If you’re like many British Columbians, chances are you’ve thought about purchasing an electric vehicle and a home EV charging station to go with it. You’re also likely aware that installing an EV charger yourself isn’t a good idea. So, can you trust just any old “electrician near me” to get the job done? You could, but at TCA Electric, we wouldn’t recommend it. EV charging is a relatively new technology, so it’s important to pick an “electrician near me” with the right skills and experience to get the job done. Let’s break things down!
Why install an EV charger?
Part of the joy of owning an electric vehicle is avoiding the gas pump. While there are public supercharger networks available, these often don’t feel much different from gas stations. You typically have to pay more for a charger, locations may not be convenient for you, and you’ll also have to vie for charging spots with other EV drivers. This can even result in conflicts!
On the other hand, just about every electric vehicle comes with a Level 1 charger that can be plugged into an ordinary three-pronged outlet. For better charging, however, you’ll want a Level 2 charger for your home. These devices can deliver more power faster, enabling you to get back on the road much quicker. You also save more money by charging at home! In other words, a Level 2 charging will help you truly get the most out of owning an electric vehicle.
EV charger installation: Why you shouldn’t DIY
While no professional knowledge is required to use a Level 1 charger, a Level 2 home EV charger installation should only be carried out by a licensed, qualified, and experienced electrician. Level 2 EV charger installation requires running 240 volts from your breaker panel to your chosen charging location. This amount of electrical current can seriously harm you—Level 2 chargers require your electrical panel to have at least 200 amps of current, more than enough to be lethal. Sometimes simpler electrical projects can be done DIY, but installing an EV charger is a case where you’ll need to find that “electrician near me.”
The right electrician near me: Experience matters!
Picking the right electrician can sometimes be tricky, no matter what upgrade or service you need done. When it comes to EV charger installation, however, consider experience first and foremost. EV charging is a relatively young field of electrical work, and many electricians have little experience installing these devices as a result. That makes a practiced hand all the more valuable. If you hire an electrician with previous experience installing home EV chargers, they’ll be able to do the job more efficiently and stand behind their work. What’s more, if you ever need a repair or replacement for your EV charger, you’ll be able to call on that same electrician.
In addition to past projects installing EV chargers, here are some other factors to consider when choosing the right electrician to call on:
- Compare online reviews – Google reviews are readily available as soon as you submit your search for “electricians near me.” Use them to narrow your initial pool of candidates.
- Ask for references – While experience is one thing, satisfied customers are another! Once you’ve determined which electricians have experience installing EV chargers, ask for references from some of those past EV-owning customers.
- Get a quote – With your list narrowed down, request quotes from electricians you’re still considering for the job. Make sure each electrician provides a thorough breakdown and rationale for their quote, and ask questions about quotes that are much higher or lower than the competition.
TCA Electric: Experienced EV Charging ‘Electrician Near Me’!
While we know we’re not the only electricians around, our TCA Electric team hopes to be your first choice when it comes to EV charging solutions. Our licensed and qualified professionals have extensive experience installing EV charging stations for customers throughout Vancouver, both for residential and for commercial use. Are you ready for a home charger installation, or are you still torn between brands such as FLO and ChargePoint? Don’t worry, we can help you make the right EV charging decision for your home or business! Get in touch with the EV charging experts—contact TCA Electric today!