How to choose an electric car charging station

As gas prices continue to rise and people look for more ways to reduce their environmental footprint, the popularity of electric vehicles increases. If you decide to purchase one, you may also want to install an at-home charging station so you can easily recharge your car’s battery. Fortunately, Confort Expert’s expert electricians offer this service to customers in the Greater Montreal area. Here are Our expert electricians have come up with three things you should consider if you want to get your own charging station.

1. Voltage rating

Your charging station’s voltage rating will determine how fast you can charge your electric car’s battery. Most electric vehicles come with a Level 1 portable charger that can be plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet. However, they charge very slowly. Level 2 charging stations are commonly used at roadside stops and use 240-volts. They charge almost twice as fast as Level 1 charging stations. Level 3 charging stations are the fastest because they use 400 volts. However, they aren’t suitable for residential use.

2. Amperage limit

Charging stations typically have somewhere from 15 to 50 amps. In theory, a charging station with a higher amperage will charge your car’s battery faster. However, each electric vehicle has its own amperage limit. For example, if your electric car can only handle a maximum of 30 amps, there’s no point in purchasing a charging station that’s rated for 50 amps. Therefore, it’s important to check the amperage limit on your car before making your choice.

3. Cable length

Most charging cables are between 2.5 and 7.5 metres long. To determine how long your charging cable needs to be, measure the distance between where you plan to install your charging station and where you typically park your vehicle. This may seem like a small detail, but you don’t want to end up with a cable that doesn’t reach your car.

If you need help choosing a charging station for your vehicle, the team at Confort Expert can assist you.

Confort Expert provides electrical and HVAC services

Did you recently purchase an electric vehicle and now need a charging station? Whether it’s for a single-family home or a multi-unit building, the installers at Confort Expert in the Greater Montreal area can help you set it up. Our electricians will come to your home, assess your needs and provide you with an estimate. They’ll also determine if your electrical panel can accommodate a new charging station. Contact us for more information.