How to Prepare Your Home for an Electric Vehicle

Welcome to the world of electric vehicles! As electric vehicles like the Subaru Solterra gain popularity, more Pennsylvania drivers in cities like Pittsburgh are considering installing an electric vehicle home charger. The transition to an electric vehicle is thrilling, but a few updates to your home are necessary, so knowing how to properly prepare your home for an electric vehicle is important. Follow this guide on how to prep your home for an EV in Pennsylvania.

Steps to Prepare Your Home for an Electric Vehicle 

1. Choose a Charging Type (Charging Level): If you haven’t explored types of EV chargers, now is the perfect time to start. Most home car charging systems fall into Level 1 or Level 2 categories. Here’s a quick overview:
1. Level 1: Takes days for a full electric car charge.
2. Level 2: Takes several hours for a full electric car charge. Level 2 DC charging can provide 60-200 miles of range in just 20-30 minutes.
2. Prepare Your Garage: Ensure your garage is organized and clutter-free before your EV arrives. If your garage has been serving as a storage space, consider decluttering it to make room for the EV charging setup.

• Find Home EV Charger Rebates: As EVs become more common, more states are beginning to step in to help everyday citizens make the switch by offering rebates for electric vehicle charging stations. For example in Pennsylvania, there are over 20 different incentives that are offered by the state and private institutions to help you cover the cost of switching to an EV. 

1. Locate Your Power Panel & Assess Consumption: Identify your power panel, which distributes electricity throughout your home. Check its Amperage rating, usually found on the main circuit breaker. Conduct a self-assessment of your electricity use to understand your consistent energy consumption. Avoid overloading your electric distribution panel.
2. Hire an Electrician: Engage the services of an electrician to address any concerns about power consumption and the addition of EV charging. Discuss the installation of a dedicated 240-volt plug or a hardwired circuit back to the power panel. Costs may range from a couple of hundred dollars to $1,000 or $3,000 if panel upgrades are necessary.
3. Purchase and Install Your Charger: Research and buy an EV charger, and have it professionally installed by your chosen electrician. Ensure a seamless setup for your EV charging system.

Tips for Installation and Use

After preparing your home for an electric vehicle charging battery station, enlist a qualified electrician for the installation. While initial effort and investment are required, the benefits of cruising gas-free make it worthwhile. Charging becomes as easy as plugging in overnight at an electric vehicle charging station, contributing to a greener planet. Consider these additional tips on how to prep your home for an EV in Pennsylvania:

• Schedule charging when electricity rates are lowest in the Bethel Park area.
• Check for rebates on smart chargers and managed charging programs.
• Estimate new utility costs based on battery size, mileage, and rates.
• Sign up for discounted EV charging plans from your power company.
• Use signage to avoid tripping over cords.

Check Out the Subaru Solterra at Subaru of South Hills

Embrace the future of electric driving! Test drive the Subaru Solterra at our dealership after we help you learn more about electric vehicle charging battery stations. Our team is happy to explain the charging process. Explore our other helpful car-buying tips and discover why we’re the ideal choice for drivers near Canonsburg. Stop by or contact us today!