Preparing Your Garage for an EV Charger

Level two EV charger mounted on wall in garage

As the automotive industry pivots more and more toward electric vehicles (EVs), many consumers are saying goodbye to internal combustion engines. Even though purchasing an EV is a great decision for several reasons, owners may have to make some modifications to their garages. More specifically, a car owner will want to install an EV charger in their garage.

Based in Marlboro, New Jersey, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. installs electric car chargers for clients throughout the Garden State. Here, we discuss important installation considerations and how to determine the best location for an EV charger in a garage.

Why You Want an EV Charger in Your Garage

Public charging stations serve the same purpose as gas stations. They extend the daily useful range of electric cars. Public charging stations can be located in a wide variety of places, such as:

  • Street side
  • Retail store parking lots
  • Parking garages
  • Hotel parking lots
  • Airports
  • Car dealerships
  • Outside office buildings

Although new public charging stations are popping up all the time, nothing can beat the convenience of charging at home. In addition to convenience, EV owners will enjoy much faster charging times when they have a dedicated EV charger installed at home. With a dedicated connection to the meter box, a home EV charger can deliver much greater power to the electric car’s battery, which translates to faster charging.

Furthermore, a home EV charger can be a much more cost-effective option compared to public charging stations. Charging your electric car during slow utility times like overnight can lead to discounted charging rates.

Is There Enough Space in the Garage?

The most important aspect to consider when thinking about having an EV charger installed in your garage is space. To charge your electric car safely and effectively in your garage, you will need access to the charging port door and have enough space to keep the charging cable from kinking. Drivers may need to organize and clean out their garages to ensure they have enough space. To maximize the space you have inside your garage without needing to part ways with your belongings, consider investing in storage systems like cabinetry or overhead racks.

Think About Temperature

Colder temperatures don’t play nicely with EV chargers. The cold weather decreases the mileage you get from a charge, which lowers the driving range. If your garage gets extremely cold, you may want to consider insulating the space or adding a heater. This will help to protect the car’s battery and provide you with a consistent charge.

Best Location for an EV Charger in a Garage

Having an EV charger installed in a garage as opposed to outside is ideal for a couple of reasons. A garage offers security, and therefore drivers won’t need to worry about their chargers being vandalized. Also, EV owners won’t have to contend with inclement weather when needing to charge their cars if the charger is located in the garage.

The most ideal location for an EV charger in a garage is one that’s easily accessible. Which side of the vehicle the charging port is located, how you park your vehicle, and the layout of your garage will all play a role in where your EV charger should be installed inside your garage.

Turn to Corbin Electrical Services, Inc.

If you own an EV, you will want the convenience of a home charger. Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. offers fast, efficient installation services for level two electric vehicle chargers for clients throughout NJ, including Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties. We partner with Qmerit and Tesla to offer our customers the highest quality home EV chargers. During installation, our team will help drivers determine the best location for an EV charger in their garages.

To ensure you have a reliable means of transportation even in the event of a power outage, our team can also install a dedicated generator for your EV charging station. Anyone wishing to learn more about our services should contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Corbin Electrical Services – We Generate Peace of Mind