An EV charger is a device that lets you charge the battery of your electric vehicle. It takes power from your home (AC power) and converts it into the type of power (DC power) your electric vehicle needs.

There are three types of EV chargers:

1. Level 1 Charger (120-volt): These chargers use a standard home outlet and are the slowest. It takes around 50 to 90 hours to fully charge your EV. You can add about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging.
2. Level 2 Charger (240-volt): These chargers offer faster charging compared to Level 1 chargers, typically taking about 6 to 12 hours to fully charge an electric vehicle. With a Level 2 charger, you can add approximately 20 to 30 miles of driving range per hour of charging. These chargers require a 240-volt power supply and can be either hardwired into the electrical system or plugged into dedicated 240-volt outlets. Professional installation is recommended for their setup.
3. Level 3 Charger (480-volt): Level 3 chargers, also known as DC Fast Charging (DCFC), are not for home use. They are found in commercial buildings, retailers, or highway rest areas. Charging from 20% to 80% can take around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the power of the DCFC.

Please note that actual charging times can vary based on factors such as:

• Charger amperage,  
• Power acceptance by your EV,  
• Ambient temperature, and  
• Battery condition. 

It is generally recommended to keep your battery level between 20% and 80% for optimal battery life, except for long trips when you may want a full charge. 

Some EV chargers have adjustable amp ranges to provide flexibility and accommodate different electrical system capabilities and charging needs. Here are a few reasons why adjustable amp ranges are beneficial:

Electrical Compatibility: EV chargers with adjustable Amp ranges are designed to work with various electrical systems found in different homes or buildings. This flexibility ensures that the charger can be adjusted to match the specific electrical capacity of your location. It prevents overloading the electrical system and ensures safe and efficient charging.

Future-Proofing: By allowing Amp adjustment, these chargers offer future-proofing capabilities. If you make changes to your electrical system or switch to a new electric vehicle with different charging requirements, an electrician can easily adjust the Amp setting of the charger to accommodate these changes. This eliminates the need to replace the charger and provides a cost-effective solution to adapt to evolving charging needs.

For instance, imagine you buy a 48A charger, but your home's electrical capacity can only handle a 32 Amp charger (with a 40 Amp breaker). In this situation, the electrician can easily adjust the charger to 32 Amps, making it work seamlessly.

If you can afford an electrical upgrade such as a panel upgrade, subpanel upgrade, or load management device, in the future for faster charging and can accommodate a 60 Amp breaker, the electrician can readjust the charger to the full 48 Amps. This grants you the ability to charge your vehicle at a significantly faster speed when necessary.

Learn more about adjustable amperage. 

Hardwired: Hardwired chargers are securely installed and provide a more permanent charging solution. They are typically mounted on a wall and directly connected to your electrical panel. This setup ensures a stable and reliable connection, as well as a clean, clutter-free installation. This setup is comparable to a light switch and requires professional installation or removal by an electrician, ensuring both long-term reliability and safety.

Plug-in: A plug-in charger with a 14-50 plug can be connected to a power source by plugging it into a compatible commercial-grade NEMA 14-50 outlet. This type of charger allows for easier installation and portability, as it can be easily plugged and unplugged from the outlet. The 14-50 plug is a specific type of plug with four prongs that provide higher power for faster charging. However, it may require an electrician to install the commercial-grade NEMA 14-50 outlet if it is not already available in your home.

However, it is recommended to consult with an electrical contractor or electrician before deciding. They can assess factors such as your home's electrical panel capacity, installation requirements, and city permit regulations to determine the most suitable option for your charging needs. 

In most cases Yes, except Tesla.

Be sure to consult your EV manufacturer’s recommendations or the EV charger manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the charger you are considering is compatible with the EV you own.

Tesla has a proprietary plug unique to their vehicles. However, you can purchase an adapter to use the chargers we sell with a Tesla.

Unless you have intentions to switch to a fully electric vehicle in the near future, there may not be a need for it. You have the option to utilize the charger that was included with your PHEV or acquire one from our store. Take a look at our Portable Chargers collection. The standard charger should fully charge your PHEV overnight.

However, if you desire a quicker charge within just one hour, we recommend considering a Level 2 charger.

It is recommended that you consult with an electrical contractor prior to purchasing an EV Charger to ensure you select the right one for your needs. There are several important factors to consider, such as: 

• Your home's electrical panel capacity,  
• Whether the charger will be hardwired or use a specific plug,  
• The distance between your electrical panel and preferred charging location,  
• Any city permit requirements.  

It is crucial to discuss these details with the installer to ensure compatibility and proper installation. The only exception is if you are replacing an existing charger or if your home already has the necessary outlets or wiring for a compatible charger. In such cases, it is essential to determine the charger's specifications, such as whether it requires hardwiring or a specific plug, to ensure you purchase the correct replacement charger. 

When selecting an EV charger, prioritize safety by choosing one that is UL-listed or UL-certified, Energy Star® certified, and installed by master electricians. Qmerit offers chargers with these certifications for reliable quality.  

Consider factors such as: 

• Cost of the charger  
• Length of cable (measure the distance from where your charger will be installed to the EV’s charge port)  
• Speed of Charging (the more Amps, the faster the charge) 
• Warranty period  
• Where it is manufactured  
• Weatherproof (if you’re having it installed outside)  
• WiFi support (if you want to use their mobile app, you’ll need this)  
• Mobile app   
• Smart home compatibility (Google Home or Amazon Alexa)  

The Amp rating of the charger depends on your home's breaker panel capacity. During the Qmerit installation quote process, or by consulting your electrician, you can determine the breaker panel's capacity.   

Higher Amp chargers charge your EV faster but ensure your breaker panel can handle it. For flexibility and future-proofing, an Adjustable Amp charger allows your electrician to adjust the Amp according to your panel's capacity, which is useful if you plan to upgrade it in the future. 

If you're unsure about which EV charger to buy, consult the electrical contractor who will install it. They can provide recommendations based on their experience, your home's electrical capacity, and your EV driving patterns.  

View the Charging Reference Table in the "EV Charger Tools and Glossary" page of the “Tools and FAQs” in the upper menu on this website to view a summary of the charging speeds for these three charger types and the breaker size required for each charger type. 

Qmerit always recommends purchasing a charger that can be hardwired.  Consider the following factors to help you make a decision:

Hardwired

• Permanence: Hardwired chargers provide a secure and permanent installation, which can be beneficial if you have a dedicated parking space for your electric vehicle and want a fixed charging solution. If you plan to stay in your current location for a long time or prefer a cleaner, more permanent setup, a hardwired charger may be a good choice.
• Installation: Hardwired chargers typically require professional installation by an electrician, ensuring proper wiring and safety compliance.
• Avoid breaker nuisance tripping: Hardwired EV chargers help avoid potential breaker nuisance tripping which can occur with plug-in chargers.

Plug-ins (14-50 plug)

• Flexibility: Plug-in chargers offer more flexibility as they can be easily installed, removed, and transported. If you anticipate moving or need the option to take your charger with you, a plug-in charger provides the convenience of portability.
• Compatibility: Consider the electrical infrastructure available to you. If you have existing electrical outlets that are suitable for EV charging, a plug-in charger may be a more cost-effective option. 

Ultimately, it's recommended to assess your specific needs, consider factors such as your living situation, future plans, and electrical setup, and consult with an electrician. They can provide expert advice tailored to your circumstances and help you make an informed decision on whether a hardwired or plug-in charger is the best fit for you.

Qmerit sells a limited number of EV charger brands because they prioritize the highest standards of safety, sustainability, energy efficiency, and quality. The chargers they offer have specific certifications, including being: 

• UL Listed  
• Energy Star® certified
• Master Electrician certified

These certifications ensure that the chargers have undergone rigorous testing for safety, performance, and energy efficiency. Additionally, each charger model should be installed, tested, and certified by experienced Master Electricians to guarantee reliability and customer satisfaction. 

Yes!

Often referred to as the 30C tax credit, covers 30% of an EV charging station and the installation costs, up to $1,000. You claim the credit on your Federal tax return by completing form 8911. The Inflation Reduction Act extended this tax credit through 12/31/2032.

• To claim the federal tax credit, use Form 8911 when you file your federal income tax return. 
• Here are the instructions for Form 8911 
• You will need your receipts that show the purchase price of the EV charger and any fees for installation of the charger. 
• You will also need to know your tax liability for the year that you’re claiming the credit. That’s because the EV charger tax credit is subtracted from any federal tax that you might owe on that year’s return. 

Visit the website of your electricity provider to check for available rebates in your area.

You can also explore the The Energy Star website, which provides information on various rebates.

Note: Qmerit provides customers with their local, state and federal incentives and rebates based on zip code when they submit their home charging assessment.

Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a licensed electrician to install your EV charger. They have the knowledge and expertise to safely handle electrical connections and ensure compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC) and local regulations. Installing a Level 2 charger (240-volt) involves working with high-voltage electrical equipment, making it essential to rely on a professional for a safe quality installation.

Additionally, pulling a permit, if required by your city, is important to ensure your installation follows a code and is inspected by a city inspector for added safety.

Moreover, a permit may be required when selling your home, and potential buyers may request to see it. Failure to have a permit could result in fines and additional expenses to obtain one. 

Read this great article on why you want to use a licensed electrician for your installation. 

During the Qmerit installation quote process, you can access the services for installing EV chargers. Qmerit is known for installing a significant number of EV chargers in the U.S. and has received high customer satisfaction ratings. Their electricians are licensed and have undergone background checks. Furthermore, they are certified in EV charger installations, ensuring a professional and reliable installation experience

Yes!

It is important to select a weatherproof charger that is specifically designed for outdoor use and offers a hardwire installation option.

For answers to all your EV charging installation questions, visit Qmerit's website. There you can find comprehensive information and solutions related to EV charging installation.