EV Chargers FAQS

Switching to an electric vehicle is an exciting step toward a more sustainable and cost-effective commute. However, for many new owners, the transition comes with a host of technical questions. From understanding different plug types to determining if your home’s electrical panel can handle the load, getting the right information is key to a seamless experience.

Dailey Company specializes in helping homeowners and businesses navigate these choices. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions we receive about ev home charger installation to help you get powered up with confidence.

What Types of EV Chargers Are Available for Home and Business Use?

Not all chargers are created equal. Depending on your vehicle and daily driving habits, you will encounter three main categories of charging equipment:

• Level 1 Chargers: These use a standard 120-volt household outlet. While they are convenient because they require no special installation, they are very slow, adding only about 3–5 miles of range per hour. These are best suited for plug-in hybrids or drivers with very short daily commutes.

• Level 2 Chargers: This is the gold standard for ev home charger setups. Operating on a 240-volt circuit (similar to a clothes dryer), Level 2 chargers are significantly faster, providing 12–80 miles of range per hour. Most residential owners choose this option for reliable overnight charging.

• DC Fast Chargers: Often called Level 3, these are typically reserved for commercial settings or highway rest stops. They can charge a battery to 80% in as little as 20 minutes, but require industrial-grade electrical infrastructure not found in typical homes.

Selecting the right charger involves balancing your vehicle's capabilities with your property's electrical capacity. Professional guidance is essential to ensure you choose a unit that meets your needs without overpaying for features you can't use.

How Fast Do EV Chargers Charge and What Affects Charging Speed?

"How long will it take to charge my car?" is the most frequent question we hear. On a Level 2 charger, most fully electric vehicles can go from empty to full in 4–10 hours, making them perfect for overnight use. However, several factors influence this:

1. Electrical Capacity: The amperage of your circuit matters. A 50-amp circuit will charge faster than a 30-amp circuit.

2. Vehicle Battery Size: Just as a larger gas tank takes longer to fill, a larger EV battery takes more time to reach 100%.

3. State of Charge: Batteries charge fastest when they are nearly empty and slow down as they reach 80% to protect the battery’s health.

4. Weather: Extreme cold or heat can slow down the chemical process of charging.

For the average daily driver, a Level 2 charger ensures your vehicle is topped off and ready every single morning.

What Does EV Charger Installation Involve and Is My Home Compatible?

The cost of installing an EV charger at home and the complexity of the job depend largely on your existing electrical system. A professional installation typically involves:

• Panel Capacity Audit: We perform a load calculation to see if your current electrical panel can handle the extra 40–60 amps required. If not, a panel upgrade may be necessary.

• Permits and Compliance: Most municipalities require an electrical permit for a new 240V circuit. This ensures the work is inspected and meets the National Electrical Code (NEC).

• Wiring and Mounting: We run heavy-duty conduit and wire from your panel to the charging location, whether it’s in a garage or at an outdoor parking pad.

While it might be tempting to treat this as a DIY project, how to install an EV charger at home safely is a job for licensed professionals. Improper wiring can lead to fire hazards, voided vehicle warranties, or failed inspections during a home sale.

Schedule Expert EV Charger Installation with Dailey Company

At Dailey Company, we pride ourselves on being the local experts in both residential and commercial electrical solutions. Our licensed electricians handle the entire process from start to finish—including load assessments, permitting, and final testing—so you can enjoy your new EV without the "range anxiety."

We understand that every home and vehicle is different. Whether you need a simple wall-mount installation or a complex panel upgrade, we provide safe, code-compliant, and long-term solutions tailored to your needs.