing how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle is imperative for an EV or hybrid. Don’t worry – your electric vehicle preparation doesn’t require any major construction. 

When you purchase a new car, preparing your home to make way for the new arrival usually isn’t on the agenda. However, knowing how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle is imperative for an EV or hybrid. Don’t worry – your electric vehicle preparation doesn’t require any major construction.

For most Shelby EV owners, the process mostly entails brainstorming and checking a couple of components around your home. It might seem like too much work just to purchase a new vehicle, but when you weigh the pros and cons of purchasing an EV or hybrid, the extra prep work is worth the additional benefits you reap. Browse our electric and hybrid inventory to get an idea of your options, then contact us for a test drive! In the meantime, here’s an idea of what you’re in store for before and after your purchase. 

1. Electric Vehicle Charging Station Settings

Before deciding on what type of electric vehicle charging station settings work best, you must be aware of the different levels. Consider the following options: 

• Level 1 EV charging can take days to fully charge a vehicle.
• Level 2 on an electric vehicle charging station only requires two or three hours to charge your vehicle thoroughly. In many cases, you can get between 60 and 200 miles of range in just 30 minutes with Level 2 charging. Many people find that quick “top-off” charging mixed with overnight charging is the most efficient way to recharge an EV. 

2. Clear Garage Space

To prepare your home for an electric vehicle, you’ll need a designated space cleared out in your garage. If you have a two-car garage, preparing one-half for your new EV should be sufficient. You must ensure that you have a power panel close enough to install your new electric vehicle charging station. 

3. Locate Your Power Panel and Estimate Consumption

Most Ashland homeowners have a 100 Amp power panel for their homes. However, the amperage rating printed on your main circuit breaker can help verify this. You need a pretty accurate idea of how much electricity you currently use in your home before installing your new electric vehicle charging station so you don’t overload the distribution panel.

4. Find and Hire an Electrician

Next, find a Galion electrician that’s well reviewed. If possible, look for signs or testimonials showing proof of experience when installing an electric vehicle charging station. Inform them you need to prepare your home for an electric vehicle and a dedicated 240-volt plug or a hardwired circuit running back to the main panel. Assuming your power panel doesn’t need an upgrade, this should only cost you about $200 out of pocket. 

5. Purchase Your Electric Vehicle Charging Station and Install

Purchase your electric vehicle charging station and have the tech you contacted install the unit. Now you can receive your electric vehicle, and charging batteries won’t be an issue because of your preparations. 

Contact Spitzer Motors of Mansfield CDJR for More EV Information

At Spitzer Motors of Mansfield CDJR, we can help you get the plug-in model of your choice and help you prepare your home for an electric vehicle. Make sure you have a firm understanding of what qualifies as an EV and what qualifies as a hybrid. If you already have a model in mind, custom order your new EV, and prepare for your transition to more efficient living with Spitzer Motors of Mansfield CDJR of Ontario!