Q: National Drive Electric Week is being held at the end of this month and electric vehicles are in the news more often. Are they really that popular and how realistic is it to own one?

Currently less than 2% of cars in the US are electric but that is set to change dramatically in the coming years. President Biden just set a goal that 50% of new cars sold in the US will be electric by 2030.  This would mean about 18.7 million Electric Vehicles on the road in 2030 vs a total of about 1.3 million currently.

Electric Vehicles are becoming more and more common with a whole range of models from manufacturers like Kia and Chevrolet to luxury brands like Tesla, BMW and Porsche getting in on the action. According to Car & Driver Magazine there are almost 20 different electric vehicle models available in the US for 2021.

Unlike earlier hybrid models, full electric vehicles rely on increased battery range and the wider availability of EV charging stations if they are going to become more widely accepted. Charging networks are popping up across the country and there are a whole host of phone apps to find them.  Some are a paid service and others are free of charge within communities as a public service.

As electricians we are doing more and more installations of EV Charging systems both for individual homeowners as well as more community based installations like adding Level 2 pedestals in apartment complexes and at shopping centers for public use.

What is the difference in the three charging levels?

For most EV’s there are three different charging speeds available. (Tesla is the exception here with a proprietary SuperCharge not available for other vehicles.)

All electric vehicles come with a Level 1 or “trickle” charger that plugs into a standard three pronged 120V wall outlet. Typically depending on specific model and battery technology charging takes 8-12 hours and is done “overnight” while at home.  These chargers may still require a dedicated 20amp circuit to avoid tripping the breaker if other appliances are plugged into the same circuit and drawing power at the same time.

Level 2 chargers are a common upgrade for most EV owners. They allow for a much quicker charge in a shorter amount of time.  Level 2 chargers can provide a full charge in 6-8 hours by providing 240V power to the vehicle. They will require a larger dedicated circuit, specialty wall plug or hardwire and professional installation by an electrician.

Level 3 chargers are most often found in service centers or gas stations. They require specialty equipment and run on much higher levels of DC power but can provide a charge in as little as an hour. This makes them great for longer road trips and interstate travel.

Which brand or model of charger should I get?

We are happy to install almost any brand of charger. Some vehicles, notably Tesla, have their own specific chargers while other models can use any “standard” charger equipped with a “J plug” (SAE J1772). Clipper Creek is one of the leading names in EV charging equipment and has a wide range of chargers that are highly compatible with different models. They have a great tool on their website, simply enter the vehicle make and model and the site will display all the compatible equipment available.

What does it cost?

Most EV owners upgrade to a Level 2 charger to improve at home charging speeds.  Wall mount installation generally runs from $475-$700 for most simple installs plus the charger cost itself. This depends on the availability of existing power to your garage or charging area and the required amperage needed for the charger. Longer distances, pedestal mounts, digging or trenching and panel upgrades may impact this cost so the best solution is to request a free estimate of your specific needs prior to installation.

National Drive Electric Week is being held September 25-October 3, 2021. The event is a nationwide effort to celebrate and raise awareness about electric vehicles, check out their website for local events and more information.


Scott Cummings leads the team at Dynamic Electric, a Hillsborough-based full service electrical provider for both residential and commercial needs. Dynamic Electric is dedicated to providing quality workmanship, outstanding service, reliable installation and safe repairs or troubleshooting for all their customers.

In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office at (919) 370-0056 or visit our website.