More people have been thinking of trying to switch from oil-dependent vehicles to electric cars. However, many of the same individuals are also intimidated by the numbers of gas vs. charging stations available near them. While this might not be a problem in larger cities, more rural locations can run into charging issues. This is why charging your vehicle at home is so important. Around 88% of electric vehicle drivers refuel at home or at work.

Depending on your car, you might need different levels of charge. A level 1 charger uses wall sockets in the average home. However, 1 charge could take about 22 hours to complete. A level 2 charger is a little better. It works with a 240-volt wall outlet and can give you around 70 miles per charging hour. You can use the same outlet as your washer and dryer, but having a dedicated outlet for your car can help you prevent potential problems from alternating electricity flows.

A level 3 charger is the fastest and most efficient option for charging an electric car. Level 3 chargers, also called DC fast chargers, use a special charging port to get power to the battery while bypassing the car’s onboard charger. With this kind of station, you can fully charge your vehicle in a half hour.

Worried about the cost? Some electric vehicles are eligible for a tax credit from the federal government. Internal Revenue Code Section 30D provides a credit for qualified plug-in electric cars if they were purchased after December 31, 2009. See the IRS website for more information.

If you would like to install a charger, you’ll need to call an electrician to get the job done safely. Contact our Marietta electricians at Lightning Bug Electric for a free estimate. We are available around the clock, and our technicians are both professional and reliable. Trust our 25 years of experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Call us at (404) 471-3847 or fill out our online form to request a service today.