Where to Install an EV Charger in Your Garage?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are surging in popularity and paving the road to the future. Charging an EV can be conveniently done at a Level 2 charging station installed in the garage. However, EV owners may have questions about the best place to install an EV charger. The following are guidelines to help owners decide.

While 43,000 public charging stations are scattered across the country, it’s less of a hassle to juice up the EV at home. Drivers avoid scrambling around town trying to find an available and functional public charging station—which is still not as easy to find as a gas station.

The most reliable way to charge the electric vehicle is via an at-home charger. Drivers don’t worry about having enough power to reach a charging station or, in other words, feel “range anxiety.” Charging at home reduces the anxiety of trying to find a charger when it’s needed.

A Level 2 charger offers the fastest and safest charge. In comparison, Level 1 chargers deliver 2-5 miles of range per hour of charge and are the slowest methods of juicing up the vehicle. Level 3 chargers, while delivering a rapid charge, should be used infrequently to avoid vehicular damage.

Once EV owners have settled on installing a Level 2 charger in their garage, the question is where should it be placed to deliver maximum convenience. A number of factors can help EV drivers arrive at the most ideal location to suit their charging needs.

Should a charger be installed inside or outside the garage?

An EV charger can be installed either inside the garage or outside it. When opting to install the charger outside of the garage, it is crucial that it be protected from the elements. Drivers must also ensure the length of their charging cable is capable of reaching the charging port.

Choosing to install the EV charger inside the garage also requires careful consideration. Without adequate ventilation, indoor charging stations are subject to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The main draw, however, is that the car can be conveniently charged while parked in the garage.

The advantages of installing a charger inside the garage include avoiding vandalism of the EV, charging station, or charging cable. In nasty weather, drivers don’t need to handle wet, muddy cables. Juicing up the car indoors when the weather outside is extreme improves charging efficiency.

What are the garage space requirements?

Garage clutter is a common problem. Nearly one-fourth of US homeowners report being unable to park their car inside the garage due to space constraints. When opting for an indoor charger, it’s necessary to have the space to park inside, install the charger, and have room to use it daily.

Install the charger 15 to 20 feet from the EVs charging port. This is recommended since charging cords are up to 25 feet long, with most being 18 to 20 feet in length. Position the charger so that it’s within 3 to 4 feet of the 240v outlet.

It’s advisable that EV owners opt for a 25-foot charging cable, as it allows for greater flexibility. For instance, drivers can leverage the extra length and charge their car outside from an indoor charger when space in the garage is being temporarily utilized.  

A cable with extra length is useful when EV owners switch cars. For example, the charging port on Ford and Chevrolet EVs is positioned on the front left of the vehicle. But on a Mercedes or BMW, the charging port is located on the right rear of the EVs.

What is recommended when two EVs are parked in the garage?

Optimum placement of the EV charger is possible even when two EVs are parked in a two-car garage. In this case, mount the charger in a centralized location that is accessible by both cars, such as on the wall in between the vehicles. Or consider installing two separate indoor chargers.

Should the charger be installed on the left or right side of the garage?

Install a Level 2 charger on the side of the garage that offers greatest proximity to the EV charging port. Ideally, the setup should prevent tripping over the cable or otherwise obstructing foot traffic. Lengthy charging cables enable owners to mount the charger on the left or the right.

Working with a certified electrician helps EV owners determine the most practical and convenient location for their at-home charger. Professional installers are crucial to ensure correct and safe installation, since a 240v current can potentially result in fire, injury, or other damage.

Every at-home charger installation is complex and unique—as each residential garage comes with varying space constraints; the location of vehicles’ charging ports does not follow an established industry standard as of yet; and, owners may have a diverse range of location preferences.

When you are considering installing an electric car charger at home, trust the experts at Nu-Trend. Our certified electricians install Level 2 chargers in residential garages, whether you opt for a convenient indoor charger or prefer an outdoor charger that remains protected from the elements.

Our knowledgeable electricians inspect your electrical system to ensure it can accommodate the voltage required of a Level 2 charger. We obtain the necessary permits to begin the installation. A permit is required to install a 240v outlet in the garage or on the side of the house.

The installation process is efficient and thorough. Our electricians handle each phase with professionalism and can offer suggestions on the best locations to install the charger to suit your needs. Be aware that a faster Level 2 charge is achieved when the electric service panel is close to the vehicle.

A quality EV charger installation from Nu-Trend is one call away. We are proud to offer EV drivers in Chicago, Illinois, comprehensive EV charger installation services, including convenient and ongoing repairs and maintenance. Call our Schaumburg office today to schedule a visit from a technician.