An electric vehicle is a cost-saving, eco-friendly option for commuting to and from your destination. With the rising fuel prices and the growing carbon emissions, the electric vehicle, in reality, saves more than just money.
When purchasing an electric vehicle, there are other factors to consider, like where the car will be charged. Hiring a specialist for the installation would ensure that it is done professionally and within local area regulations.
Electric vehicle charger installation services provide customers with a broad selection of advanced charging systems and layout factors that users need to consider when installing an EV charger.
These factors include the available brands, performance, features, and whether the user’s electrical service can take the additional load of the EV charger.
Before the installation, the builder (general contractor) should have a clear picture of how, when, and where it will be done. Here are some guidelines for builders to ensure that the electric vehicle charger installation runs smoothly:
Table of Contents
Analyze The Project
The general contractor would have to send a representative to speak to the vehicle owner about the various aspects involved in the project.
The meeting is usually at the property where the electric vehicle charger install will take place so the site analysis can be done simultaneously. The representative will evaluate where the best possible location for the installation would be.
This evaluation would include determining if the site is safe for installation, with lighting and security considered. The contractor would also look for the closest utility outlets and see they are in good condition for use.
The proper kind of installation is where three levels of chargers could be used. The level 1 charger does not need any particular structure, except where no utility outlet is available near the car’s storage area.
In this case, electrical contractors would have to install a power outlet to use with the level 1 charger. The level 1 chargers would work directly with the standard 120V power from the outlet.
When opting for level 2 chargers, more parts of the installation would be complete, including running a 240V line directly from the circuit breaker board. The higher volts ensure that the electric vehicle charger has a higher output, and the car will take a shorter charging time.
Level 3 electric vehicle chargers are run on direct currents and are commonly used by commercial properties and industrial settings. Unfortunately, these fast chargers are not available for residential use at the moment.
Check Out Various Contractors
The installation is not as simple as one would imagine, with many different contractors involved in the project.
The general contractor would have to liaise with electrical, landscaping, and civil contractors to have each component done precisely.
Electrical contractors would take care of the planning around the electrical components. Meanwhile, the landscaping specialists would have to cover the tracks of the civil contractors if they need to dig a new trench for the electrical or security features.
Having a multi-skilled team to take care of the installation may be the best way of ensuring complete and lasting results.
Be Open To Integration Of Ideas
The general contractor would recommend the best solutions for the electric vehicle owner. Which type of charger would they need, advice on where the best possible installation site would be, and the required electrical source would be discussed with the owner. From here, a final plan could be drawn up.
To be more specific, the clients would need to decide if they want a tethered charger or an untethered one. A tethered charger has a cable, whereas an untethered one doesn’t have a cable. With a tethered charger, there’s less fuss. On the other hand, an untethered charger connects to pretty much any type of electric car.
When integrating an EV charger, EV chargers have tons of features that are compatible with solar panels and other fixtures or systems. In addition, as the clients will see their EV chargers on their walls every day after all, they might as well get something they find aesthetically pleasing to match the home’s interior.
Getting a smart charger is also a good idea to integrate into properties. These chargers are internet-connected to communicate with the EV vehicle and with the grid. Smart chargers work out the most affordable, most energy-efficient times to charge an EV car, saving money and helping the environment.
Complete The Paperwork
Before the installation can start, the electric vehicle owner has to take care of the paperwork. The general contractor will have their own set of documents to be filled in.
The local area authorities could also request some documentation to approve the installation. The general contractor is also tasked to advise various channels upon completion of all paperwork.
Purchase The Materials
As soon as the installation project has been approved, the general contractor and his team can start purchasing and gathering the necessary installation materials.
These materials could include electric cables, the charging mechanism, screws, and other materials to ensure a secure installation.
Each of the contractors has the responsibility to source and use the best quality materials during the project and check that they are appropriately used throughout.
Making Connections
With proper guidance and thorough planning, electric vehicle chargers could be done quickly. Guide the vehicle owner through the whole process by explaining each step in detail. This way, the owner would make an informed decision and be able to assist with the installation where needed.
During the planning phase, look for any areas that could pose a challenge and have a plan for these. The client would have a set budget for the installation, so the responsible thing to do is to get the best equipment that would fall be within that budget.
An installation done correctly and professionally is sure to last for a very long time. A job well done always equates to a happy customer, so work on that principle from here onwards. Let this article be your guide toward a successful electric vehicle charger installation.
