Key takeaways:
- EV charging uses a lot of electricity. Not all panels and electrical infrastructures can handle it.
- Making a few electrical upgrades to your home or business is worth it because you’ll save a lot with your own EV charger.
- We discuss common EV charger electrical upgrades in Palm Bay, FL, and Vera Beach, FL, below.
Charging an EV at home can strain your electrical infrastructure. Can your panel and current circuits handle it?
It really depends on the kind of infrastructure you have. Your best bet is to have a qualified electrician, like EVPlugz, conduct an inspection to get a better idea of the upgrades you would need.
Understanding Electrical Load Calculation for a Florida Home
Your electrical load is the average amount of electricity you use at once. This load is going to fluctuate, but it shouldn’t exceed what your panel can handle. Your appliances, electronics, and lighting add to this load. To give you an idea, a fridge uses 3 to 6 amps, while a central AC unit can use up to 60 amps.
In Palm Bay and Viera, most homes use 100-amp panels to handle the high AC demand in the summer. This gives you plenty of room to run your AC and use your other appliances.
However, EV charging can add anywhere from 16 to 80 amps to your electrical load, with most Level 2 chargers falling somewhere between 32 and 48 amps.
This is a big addition to your electrical load, and you might need a few upgrades.
Adding a New Circuit to Your Panel
EV charging does more than add to your electrical load. The Level 2 EV charger electrical requirements include running a dedicated 240V circuit from your panel to the charger.
Unless your home is EV-ready, a qualified installer will have to add this circuit. It’s only possible if your panel has two empty slots that can fit the new 240V circuit.
Do You Need Electrical Upgrades for EV Charging?
The answer is, it depends. Your current panel might have enough capacity and empty slots for a Level 2 charger.
However, many homes need a few upgrades so that EV charging doesn’t interfere with other applications or pose a safety risk by overloading the panel.
Panel Upgrades
Getting a new panel is a common solution. Swapping a 100-amp panel for a 200-amp model means you can comfortably use up to 48 amps for EV charging and still have about 75% of the panel’s capacity to power your AC unit and other circuits.
A new panel also means you’ll have a bigger device with plenty of empty slots for your EV charging circuits and future electrification upgrades.
Other Options
A panel upgrade can be costly, and it can be difficult to justify if your current panel isn’t that old. There are other options to consider:
- An electrician can install a smart load management device between your existing panel and your new EV charger. This device will interrupt the flow of electricity to the charger when demand from other circuits (like your AC) increases.
- You can also look into battery storage. A battery can serve as a secondary power source, charging your EV without placing additional strain on your panel.
- Not having enough slots for an EV charging circuit doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new panel. A pro can install a subpanel to create more space for additional circuits.
If you have a fairly recent electrical infrastructure, you can get away with relying on a smart charger to schedule your EV charging at night when your other circuits aren’t running to keep your electrical load low.
Why You Should Talk to a Professional Installer
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to electrical upgrades. You have unique needs based on your lifestyle and your future plans for electrification.
It’s why you should have a professional EV installer review your infrastructure. They’ll discuss which upgrades are needed and your options.
For instance, a simple load-shedding device can be enough if charging your EV would bring your total electrical load a little too close to your panel’s current capacity. On the other hand, if you have future plans for electrification and your panel is aging, a licensed electrician can guide you through replacing it.
Let’s Talk About Electrical Upgrades
EVPlugz is a trusted local EV charger installation service. We’ve been serving the Palm Bay area since 2021, and our mission is to provide safe, reliable electrical upgrades for your home or business.
Not sure what kind of upgrades you would need for EV charging? We can schedule an inspection, review how EV charging would affect your electrical load, and discuss your options.
Give us a call at +1 (321) 549 7002 or contact us online to get started.
FAQ
Do I need an EV charger electrical upgrade in Palm Bay FL?
Not always, but it’s common. Many Palm Bay homes have 100-amp panels, which may not have enough capacity for a Level 2 EV charger. A licensed electrician can perform a load calculation to see whether your current setup can safely handle the added electrical demand.
What is an EV charging service upgrade?
A service upgrade increases the electrical capacity entering your home from 100 amps to 200 amps, or even 400 amps in some cases. This upgrade ensures that charging your EV doesn’t cause breakers to trip or reduce safety margins during peak usage.
Are there alternatives to a full panel upgrade for EV charging?
Yes. Options include installing a smart load management device to balance power use, adding a subpanel for extra circuits, or using a load-shedding system that prioritizes essential circuits during charging. These solutions can sometimes postpone the need for a full panel replacement.
