Category: Electric Vehicles

What Size Breaker Does a Tesla Need?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

tesla chargerHaving an electric car is great and very much a trendy decision. When you have the EV of your choice parked in your garage, the most important question that follows is what size breaker does a Tesla need. Your electric car may save on fuel but it needs electric power to work, and this starts with a suitable breaker size.

The most efficient charging option is a level two charge and this usually requires up to 50 amps circuit. Your electrician can provide an estimate for installing this, but there’s a high possibility it will involve upgrading your electrical service panel. Older homes often carry a 100 amps breaker, which may be sufficient for the average homeowner who has very few power-demanding appliances. Hence, a Tesla charger just won’t fit and an upgrade to a 200 amp panel would be necessary. Also, the electrician will have to run a line of 40 or 50 amps to the charging spot.

If you already have a 200 amp service all that is left is to install the new circuit and run a line to the spot the charger will be used.

While this is an ideal option, not everyone can handle the cost or hassle of a new service panel. When this happens, there are still ways around it to ensure you can get the charge you need. A level one charger is a basic part of every Tesla and it can be plugged into any dedicated outlet. This outlet can deliver on 12amps of power and that translates to 40 miles during an overnight charging session. If this isn’t sufficient for you, you may consider charging at work or in public places. However, if you need about 100 miles or more, you may have to use the ideal solution of upgrading your panel and using a level 2 charge.

There’s also an option known as the slow level two charge which allows you to use the 30 amp plug used for appliances like the dryer. This allows the car to charge at 24 amps overnight. Bear in mind that the average Tesla can’t take over 32 amps, which is a 40 amps circuit in the first place. The 24 amps will give between 17-22 mph on Tesla models.

To make this work conveniently you can switch to a natural gas dryer. Yes, it will cost you, but the price might be more comfortable than a service panel upgrade. This way you can conveniently use that 30 amp plug for your Tesla.

If you can’t decide on what’s best, reach out to us for further consultation. Our professional and experienced Los Angeles electricians will help you with the most suitable options.

 

How many amps is a Tesla charger?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Electric cars are clearly the latest and most sought after development in the automotive industry and Tesla is leading the pack. So, when you have just purchased your very own green car, you can leap for joy about avoiding fueling costs and several other issues that come with it.

However, you still have to figure out charging your Tesla.

The amperage of your Tesla charger can play a vital role in determining how much total charge or miles of driving you get. Here’s the breakdown of amps per charger level.

You might be familiar with using a level one charger, which is the common 120V outlet in your home. This works with the portable EVSE (UMC) that comes with the car and gives an amperage of 15-20 amps. As far as miles go, you will replenish 3-4 miles per hour. While the charge time may be slow, this works fine for many Tesla drivers.

The level 2 charge is a 240V outlet installed by a professional electrician as a dedicated home EVSE. It has the capacity to power tough power-hungry machines like your dryer. This charge is more powerful than the previous option and delivers on up to 80 amps. This translates to anywhere between 9-52 miles of Tesla range per hour charging.

Level 3 charge, which is hardly an option for homes and private buildings, is an ultra-fast, ultra high-power 480V circuit. They are superchargers often found at charging stations and account for why it’s sometimes faster to use a public charging station than a home charger. It delivers on up to 300 amps, which is up to 170 miles per hour of Tesla charging.

When you look at the spread, you find that you do have a few suitable options. What you choose depends on your driving habits and miles. To install a level 2 charge be sure to contact a professional electrician or Tesla charger installer.

Great Tax Return News for EV Owners!

Posted on | by K Hopkins

If you purchased an EV between 2018 – 2019 or plan to buy one in 2020, we’ve got exciting news for you!

Congress recently enacted a retroactive federal tax credit available to electric vehicle owners. If this is you, you’re eligible to receive this credit of 30% of the purchasing and installation cost of an EV charging station.

Residential owners can expect a credit of up to $1,000 while commercial installations can receive up to $30,000. This credit originally expired in December of 2017 but has been extended through December 31, 2020.

Lost your paperwork for your charger installation? No sweat! If The Electric Connection of Los Angeles installed your EV charger, just give us a call at (818) 446-0888 or email us at service@electricconnection.com and we’ll be happy to help out!

Check out the US Department of Energy’s website for more information on the tax credit.

Want more information on how you can obtain this credit? Take a look at IRS Form 8911 by visiting the IRS Forms and Publication website. (Reference Public Law 116-94, Public Law 115-123, Public Law 114-113, 26 U.S. Code 30C and 38, and IRS Notice 2007-43(PDF))

Glendale EV Charger Installation

Posted on | by K Hopkins

glendale electric vehicleThe city of Glendale in California, U.S is a bustling city known perhaps for its Brand Boulevard. It is one of the best places to live in California and own a thriving retail business of course. Like most places in recent times, Glendale has its share of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles become more popular by the day and it is to be expected given the benefits of driving such a vehicle. EVs are a plus to the environment helping us live green and healthy. They also benefit the economy by reducing carbon footprint and the need for producing gasoline.

There are over 2000 public charging ports in Glendale which are either a level 2 or level 3 charge. They can be found within every 15km. Up to 21% of the public charging stations offer free charging for your electric vehicle. Another 94% of the public charging station offers a level 2 charge. The main charging networks in operation in Glendale are ChargePoint and Volta.

Driving an electric car in Glendale can also be favorable to your pockets because of the rebates offered by Glendale Water and Power (GWP). GWP offers up to $500 rebates for residential EV drivers/consumers and up to $2000 rebates for commercial customers. The cost for the city owned level 3 charging stations is 0.3359 per kWh. The cost for the city owned level 2 charging stations is $0.2033 per kWh.

Installing EV Charging Types

  • Level 1

    • The voltage for the Level 1 charger type is 120V. The average charging time is 10 to 20 hours. No equipment is required to install a level 1 charging type. You simply plug into the 120V in your home to use this charging type.

  • Level 2

    • The voltage for the Level 2 charger type is 240V and the average charging time is 4 to 8 hours. It can be installed in your home or building by a qualified electrician. You would need an electric vehicle charging station and a dedicated circuit from your panel.

  • Level 3

    • A level 3 charger uses 480V. It has the fastest charging time of 20 to 30 minutes. It usually requires a separate plug and is available mostly in retail settings. It is perfectly suited for public charging.

To install an electric vehicle charger in Glendale, the installer would need a permit.

It’s important to note that charging time may differ slightly from the figures above depend on the make of your car and its battery size. When installing the charger types, your circuit breaker should have the capacity to handle their power needs to avoid tripping. Home installations are necessary for convenience and achieving a full charge most of the time.

Electric vehicles come in different models, make, and design. Some might help you save better than others. The factors that influence how much you would spend on your electric vehicle include the cost of electricity, make and model of the car, driving conditions, and more.

Be sure to reach out to us at The Electric Connection for more information or services for your EV.

What Size Wire For Tesla Charger

Posted on | by K Hopkins

tesla wiringWhen you are obsessed with pretty cars and tired of driving fuel powered vehicles, then an electric vehicle like Tesla is your best bet. A lot of drivers want to get behind a Tesla vehicle just to enjoy the thrill of riding such a car.

With Tesla, you never have much to worry about, except, of course, charging. Charging electric vehicles can be smooth and easy depending on your choices. Tesla makes things even better with its superfast chargers and convenient charging options.

Now, you know you can charge your EV at home using either the 120V outlet or the 240V outlet. 120V gives you a slow trickle charge and might limit your full experience with your sweet vehicle. The 240V outlet, on the other hand, is every driver’s delight. You can get a full charge in a few hours and maximize your Tesla experience.

Installing the Tesla wall charger at home

The first thing to note is you need an experienced electrician to install your Tesla wall charger. While it is important to have some basic knowledge to help you make informed decisions, it is not advisable to take on the full installation yourself.

The wall charger will comprise a connection between the breaker and the outlet or wall connector. This will involve a run of wire and for Tesla chargers, you do not need just about any wire. Generally, EV charging should be installed using copper wires because most aluminum wires are not rated for EV use. Aluminum wires are also known to overheat frequently which can be dangerous for your car and home.

Tesla wall connectors are rated for only copper wires.

Ensure the wire you choose has current handling abilities and resistance. Depending on your needs and connection made by the electrician, your wire size needs may vary. They can be any size between 3AWG and 8AWG. Ensure you discuss what is needed with the electrician and allow them to purchase the materials themselves.

At The Electric Connection, we provide free estimates on your installation and a complete EV charger installation service. We know what you need and will discuss your options with you. Contact us for a dependable charging system that lets you enjoy your Tesla.

See what others are saying:

Tesla Motors Club Forum: Wire gauge (AWG) for HPWC (Telsa Wall Connector)

StackExchange: Why does Tesla recommend such a small gauge wire for their chargers compared to this chart I found online?

Can Electric Vehicles Use HOV Lanes?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

los angeles ev charger installationHigh-occupancy vehicle lane which is popularly known as HOV lanes is a traffic lane restricted and reserved for use by vehicles with a driver and one or more passengers. The minimum number of occupants is 2 to 3. In simple terms, the aim of this traffic lane is to get as many people off the road as possible to reduce traffic and air pollution.

There are over 126 HOV facilities across the United States. These lanes are not as effective as intended on most days, but they remain in use. They do help to save time during traffic congestion.

The principles behind HOV lanes exempt certain cars from using them. These vehicles include motorcycles, law enforcement vehicles, charter buses, some low emission vehicles and single occupancy vehicles paying a toll. The vehicles allowed on high-occupancy vehicle lanes are battery electric vehicle (BEV), fuel cell vehicles (FCV), and carpool, vanpool, and transit buses.

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular by the day. In most jurisdictions, they are allowed on HOV lanes. The benefits of this for drivers are:

  • Spend less time in traffic
    Fuel run vehicles have the ability to withstand traffic congestion, but this is different for electric cars. The stop-and-go traffic routine would reduce the car’s batteries. Hence, it helps for electric car drivers to be included in the use of HOV lanes.
  • Promoting clean air and cars
    It’s no secret that electric cars emit no harmful gases. They are unique for their contribution to clean air and clean cars. Using HOV lanes is a perfect way to advertise the concept of electric cars to others. It is an effective way of stating the importance of electric cars.

To use the High-occupancy vehicle lanes, electric vehicle owners have to get a permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles. They would be given a sticker which is usually placed on the rear bumpers and rear fenders.

3 Benefits of Installing Home EV Charger

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

ev charger benefitsThe purchasing of an electric vehicle comes with one big, important question:

How can I charge my car at home?

Driving around you may see EV chargers set up for public use – which is great! It’s always nice to know you have a place to go to get a charge on your car, but what if you want the convenience of charging your electric vehicle at home?

There are actually quite a few options out there. One is to just simply plug it into an outlet. Your car should come with a cord that just plugs into any normal outlet in your home. This is called a Level 1 charger. It, of course, does not produce a very fast charger but will make do until you decide you want to purchase a faster way to charge.

The good news is that there are other options that will get your car charged faster. These options are also surprisingly affordable.

What are the benefits of installing an EV charger in your home? Your own charging station will provide you with a fast and safe charge that should cost no more than pennies a day.

At home, the best options for getting a fast charge is to install a Level 2 charger. This will require an electrician to come out and assess your situation – they might also be able to help you over the phone. When a Level 2 charger is installed, you will have a fast charger that will likely fill up your car within a few hours.

Like the outlet that your dryer uses, the Level 2 charger requires a 240V outlet. This outlet is compatible with all types of electric vehicles currently on the market, from Teslas to Chevy Bolts. There is a cord that plugs into the outlet and then into the car. It can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to get a complete charge on the vehicle.

Convenience plays a huge role when it comes to a home EV charger. No more need to worry about losing a charge when you’re driving around town. Simply plug in at night right in your garage or driveway and the car will be ready for you in the morning. You can charge when you want to get with a charging station installed at home.

Lower costs are also a great benefit of installing a car charger at home. Many commercial properties and businesses charger per hour when you plug in. If you have a charger at home, you can skip the fees and just pay your electric bill, which shouldn’t raise more than a few pennies. There are also studies that say charging your car at home costs less than running an air conditioner.

If you have any questions about why you should install a car charger at home, consult with a local electrician. They should be able to answer any questions you may have about the installation process and the benefits.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing the people of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas with expert electrical services and tips for over 30 years. We are installing electric vehicles charging stations daily. If you have any questions, please contact us at (818) 446-0888.

How To Install An EV Charger

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

How To Install An EV ChargerIf you’re considering buying an electric vehicle, you’ll want to have the best charging device for the car. There are two options when it comes to charging your new vehicle. These are referred to as Level 1 and Level 2 charging.

  • Level 1 Charging: Plug your car right into an outlet with the cord it comes with. You will get a low-level charge that is ideal for those who drive short distances and don’t deplete the car’s entire battery life. It takes about an hour to get 4.5 miles of battery back into your car. A full night of charging, or about nine hours, would be needed to replenish the whole battery.
  • Level 2 Charging: Charge your car with an EV wall mount or use a NEMA 14-50 outlet. This type of charge fills your battery up quicker. Different cars charge in different ways but with a Level 2 charge, it takes about an hour to get around 26 miles of power back into the car. This might be a more expensive route than Level 1 charging but if your commutes are longer this is the way to go.

How to Install an EV Charger?

When you decide to buy an electric vehicle and want to go with the wall mount, the next step is to install one in your home. Please note that you should have experience with electrical systems before performing any work in your home. If you are unfamiliar with installing electric car chargers, please consult with a professional electrician.

If you do not have electrical expertise, there is still good news. Many utility companies offer incentives for purchasing an electric vehicle, its charging station, and having one professionally installed. Be sure to contact your local utility company to find out what offers are available to you.

The first step in installing an EV charging point for your home is choosing it. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in the US, except for Teslas, all use the same type of plug, an SAE-standard J1772. These may all work in the same way, but some chargers are very different than others. Below are some things to consider when picking out your new charger.

  • Cost – EV chargers can range from $500 to over $1000 depending on a variety of different things. The two main contributors to the price are cord length and amperage.
  • Installation type: A Level 2 charger is meant to be permanent. It is mounted to the wall using a bracket. However, there are some chargers that can be removed in case you want to take it with you if you move from your home.
  • Amperage: Level 2 chargers are available in 16 or 30 amp versions. 30 amps should be the default. It allows for the maximum charge and, if you decide to purchase another car, will allow for charging two cars. 16 amps are perfectly fine for charging a single vehicle, such as the Volt.
  • Length of Cord: This will depend on the location of the charger and where it has to plug into your car. 16 to 18 feet should suffice but the longer the cord you need, the more you will have to pay.

Once you find the perfect EV charger, the next step is to make sure your home is ready for charging your electric vehicle. You must make sure you have enough electrical service in your home before you can charge your car. If you don’t have enough power, you could constantly be tripping the breakers in your electrical panel. Older wiring in your home might also be an issue. If you have knob and tube or aluminum wiring, your home might need a rewire before you can add the extra load of a car charger.

You can see how important it is to consult with an electrician before attempting to wire an EV charger in your home. A lot of things can go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s best to give a local electrician a call to see if they can help you out. It may cost less in the long run.

The Electric Connection has been providing electric vehicle charging installations to the people of Los Angeles for several years. We have at least one electrician in the city every day doing an EV charger installation. Our technicians also know EV charging for businesses. Please call us today to learn more about what we can offer you. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

Can I Charge My Electric Car Overnight?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

The short answer is, yes, you can charge your new electric car overnight and drive out into the world with a full charge in the morning. Both new electric cars, the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt, started deliveries in Los Angeles in December 2010. If you’re anxiously awaiting delivery of one of these vehicles, it’s time to consider your charging options.

The all-electric Nissan Leaf can drive about 100 miles before it needs a battery charge. The Chevy Volt can drive about 40 miles, and then it starts burning gasoline. It’s a hybrid. Both come with a complimentary charging cord called a “Level 1 charger.” It plugs into an electrical outlet in your garage or carport and requires only ordinary house current. But a Level 1 charger works slowly and won’t take you from a depleted battery to a full charge overnight. You may still be able to use a Level 1 charger if you have a short commute which would allow you to top off your battery overnight. Here’s more about Level 1 charging.

Drivers who have longish commutes or who don’t charge up every night will want faster charging with a Level 2 charger. A Level 2 charger takes a Nissan Leaf battery from completely empty to completely full in 8 hours; 4 hours for the Volt. So, even if you totally drain your battery, with a Level 2 charger, you’ll be able to fill it by morning. A Level 2 charger is usually purchased along with the car. It’s housed in a container about 18 inches around and hangs on the garage wall, sticking out about a foot. It requires installation of a 240 volt circuit, higher than ordinary house current.

Both Nissan and Chevy will arrange your purchase and installation of a Level 2 charger if you wish. Both car manufacturers have contracted with electrical contractors that they’ve trained and certified. Or you can make your own arrangements with an electrical contractor.

Purchase and installation of a Level 2 charger costs about $2,000. The price can vary quite a bit depending on the distance of the charger from your electrical panel and on whether you need an upgrade of your panel size to accommodate the additional power demands of the charger. Some lucky homeowners, who registered for a California state research project on electric vehicles, will qualify for a discount, or even free purchase and installation. And, here’s some good news: A few days ago, on April 27th, L.A. DWP announced a rebate of $2,000 to homeowners who install a Level 2 charger as part of their research project. A rebate of this size is significant as, in many cases, it can cover the entire cost of the purchase and installation of a charger. Click here for more information on L.A. DWP rebates for EV chargers.

All homeowners who buy an electric car will benefit by their far-sightedness. No more stops for gas. No more worries about gas prices creeping up to $4 or $5 a gallon (or more?!) any time there’s unrest in the Middle East or a natural disaster. They’ll know that they’re contributing to the solution to our dependence on foreign oil — about 60% of that oil is sucked up by our gas tanks. For this reason, President Obama has set the goal of one million electric vehicles on U.S. roads by 2015. For us in Los Angeles, every electric vehicle makes our skies bluer — when you’re running on electricity, your car is emitting no pollution or greenhouse gases at all.

For more about my company, The Electric Connection — all the stuff you wanted to know but were afraid to ask — If you’re interested coupons for electrical work, for example, $50 off installation of a Whole House Surge Protector in the L.A. area, click here on our coupon page.