When you’re buying your first electric car, you probably have questions about how to prep your home for an EV. While electric vehicles have many benefits, including a reduction in environmental impacts and lower service costs, you’re going to have to prepare your residence before bringing it home. Some of the most common questions we’ve received from Andover EV buyers have been, “What do I need to do to prepare for an electric car?” and “Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel for an electric car?”
In the following guide, BMW of Wichita explores what home EV charging will involve at your Derby residence. Learn about everything from EV home charger in Kansas benefits to answering, “Is it safe to charge an electric car in a garage?” Read more below and call us at 316-779-2613 or reach out online with additional EV questions.
So, what do I need to do to prepare for an electric car? Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel for an electric car? One question at a time! Let’s discuss the most important five steps to prepare your home for EV.
For those Newton and Wichita drivers who haven’t been researching EV charger types, this is the most important step to take. Most EV home chargers fall into Level 1 or Level 2. Here’s more information about both:
For those buyers wondering about EV home charger in Kansas benefits, you have some excellent ones in our state. Evergy has been offering incentives for EV buyers, including a $250 rebate when they purchase a Level 2 EV charger. This is only available when customers sign up for an EV TOU (Time of Use) plan. To receive this, you must enroll in an EV plan or their TOU plan rate. For more information, including what the TOU rate option involves, read through the EV rebate section at Evergy.com.
Now that we’ve answered, “What do I need to do to prepare for an EV?” Let’s turn to another question some Derby buyers have asked, “Is it safe to charge electric car in a garage?” Yes, it is safe!
If you haven’t organized or cleared out your garage, this is the time to do so! Ensure your garage is prepared for your EV before it comes to your home. You need to clean out any clutter if your garage has been used for storage for a long time. So when someone asks, “Is it safe to charge electric car in a garage?” Tell them, Yes, you can!
Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel for an electric car? Well, that depends on your existing power panel.
Your home’s power panel distributes electricity throughout the entire residence. It should be rated for a maximum amount of current flow measured in Amperes. Many new homes feature a 100 Amp power panel, but there should be an amperage rating printed on your main circuit breaker.
You should determine how much electrical energy you consistently use in your home by performing a self-assessment of your electricity used before installing your EV home charger. Otherwise, you run the risk of overloading your electric distribution panel.
Find a reliable electrician that you can discuss any potential concerns regarding power consumption and installing an EV home charger with. You can have them install a dedicated 240-volt plug or add a hardwired circuit back to your power panel. Usually, this will cost a couple hundred dollars, but can cost upwards of $1,000 or $3,000 if your panel is not sufficient and needs upgrading.
For those who haven’t researched or purchased their EV charger, it’s important to do this ASAP! Failing to undertake this promptly can delay you bringing your BMW EV home from our Wichita dealership for weeks.
Now that you know how to prep your home for an EV, turn to BMW of Wichita for all your electric car needs. Whether it’s the new BMW i4 or BMW i7, you’ll find the right EV option for your needs and budget.
Check out our new vehicle specials and see how much you might save on your new BMW EV. Don’t forget to reach out to Evergy.com for more information on their EV home charger Kansas benefits. Drive your next EV in Derby with BMW of Wichita!
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