FACTS
EV Chargers
Congratulations! You’ve just bought an electric vehicle (EV). Let’s keep that
beautiful new car of yours charged up, so here’s a straightforward guide. EV
chargers come in three levels, each with distinct capabilities.
Understanding the EV Battery Life
An EV battery typically ranges from 40 to 100 kilowatt hours (kWh) and up to 200 kwh for pickup trucks and SUVs. The average energy consumption of EVs on the market is about 2.6-3.3 miles/kWh depending on the car’s efficiency. For example, a 40 kWh car with a 3.8 mi/kWh efficiency provides a range of 150 miles on a full charge. Larger batteries provide a longer driving range and take more time to recharge. Select the suitable EV battery size for your car based on its range during winter in Colorado as the range can drop in cold temperatures by 20-30%. To maximize battery life over many years, it is recommended to keep the charge between 20% and 80%, drive on a regular basis, and limit fast charging.
The Basics of EV Chargers
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Level 1: Residential. Standard 20-amp, 110-volt wall outlet. No install cost to car owner. 7-8 mi/hr.
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Level 2: Residential/Commercial. Up to 80-amp, 240-volt connection also used by electric dryers and stovetops. $700-$800 for charger, $700-$1,000 install (if no electric panel upgrades are needed.).
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Level 3: Commercial. Public fast charging station. 100-amp, 480-volt. 3-15 mi/min.
Level 2 Charger Installation
It's the preferred option for many EV owners who drive frequently to use a Level 2 charger. Chargers are available in various amperage ratings, with 32, 40, and 48 amps being the most common. These chargers require a dedicated 240-volt circuit and need to be accommodated by a larger spare amp circuit breaker in your electrical panel. If your electric panel is not meeting current code requirements or is limited on spare amp capacity, electric upgrade costs may range from $2,000-7,000 depending on the panel size. Always work with a certified electrician and the city’s permit department.
Most Level 2 chargers come with a smartphone app for easy control. The chargers should be programmable to Xcel’s time-of-use tariff structure to save you costs and be eligible for rebates. The charger installation improves the value of your home to future buyers. Golden’s current building codes require accommodations for electric vehicle chargers in all new buildings.
How Much Does an EV the Charge Save you Compared to a Gasoline Car?
Your EV saves you annually hundreds of dollars. Consider the following example that you can customize easily for your specific situation:
