The Complete Guide to Electric Car Charger Installation

Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity as a sustainable alternative to ICE-powered cars. As more people adopt EVs, the need for accessible charging infrastructure becomes increasingly important. This article will cover everything about EV chargers—how they work, the different levels and types, charging speeds, factors that affect charging, the benefits of installing chargers, and more. 

So, let's get started.

Cost of EV Charging Station

Installing electric vehicle charging stations is worthwhile. Stores and restaurants might put them in to bring in more customers who need to charge up. Cities and towns could also set some up for people to use. That way, more people can start driving EVs, which will help the environment. Plus, workplaces could put in charging stations so employees with electric cars have a place to plug in during the day. 

That's a nice perk that can attract talent. Therefore, EV charging stations have a lot of upsides that make them a smart investment for many types of businesses and organizations.

Public Charging Station Costs

Anyone can set up a public electric vehicle charging station (PCS). The government has removed licensing requirements to encourage more PCS infrastructure. If you want to install a station, it must meet certain performance standards in government guidelines. 

The main costs involved in setting up a station are land, the charging equipment itself, installation, staffing and maintenance, advertising, and paying for the electrical infrastructure and power usage. This includes getting a new electrical connection, transformer, cables, meters, etc. 

The good news is that central and state governments offer various incentives and subsidies to lower these costs and make setting up an EV charging station more feasible and affordable. So be sure to look into available grants and rebates in your area to reduce the overall investment required. With some help, setting up a station is less costly than you think.

EV Charger Home Installation Tips

1. Evaluate Electrical Capacity and Charging Needs

• Assess your home’s main electrical service panel amperage rating as well as the available spare capacity to determine what power level EV charger your infrastructure can support 

• Consider your driving habits and typical daily mileage to help choose the appropriate charger power level (higher for long commutes)

• Factor in needs both immediately and for potential future vehicle upgrades or additional household electrical demand

2. Determine Optimal Location 

• Ideal to install it close to the main electrical panel to minimise wire runs/cost

• Additionally, choose a spot near a designated parking location to allow conveniently plugging the EV directly into the charger

• Ensure sufficient space around the charger for safe operation, door opening, ventilation, etc.

• Consider lighting needs for safe nighttime plug-in if the parking location has minimal existing illumination

3. Select Qualified Electrician

• Choose a licensed electrician familiar with local codes and safety practices for EV infrastructure

• Verify they have completed manufacturer training for the specific charger equipment selected

• Review options for weatherproofing wiring and mounting based on environmental exposure

4. Schedule Electrical Upgrades if Needed

• Upgrading the main panel and wiring gauge to handle added load may be required depending on the age of the existing infrastructure

• Coordinate adding a new dedicated circuit with an appropriate amperage rating for the charger model capacity  

• This may also entail increasing utility service to the home if extra capacity is limited

5. Obtain Permits

• Local permits ensure code compliance and safety of all electrical infrastructure changes

• The electrician will typically file required permits for panel upgrades and EV charger wiring on the homeowner’s behalf

6. Charger Installation 

• The electrician runs wiring from the main panel through the protective conduit to the terminal location

• The charger is securely wall or pedestal-mounted with consideration of connectivity for smartphone activation

• Additional sockets and protective housing may be installed for convenience

7. Testing and Activation

• The electrician performs final safety checks for correct wiring, grounding, and functionality

• WiFi connectivity is enabled to allow remote monitoring of charging activity and schedules

8. Adjust the Smart Charging Schedule

• For optimal electrical rates and providing grid services, delayed charging schedules align usage.  

• Set preferences through the smartphone app or charger portal to start charging in the overnight hours.

• Similarly, smaller, more frequent sessions instead of single large ones smooth demand.

How Electric Car Chargers Work

EV charging stations supply electric power to charge an EV’s battery pack. A charger station has hardware components to distribute charge current to the car's inlet safely. Inside the car, an onboard charger converts the AC current into DC power that charges the battery. The vehicle’s dash and charging networks show real-time charge status and time to full charge. Smartphone apps also allow monitoring and preheating or precooling while still plugged in.

Types of EV Chargers

There are two main types of car chargers suited for the Indian market: AC chargers and DC chargers.

AC Chargers

AC chargers supply alternating current electricity from the power grid to the vehicle. Power output ranges from slow overnight Level 1 charger to high-power Level 3 chargers:

• Level 1: Low power <3.3kW, Typically use household 120V AC socket; Slow charging

• Level 2: Medium power <22kW, Requires dedicated 240V outlet; 5-10x faster than Level 1

• Level 3: High power <100kW, Also called DC Fast Charging; Rapid 20-30min charges   

DC Chargers

Deliver direct current straight to the battery. This enables high charge rates unattainable from AC alone:

• 50-350kW output for faster charging enabled by high-power offboard DC rectifiers connected to medium voltage grid power lines  

• Compatible with newer long-range EVs equipped with high-voltage DC battery systems

• 30-60min charge time for ~80% battery

Components of EV charging

1. Charger Unit - This is the main controller that communicates with the EV, determines the battery level, and delivers electricity from the grid to the battery. It controls the whole charging process.

2. Charging Cable - The cable connects the charger unit to the charging port of the electric vehicle. For fast chargers, the cable is permanently attached. For slower Level 2 chargers, the cable can be detachable. 

3. Electric Socket - The charger plugs into an electric socket, which links the system to the electrical grid supply. Home or workplace chargers typically use a 240V outlet. Fast chargers require a 480V high-powered socket

4. Battery Management System - Inside the EV, the battery management system monitors individual battery cells and regulates the incoming electric current from the charger

5. Software/Communication Protocols - Software enables communication between the charger, electric vehicle, grid, and networked charging platforms to coordinate charging sessions.

Benefits of Electric Car Charger Installation 

Installing EV charging systems, whether at home, in public parking areas, or along highway routes, provides key benefits on both personal and societal levels:

1. Provides Flexibility & Convenience

More charging options allow EV owners to tackle daily commutes and long-distance travel needs better. Home and workplace chargers deliver overnight and mid-day charging to drivers when parked for hours anyway. Readily available public and fast charging offer to charge back up for urban drivers and out-of-town trips.  

2. Lowers Energy Costs  

Charging electric mobility from the electric grid proves far cheaper than paying for comparable amounts of gasoline. Home charging leverages economical overnight electricity rates. Daytime workplace charging also saves money over midday gas fill-ups. And as renewable sources expand the grid mix, the lifetime costs versus gas vehicles decline further.  

3. Promotes Sustainable Development

Phasing conventional cars out for zero-emission EVs utilising a greening electric grid effectively addresses rising urban air pollution.  Charging flexibility supplied by advanced charging networks also improves grid reliability through smart charging strategies.

Conclusion

Modern electric vehicles can meet over 90% of the daily mobility needs of Indian drivers. While early EV adoption saw range anxiety as a key deterrence, the reality remains that affordable EVs today already carry enough battery capacity for daily commuting and basic long-distance travel. Maturing home, workplace, public, and highway fast charging options also now enable the anytime, anywhere capability drivers expect. An expanding charging infrastructure delivering convenience and lower operating costs continues to address early apprehension. 

Undeniably, the clear societal benefits also build a compelling case for drivers considering the switch from diesel burners to emissions-free electric mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions and their answers related to the Electric Car Charger Installation

Q1. What are the differences between electric and conventional cars? 

EVs run on electricity stored in batteries; conventional cars use fuel and engines. EVs have no emissions and lower operating costs.

Q2. How do EV charging stations work?

They supply electricity to charge the car's battery safely. Onboard chargers convert AC to DC to fill up the battery pack.

Q3. What are the different charging levels and speeds?

Level 1 is slowest using household plugs. Level 2 is faster on 240V. DC fast charging gives 80% charge in under an hour.

Q4. What factors affect how fast an EV charges?  

The battery size and age, temperature, and charging equipment power. New EVs with big batteries charge the quickest.

Q5. Should I install an EV charger at home?

Yes, it allows overnight charging. Get one matching your electrical capacity and daily mileage needs.  

Q6. Where should I install my home EV charger?

Installing the EV charger near your parking space and electrical panel minimises costs. Ensure sufficient space around it for convenience and ventilation.

Q7. What upgrades might my home need for a charger? 

Upgraded electrical panel and wiring suited for the charger amp load. Higher utility service if there is minimal spare capacity.

Q8. Who should install my home EV charger?

Choose an experienced electrician familiar with codes for EV infrastructure. Confirm proper manufacturer training for the model.

Q9. What permits do I need to install an EV charger?

Your electrician will file the required permits for electrical work like panel upgrades and new charger wiring with the local authorities. 

Q10. Should I set a schedule for home EV charging?  

Delayed overnight charging takes advantage of lower electric rates and avoids straining the neighbourhood's electrical infrastructure.

Explore more:

• Electric vehicle (EV) charging

• Types of Car Batteries

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Safety Tips

• EV Charging Standards