Is Your Home Electric Vehicle Ready?

Drivers across the U.S. are starting to refuel at the outlet instead of the gas pump. As electric vehicle growth continues, studies are finding most drivers are plugging in at home to charge.

“EV-ready homes” describes homes providing safe access to a dedicated power supply for charging at a Level 2 station.

Level 2 charging generally uses a 240-volt outlet/NEMA 14-50 receptacle and delivers 10 to 20 miles of range per hour, whereas Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt outlet and delivers 3 to 5 miles of range per hour.

EV-ready homes come with benefits for both homeowners and builders. For homeowners, they save time and money. Making a home EV ready is simple during initial construction, but post-construction upgrades can be expensive. Additionally, residents will have an easier time purchasing an EV knowing they have a convenient and fast place to charge.

Builders see another set of perks. Constructing EV-ready homes adds little to costs, differentiates them from competition, increases home value and attractiveness to buyers, demonstrates a commitment to the environment and shows support for consumer choices.

There are a few items to consider to get the most out of a home charging setup.

When locating the charging outlet, it is important to choose a place near a frequent parking spot, such as in a garage or carport/driveway. If available, garages offer the simplest installation, limit exposure to the elements and prevent unwanted access. No matter where the outlet is placed, make sure there is available space on the floor, walls and ceilings; be mindful of overhead doors or objects that may obstruct a vehicle’s ability to plug in; and avoid locations requiring the charging cord to be wrapped around or draped over the vehicle.

Benton REA EV Incentives Benton REA offers members several incentives to purchase electric vehicles and install at-home charging stations. These include:

• $100 EV Registration Incentive (before Level 2 charger installation)
• $50 EV Registration Incentive (after Level 2 charger installation)
• $25 Plug-In Hybrid Registration Incentive
• $300 Level 2 Charging Station Incentive (off-peak charging)
• Up to $2,000 Level 2 Charging Station Loan

For more information, visit www.BentonREA.org/EV or call 509-781-6752.