Charging Electric Vehicles Where You Live

Charging electric vehicles where you live is easy and convenient.   There are two options for charging electric vehicles at residental garages and parking spots.  The choice of charging method depends on daily driving needs and the capacity of the electrical system at the residence.

Installation of Charging Connections.   Any licensed electrician can install outlets or charging stations.  Check with your city or county to find out about requirements for building permits.    If possible, charging stations should be installed on a circuit breaker with the maximum capacity for the unit to provide flexibility in using time-of-use electricity rates and to accomodate future cars with faster charging times.

Standard Household Outlet.   Nearly all electric vehicles - cars, motorcycles, and bicycles can be charged by plugging in to a standard 120 volt household outlet (NEMA 5-15).  The amount of time required for a full charge varies by the capacity of the vehicle’s battery.   Most electric cars will store enough energy to travel about 4 to 5 miles for each hour that the car is plugged in.  If you drive less than 40 miles per day this may be all you need.

240 Volt Charging Connections.  Electric cars can be charged more quickly with a 240 volt charging station or using a 240 volt outlet.    Charging stations are referred to as EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment).  Depending on the car and the capacity of the connection, EVs can store enough energy to travel up to 52 miles for each hour that the car is plugged in to a 240 volt connection.  Most EV drivers with garages or dedicated parking spaces will install an EVSE or Tesla High Power Wall Connector, but a 240 volt outlet can also be used for some cars and adapters for outlets are available for most cars.  Charging stations can be permanently wired or some can be plugged in to NEMA 14-50 outlets.

Condominiums & Apartments.   California law prohibits condominium associations from prohibiting members from installing electric vehicle charging statements and establishes some requirements for the condo owners who wish to install EV charging stations.   Section 4745 of the Davis-Stirling Act specifies the EV charging station provisions for condominiums.  http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=4745.&lawCode=CIV

Installing Wireless Charging.  Wireless charging can be installed for some EVs.  The driver simply parks the specially equipped EV over a small charging pad in the parking space and the car is charged without the use of a cable.  Go to  https://www.pluglesspower.com for more information about purchase and installation.

Residential Charging Stations.  Residential charging stations are available online, from car manufacturers and dealers, and home improvement stores. Some sources are:

Tesla - https://shop.tesla.com/us/en/product/vehicle-accessories/model-s_x_3-wall-connector.html

ClipperCreek  - http://www.clippercreek.com

Juice Box - http://www.emotorwerks.com    

Webasto  - http://store.evsolutions.com/av-home-ev-charging-stations-c13.aspx

Residential charging stations with stndard J-1772 connector.   Works for all electric cars.

Tesla High Power Wall Connector for all Tesla cars except original Roadster

NEMA 14-50

240 volt Outlet  

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