Installing cost for EV Charging in home garage?

3516 Views 72 Replies 11 Participants Last post by fsu23phd, 1 mo ago

smithlavon483

Discussion Starter · 7 mo ago

New to EV's and thinking of buying in 2024 but wondering what the cost is to upgrade an attached garage 120 volt outlet to a 240 volt outlet? Now currently I only have one 120 volt connection in my garage and its located approximately say 600' from basement circuit box. But closer and directly above garage is a 240 volt dryer outlet. I'd say distance is 15' max. I've read where you can purchase a so called "splitter" that connects to home dryer outlet and then run a connection off that to charging outlet in garage.
So when dryer isn't running, EV connected to garage 240 outlet charges (off splitter). Then if dryer should be used, garage 240 volt outlet shuts off automatically, while dryer runs its cycle. Anyone have an idea what the total cost would be to set up this kind of (new) electrical connection. I assume its way cheaper going the splitter route than creating a new electrical connection to circuit breaker box in basement, 700 feet away.

As far as chargers/charging stations cost - what's the range for that? Say $500 to $1200? Again I'm talking a charger that connects to 240 volt connection. Though I'm all for going "Green" you seriously do spend some money up front if you want to charge your EV on something more than a 120 volt in garage and then have to purchase an expensive charging station.

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Steverino

· #2 · 7 mo ago

Chevy may provide a 240V install with the sale like they are doing with the Bolt EUV. Generally about $1500. A 240V station will be in the $500 to $800 range depending on features, Amps. I have a Siemens, but check out Clipper Creek.

I power mine from the electric dryer electrical box. I added a second box for the dryer outlet and put in a DTDP 240V switch where the outlet used to be and ran conduit to the charge station. I use the switch to direct the current to one or the other. Like a HD light switch but for 240V. Up powers the charge station, down powers the dryer. It prevents the two appliances from pulling power at the same time (bad, bad juju). The switch was around $70 as I recall.

Fixture Door Gas Metal Nickel

It's also important to follow the charge station manufacturers guide on breaker size and wire guage. You do not want undersized wire feeding a hungry car. Smoke, fire, bad stuff. Most dryer use 30A and 10 AWG wire which is fine provided the charge station is sized accordingly.

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smithlavon483

Discussion Starter · #3 · 7 mo ago

Well that's exactly what I was looking for so when the times comes I'll have to hire an electrician to set things up. And yes I'll get several quotes to weed out the rip-off offers. I seriously doubt Chevy would offer any financial assistance to Equinox buyers to upgrade their garage outlet voltage. Nice thought but probably not reality, unless pigs start to fly tomorrow.

Steverino

· #4 · 7 mo ago

smithlavon483 said:
Well that's exactly what I was looking for so when the times comes I'll have to hire an electrician to set things up. And yes I'll get several quotes to weed out the rip-off offers. I seriously doubt Chevy would offer any financial assistance to Equinox buyers to upgrade their garage outlet voltage. Nice thought but probably not reality, unless pigs start to fly tomorrow.

They are doing it for Bolt buyers, within limits.

smithlavon483

Discussion Starter · #5 · 7 mo ago

Maybe for Bolt buyers that we're impacted by battery recall a year or so back?. Bolts are not selling in mass quantity so GM might be offering some side deals to move cars but I don't see GM offering any such assistance for future EV's. In fact I wonder once the Equinox come out in late 2023 and 2024 if GM stops making the Bolt all together.

Steverino

· #6 · 7 mo ago

smithlavon483 said:
Maybe for Bolt buyers that we're impacted by battery recall a year or so back?. Bolts are not selling in mass quantity so GM might be offering some side deals to move cars but I don't see GM offering any such assistance for future EV's. In fact I wonder once the Equinox come out in late 2023 and 2024 if GM stops making the Bolt all together.

No, the free 240V charge station install is for new customers, not existing . And Bolts are selling quite well to the point Chevy increased production. It's possible Chevy is doing it to overcome any new buyer hesitancy. If so, it's working really well.

In Q3, a total of 14,709 Bolt EV/Bolt EUV were delivered to customers, which is 226% more than a year ago and the best result ever. Also, the share of BEVs out of Chevrolet's overall volume improved to a noticeable 3.9%.

It seems that it's just the beginning and soon we will see even higher results. According to the manufacturer, demand for the Bolt EV/EUV is so high that it requires increasing production capacity ("for global markets") from about 44,000 in 2022 to more than 70,000 in 2023 (more than 17,500 per quarter).

Going to Chevy.com this morning:

Home Charging Outlet Installation On Us*

Chevrolet will cover standard installation of a Level 2 (240-volt) charging outlet for eligible customers with the purchase or lease of a 2023 Bolt EUV or Bolt EV. Imagine the convenience of charging your electric vehicle right from home.

Chevrolet will cover standard installation of Level 2 charging outlet for eligible customers who purchase or lease a 2022 Bolt EUV or Bolt EV , helping even more people experience how easy it is to live electric. In collaboration with Qmerit, the offer gives customers access to faster charging right where they want it – at home.

2023 Bolt EV: Electric Car | Chevrolet

<p>View the redesigned 2023 Bolt EV electric car featuring a refreshed, new exterior along with convenient charging options and first-rate technology.</p>

www.chevrolet.com

So, Chevy is covering the cost of a standard 240V install on their least expensive EV which is selling so well production was increased. So the idea they may do the same with the Equinox EV is not far fetched.

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Mapleev

· #7 · 7 mo ago

They have the same offer on the Bolt in Canada:

Level 2 Home Charging Installation on Us†
Standard outlet installation for eligible customers with the purchase or lease of a new 2023 Bolt.

It would be great if they offer itfor the Equinox EV.

I was not planning on it. My situation is a little unique in that my power pole is beside my detached garage. When I first moved in and well before my garage was built, I was having them bury my power line to my house from the power pole, I also had them add a circuit breaker box and the meter to the pole. The circuit breaker box has two parts, one that directs the power to the house and the other had four 200 amp slots available. One we used for a bunkie we added, one for the garage and one other will be for the evse that will be mounted in the garage.

I will trench between the power pole and where the new line will enter the garage. I might install everything myself, but more likely hire an electrician to do it. I will have a 60 amp breaker with the line so I can power a 48 amp evse. Depending on the evse I will either have it hard wired or get the appropriate plug for the evse.

I have my eye on the Emporia or Wallbox evse, but may end up with an Ultium evse if they are priced competitive.

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Steverino

· #8 · 7 mo ago

GMC is not including a free install, so it's not an across the board offer.

smithlavon483

Discussion Starter · #9 · 7 mo ago

Not knocking the Bolt but its certainly not a top seller and seems as if GM has or had to offer some additional freebies to get car sales up. Maybe that was free 240 volt upgrade with purchase of vehicle. But if Equinox happens to sell out in short order - no way buying customers are going to get a free garage electrical outlet upgrade. Now if Equinox EV sales lag, then that might open the door for some additional incentives to get cars selling. Personally I don't see upcoming Equinox EV sales lagging in 2024, unless Major Recession from coast to coast.

EVolution

· #10 · 7 mo ago

smithlavon483 said:
GM has or had to offer some additional freebies to get car sales up

This was a brilliant move on GMs part. Often its not about the money, some people don't want to have to deal with the added steps of electrification. By adding a rebate for this it took that problem out of the equation. Then you just build it in as part of the Bolt's pricing and bam people have no problem anymore. In an interview one of the Chevy team did for the blazer, they mentioned the popular charging system rebate and were working on doing something similar for the Blazer EV. Likely for the Equinox EV as well if that is the case.

Steverino

· #11 · 7 mo ago

EVolution said:
This was a brilliant move on GMs part.

Not something I would normally associate with Chevy marketing, but between this, the Ultium materials, and the new ad they seem to be on a roll.

Potato_Vision

· #12 · 7 mo ago

I am trying to wrap my head around the 600' run from your service box to your dryer? Have you ever measured the voltage drop?

Turn on your dryer - measure the voltage at the dryer. Then measure the voltage at the breaker?

To your original question - if the 120V outlet is the only outlet on that circuit and was run with 12/2 wire AND you have room in your breaker box for a double pole breaker you could turn that into 240V and get a 16A EVSE charger. Not exactly fast but still likely good for 12-16 miles of charge per hour. But I would still be concerned about the huge run distance.

Reactions: 1

Potato_Vision

· #13 · 7 mo ago

Steverino said:
Chevy may provide a 240V install with the sale like they are doing with the Bolt EUV. Generally about $1500. A 240V station will be in the $500 to $800 range depending on features, Amps. I have a Siemens, but check out Clipper Creek.

I power mine from the electric dryer electrical box. I added a second box for the dryer outlet and put in a DTDP 240V switch where the outlet used to be and ran conduit to the charge station. I use the switch to direct the current to one or the other. Like a HD light switch but for 240V. Up powers the charge station, down powers the dryer. It prevents the two appliances from pulling power at the same time (bad, bad juju). The switch was around $70 as I recall.

View attachment 183

It's also important to follow the charge station manufacturers guide on breaker size and wire guage. You do not want undersized wire feeding a hungry car. Smoke, fire, bad stuff. Most dryer use 30A and 10 AWG wire which is fine provided the charge station is sized accordingly.

Thanks for your post - that is super smart. Nice work!

Steverino

· #14 · 7 mo ago

Potato_Vision said:
Thanks for your post - that is super smart. Nice work!

Thanks Potato Vision, I stole the idea from another member of the GM-Volt forum. I only wish I could have used one of those impressive switches with a 2 ft long handle like in Frankenstein movies, haha. ⚡

Potato_Vision

· #15 · 7 mo ago

Steverino said:
Thanks Potato Vision, I stole the idea from another member of the GM-Volt forum. I only wish I could have used one of those impressive switches with a 2 ft long handle like in Frankenstein movies, haha. ⚡

Our garage and laundry area are next to each other - I'll have to remember the solution.

Steverino

· #16 · 7 mo ago

The double pole double throw 240V 30A switch is the key.

https://www.leviton.com/en/products/1288-w

dayroge

· #17 · 7 mo ago

Question….do you drive less than 40 miles a day? If so a level1 charger with the standard 5-15 outlet may be all you need for your daily needs. No added expense for addition wiring as long as you are within 25’ of an outside or garage plug.

Mapleev

· #18 · 7 mo ago

dayroge said:
Question….do you drive less than 40 miles a day? If so a level1 charger with the standard 5-15 outlet may be all you need for your daily needs. No added expense for addition wiring as long as you are within 25’ of an outside or garage plug.

It is a fair point and could work for some people. It works until you go on a longer trip, let’s say 200 miles, and it will take a long time to get that back afterwards, if you continue to drive 40 miles a day It is possible that the car will sit idle for a day and that would allow you to catch up.

They say the level 1 charger will add 3 - 5 miles per hour of charging.

I have also seen on a video from the Ioniq Guy, that when you charge, there is some wasted energy. The slower you charge the more energy you waste. It can add up.

Reactions: 1

dayroge

· #19 · 7 mo ago

Granted I am retired and drive less than 10,000 miles a year and there are days my present vehicle does not leave the driveway. For trips you use a level 3 DC charger. While shopping plug into a level 2 charger. Your concern over wasted energy from level 1 well, the $2000+ to install a level 2 I can pay for a lot of energy since I pay 10 cents a kWh.

Mapleev

· #20 · 7 mo ago

dayroge said:
Granted I am retired and drive less than 10,000 miles a year and there are days my present vehicle does not leave the driveway. For trips you use a level 3 DC charger. While shopping plug into a level 2 charger. Your concern over wasted energy from level 1 well, the $2000+ to install a level 2 I can pay for a lot of energy since I pay 10 cents a kWh.

That’s good, you are one of the people it will work for. I have a friend that lives at a condo where a level 2 evse is not an option and he will strictly charge from commercial level 2 and 3 evse’s in his neighbourhood.

I am also retired and we have two vehicles. I drive under 7,500 miles a year and we use my truck for longer drives. My wife drives under 6500 miles. This vehicle will replace my wife’s vehicle, but it will be shared, and likely will see 10 to 11,000 miles on it per year. Although most of our trips are under 30 miles per day and a level 1 charger would meet that demand, we go on enough longer trips in my rural area (with not many Level 3 chargers) to visit the Grandkids, and for that we would need more frequent full charges. We also live in a colder climate where there will be some range loss during winter.

The cost of a Level 2 charger install for me will be between $1000 and $1500, incluxing the cost of the charger, as I have the power near by and I can do much of the work.

Everyone has their own story and their own needs. The video above about the cost of charging would be more relevant for those that drive further on a daily basis.

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