What to Expect from Our EV Charger Installation Services
If you're searching for an EV electrician near me, you may have noticed that not all electric car charger installation services are created equally. This is a big project, so when it comes to Colorado Springs EV charger installation, local business owners and homeowners need to know that the installation will be completed safely, correctly and on schedule. Our team will take care of every step from start to finish, including initial and start-up inspections.
Regardless of the level of charge point you're having installed, electric car charger installation will put a strain on your current electrical system, and that means you will likely need an electrical panel upgrade as well to ensure your system can handle the additional demand for power easily and safely. We'll take care of any necessary panel and wiring upgrades while we're handling your Colorado Springs EV charger installation.
Initial Inspections
When you hire a capable, licensed electrician from Mr. Electric, you never have to worry that your Colorado Springs EV charger installation will be done incorrectly and cause damage to your vehicle or electrical system. We will complete a thorough inspection of your EVSE and the installation site before we begin to make sure everything is in good working order and the equipment is properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Electrical System Upgrades
Your EV charging point installer will also take care of the electrical capacity and circuit breaker panel upgrades needed to bring your system up to speed with a dedicated 40-amp, 240-volt circuit with 8-AWG wiring that will support a 240-V Level 2 charging station. We have the years of experience and training necessary to make sure your electrical panel upgrades and wiring are installed safely and conform to both National Electric Code requirements as well as local safety and building codes in Colorado Springs.
Electric Car Charger Installation
Once the initial inspection is complete and your electrical system is ready and capable of supplying adequate power, it's time to take care of the Colorado Springs EV charger installation service. You can rest assured that our team has the experience and skill necessary to make sure your electric car charger installation is handled correctly. We understand the importance of safe, proper installation methods that will protect both your electric vehicle and your household from any potential harm.
Start-Up Inspections
Finally, you can rely on your professional electrician to perform a start-up inspection to ensure everything is working perfectly after Colorado Springs EV charger installation and to offer you all the information you need on the correct usage of your electric vehicle supply equipment, as well as equipment features, required maintenance, warranty terms and more.
Choose Mr. Electric of Colorado Springs
As a locally owned and operated business in Colorado Springs, our experienced electricians are proud to be a part of our beautiful community. Having a safe and functional electrical system at home is of utmost importance. As your go-to electrician, we’re committed to providing trusted electrical services, ensuring that your power source is safe and contributes to a sustainable future. From ensuring safety to energy savings, Mr. Electric is here to help you complete a wide range of electrical projects, such as GFCI outlet service, smoke detector replacement, spa installation, electrical remodeling, and EVSE charger installation in Colorado Springs.
Contact our team today to learn more about what we have to offer to Colorado Springs and the nearby neighborhoods of Falcon, Black Forest, and Stratmoor.
FAQs About Colorado Springs EV Charger Installation
What Does EVSE Mean?
EVSE is an acronym that stands for electric vehicle supply equipment, and it refers to the electric vehicle (EV) chargers that power up electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric-gasoline vehicles. The equipment is also referred to as an EV charging station, electric recharging point, or just charging point. EVSE comes with a number of built-in safety features that prevent your car or electrical system from being damaged.
What Are the EVSE Charger Levels?
There are three basic levels of EV charging equipment, and it is helpful to understand the differences before you dive into the advantages of Colorado Springs EV chargers installation.
- Level 1: This is the basic EVSE that comes standard with many types of electric vehicles. It doesn't need to be installed because all you have to do is plug it into a regular three-prong wall outlet. The downside is that it's only capable of slow charging—an 8-hour overnight charging session may not be enough, as some EVs can take up to 20 hours to charge with a Level 1 charger.
- Level 2: This is a more advanced electric vehicle charger model that requires a dedicated 240v outlet, so it does require a professional electrician to take care of Colorado Springs EV charger installation. A Level 2 EV charger installation is much faster than a Level 1 charging station and is capable of completely powering up your car within approximately three hours.
- Level 3: These stand-alone stations are mainly used for public charging stations made available by municipalities and large businesses. They are very fast and can add a surprising 160 miles of range in just 30 minutes. However, they require an industrial-level power draw, so they aren't suitable for residences, but they can be installed at some industrial commercial properties.
Because of the ratio of relatively fast charging speeds in exchange for a reasonable electricity draw, a Level 2 EV charger installation is the best choice for most homeowners and business owners in Colorado Springs. However, some businesses with increased needs, such as a company with a fleet of electric vehicles or a large parking garage, can absolutely benefit from a Level 3 station.
What Are the Advantages of Residential Colorado Springs EV Charger Installation?
Are you searching for an “EV home charger installation near me”? There are some huge advantages to having a Level 2 residential charging station installed at your Colorado Springs home. You can save money and time, and it offers increased safety for you and your property. Here are some of the ways that homeowners can benefit from professional Colorado Springs EV charger installation:
- Greater Convenience: We probably don't need to tell you that powering up your vehicle at home within three hours is a lot more convenient than waiting 20+ hours for an inadequate EVSE to do the job or driving to a public location in Colorado Springs so you can add a few miles of range before you can head to work or take care of errands. Once our electricians handle Colorado Springs EV installation services for a Level 2 device, you'll be able to get a convenient charge overnight or during the day without ever needing to worry that your car won't have enough juice to get you where you want to go.
- More Cost-Effective: When you need to drive to a second location away from your home to use EVSE, you are paying time and money as well as adding stress to your day. While the cost of Colorado Springs EV charger installation is an upfront expense, you'll recover that money over time by not having to use a public charging station. The use of a residential EVSE will cause a slight uptick in your average power rates, but the cost of power will still be less than you would need to pay to use a public charger in Colorado Springs, not to mention getting to and from the public EVSE. In addition, your local utility company may offer a charging station rebate for installing a Level 2 charger at your residence.
- Safer for You and Your EV: Snug in your garage is the safest place for your car or truck. Charging at public EVSE stations leaves your property exposed to the same risks that can occur when you park your car on any street or in a parking garage in Colorado Springs, such as vandalism, theft and damage from harsh weather, wildlife or other natural elements. When you have access to fast, effective home charging power from a Colorado Springs EV charger installation, you reduce the risk of something happening to your vehicle or yourself.
Can I Get a Grant or Tax Incentive for Commercial EV Charger Installation in Colorado Springs?
Looking for ways to offset Colorado Springs EV charger installation costs at a publicly accessible commercial business? Charge Ahead Colorado, which is a program jointly administered by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) and Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC), offers grants for community-based Level 2 or Level 3 EV charger installation. The grants are designed to improve air quality, increase driving range, encourage EV deployment across Colorado and support the implementation of the Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan. You may also be able to access a federal tax credit that covers 30% of the cost of EVSE and EV charger installation up to $30,000.
Can Getting a Colorado Springs EV Charger Installation Increase My Property Value?
If you're looking for ways to add value to your residential or commercial property in Colorado Springs, EV charger installation should be a key consideration. If you're thinking of selling your house or business in the next few years, this is a perk that more and more prospective buyers will be looking for in the near future. Business owners that install electric vehicle supply equipment right now can take advantage of grants and rebates offered for those upgrades. By getting in early when there are incentive options available, you can get a much better return on investment when EVSE stations are a standard business amenity that every business owner in Colorado Springs wants and needs on their property.
What is a "Smart" EV Charger Installation?
If you've been considering a Level 2 Colorado Springs EV charger installation, you've likely come across the option to have a smart charging station installed—but what does that mean, exactly? Basically, a smart Level 2 charger comes with some additional capabilities that have to do with connectivity. That allows you to control your electric car charger from your smartphone and gives you access to data reports that can help to inform your decision-making and potentially even save you some money by prompting you to schedule charging during times when energy rates are at the lowest point. Depending on your electric company, you may also be eligible for rebates or incentives that are only offered to those with a Colorado Springs EV charger installation that features "smart" connectivity.
Do All Electric Vehicles Have the Same Type of Plug?
There is a uniform standard for electric vehicle connectors for Level 1 and 2 chargers, which is called J1772. Almost all electric cars and trucks on the market today conform to this universal wall connector standard, and that makes it easier to select a charger without worrying that it will match up with your vehicle.
What Are the Best Practices for Protecting My Battery While Using an EV Charger?
Like any chargeable battery, there's a right way and a less-than-ideal way to go about charging the battery for your electric vehicle. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using your Colorado Springs EV charger installation:
- Maintain the Right Amount of Charge: The ideal "zone" for the level of charge on your battery actually isn't 100% as many people assume—it's somewhere between 25% and 75% charged. If the battery is fully charged, there's no "room" for converting kinetic energy to usable energy and that can increase wear and tear on the battery. You may not always be able to keep the charge level in that zone of course, but that's preferred over a maximum charge.
- Give the Battery Cool Down Time: Your battery naturally gets hot while it's charging, and hopping into your car and driving away while it's still hot will also accelerate the rate of wear and tear damage. It's best to give it time to cool off between unplugging and driving.
- Save Fast Charging for When It's Necessary: There's no doubt that fast charging is very convenient, and there are situations where it's really the only option for your schedule. But if you aren't planning on using your vehicle right away and there's some time to spare, stick with standard charging to preserve your battery's longevity.
- Take It Slow and Easy: The more time your foot spends on the accelerator, the more it lowers the overall lifespan of your battery. By driving more slowly in areas where that's appropriate to do, you can actually help to keep your battery in good shape for longer.
How Long Do EV Chargers Last?
This is a difficult question to answer because EV charging stations have only been on the market for a few years, and there's not much data available on how long they may last before replacement is necessary. They are durable units that are built to last for a long time, but of course, like any other type of electrical equipment, they will eventually need to be replaced. The length of time you can expect to get out of your Colorado Springs EV charger installation is projected to be around 20 to 30 years as long as it's well-maintained and protected from the elements.
How Should I Maintain My Electric Vehicle Charger?
Your EV charging station is an investment, so it makes good sense to take care of it so it will function correctly and efficiently for as long as possible. Our Colorado Springs EV charger installation experts will get you off to a good start by ensuring that the installation location is suitable and as protected as possible to avoid accidental damage or excessive wear and tear. Your charging cord should always be stored properly so it doesn't suffer damage from being driven over or stepped on. It's also a good idea to clean it periodically to remove any grime and dirt buildup, which can be done with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Inspect the unit regularly and take note of any signs of wear and tear damage or sudden damage from impacts.
Where Can I Find an EV Electrician Near Me?
Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner in this part of Colorado, you can depend on the team of professional electricians at Mr. Electric for expert EV charger installation in Colorado Springs and nearby areas, as well as many other expert electric services such as repairs, installation and electrical safety interventions.
Pick up the phone and give us a call today to schedule a Colorado Springs EV charger installation at a convenient time or to speak with our friendly customer service staff about what your property's electrical system needs to be in perfect working order and better serve the needs of your household or business.