Electric vehicles are growing in popularity; according to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicle sales are estimated to reach $15.9 million by 2025. If you've made the leap into the world of electric vehicles, it's time to decide which EV charger you'll invest in. The EV charger that you choose is an important decision as it will impact your vehicle usage every day. Let's look at a few things to consider when choosing an EV charger.

Connector Compatibility

The J-Plug is the standard connector for EV charger manufacturers in North America. These are used with a Level 1 and Level 2 charger. Tesla, however, uses a proprietary charging connector for EVs. In the future, other automakers such as General Motors will be using this as well. You should talk with your EV dealer about plugs and compatibility when purchasing a vehicle.

Charger Levels

When you are approaching the wide range of charging options available to you, you should be aware that EV chargers are broken down into levels that are related to their energy pull and the time it takes to charge. These options include Level 1 and Level 2. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that Level 1 chargers can charge a battery electric vehicle (BEV) in 40 to 50+ hours when charging through a 120-volt outlet. Level 2 chargers require 240-volt outlets and can charge a BEV in about four to 10 hours.

Charger Placement

When purchasing an EV charger for your home, where the charger will be placed is crucial. This is going to affect your day-to-day life, so you need to give it some thought. The new charger should work along with your daily needs and habits. For instance, if you park in the driveway, you would want an outdoor charger. If you consistently park in the garage, though, an indoor charger is ideal.

Charger Cost

As with all vehicle purchases and accessories, you'll want to consider your budget as well. EV chargers, like many electronic devices, come in a variety of grades and qualities. This will affect the pricing. You should talk with an EV charger installer to discuss the different options and price points.

These are just a few things you need to know about EV chargers. If you're looking to purchase an EV charger before you purchase your electric vehicle, please contact us at B & L Electric LLC today.