How to Prep Your Home for an EV

What steps should you take before you bring home that brand new Kia EV6 or Niro EV? A little preparation can go a long way toward a smooth transition, and Kia of Port Charlotte is here to help you prepare your home for an electric vehicle. Most notably, we’ll help you learn how to choose and set up your electric vehicle home charger. But if you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to our service center for more tips and tricks!

1. Decide on a Charging Level

You have two options when it comes to your future electric vehicle home charger, Level 1 and Level 2. What does this mean? 

• Level 1 EV charging involves plugging your car into any grounded outlet. It often takes days to fully charge an EV, but only a few hours for a PHEV like the Optima Plug-In Hybrid.
• Level 2 EV charging often takes several hours to fully charge an electric car. This is the most common type of electric vehicle home charger for Englewood and North Port drivers.

The vast majority of EV drivers opt for a Level 2 electric vehicle home charger. This type of charger must be professionally installed, but the ease and convenience of charging are well worth the setup.

2. Ready Your Garage

Once you’ve settled on your preferred electric vehicle charging station, it’s time to make some room for your new car. Clean out all the clutter in your garage and do a little spring cleaning. If you are planning on installing a new charging station, you’ll want to take extra care to make sure your electrician has ample space to maneuver easily. 

3. Find Your Power Panel & Assess Consumption

Your power panel is responsible for distributing the electricity throughout the entire house. Most homes have a 100 Amp power panel, which means the maximum amount of current flow is 100 Amps, but the amperage rating will be printed on your main circuit breaker. 

After you find your power panel, conduct a self-assessment to see how much power you use on an average week. This will help you determine whether or not your power panel can handle the extra demands of your electric vehicle.

4. Hire an Electrician

Hire an electrician to go over your options. Some households simple need a dedicated 240-volt plug or a hardwired circuit back to the power panel. This usually runs a few hundred dollars. But if you need to upgrade your power panel to accommodate your new EV, this could run several thousand dollars instead. 

5. Buy Your Charger & Install It

If you have a specific electric vehicle charging station in mind, now is the time to buy it! You can also ask your electrician for recommendations based on your particular household and vehicle needs. Then simply schedule your install, and you’re ready to take your EV home!

Contact Kia of Port Charlotte to Learn More

Still have questions about how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle? The team at Kia of Port Charlotte can answer all your questions about your new electric vehicle, from charging batteries to EV maintenance. Contact us at any time or just stop by our showroom. We’re located in Port Charlotte, near neighboring Venice, and we’d be happy to help.