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Are you thinking about adding an EV charger to your home in Martinez? You’re not the only one! Many of our customers call us right after purchasing their first electric vehicle, and they realize that their home may not be able to handle their new vehicle’s needs, and they don’t want to rely on public charging stations. They’re looking for fast EV charger installation in Martinez, GA – and our team at Ferrell Electric delivers.
Beyond Martinez, we also provide EV charger installation services throughout Columbia County and Richmond County in Georgia, as well as Aiken County and Edgefield County in South Carolina.
While there are several alternative fueling stations around the Martinez area, most homeowners don’t want to have to depend on them every day. It means carving time out of your routine, and possibly having to wait in line and at the station while your car charges. At home, you could just plug it in. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) can take 40-50+ hours to charge to 80% and 5-6 hours for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
One of the first questions we hear from customers is, “Can I just plug my car into a regular outlet?” The short answer is – yes. But it’s not always the most practical solution. A standard 120V outlet (level 1 charging) can add only 3-5 miles of driving/hour. That would mean that it could take four hours just to get 20 miles’ worth of charge.
Now this may not be an issue for you if you only need to drive a few miles each day, but for most families, it can quickly become inconvenient. If you need to commute to Augusta or Evans every day, waiting 20+ hours for a full charge isn’t realistic. This could present more of an issue if you need to charge more than one electric vehicle (EV) at the same time.
As shown in the example above, charging your electric vehicle is not as simple as plugging it into the wall. It's important that you have the right type of EV charger to suit your needs and schedule. There are two options for charging your electric vehicle: level 1 and level 2 chargers.
Level 1 chargers plug directly into a standard 120V wall outlet. Because these outlets are standard in all homes, they don't require any electrical upgrades. They are a really good fit for local drivers who regularly don't drive long distances.
Level 2 chargers use a 240V outlet; this is similar to the outlets that power dryers or ovens. They can fully charge a vehicle in just a few hours. This is ideal for drivers who have a longer commute to work, running errands, commuting kids, or homes with multiple EVs they need to charge.
Not every home is ready for a Level 2 EV charger. There isn’t a high demand for 240V outlets in the garage since these are typically reserved for ovens and dryers. If you already have a 200-amp electrical panel, you can likely handle a Level 2 EV charger if there is enough available space for the outlet. Here are some signs your panel may need an upgrade:
When you team up with Ferrell Electric, you get a full inspection, professional installation, and peace of mind knowing your electrical system is code-compliant. Give us a call if you think you need an electrical panel upgrade for your home in Martinez.
Have you been thinking about buying an electric vehicle? Or, have you just bought one and are considering adding a home EV charger? Now’s the perfect time to get your EV charger installed!! At Ferrell Electric, we’ve been handling all things electric for our neighbors in and around Martinez.
We’ll come and check out your electric panel and help you figure out which charger is the best fit for your needs and determine if you need a panel upgrade. From there, we’ll handle absolutely everything: installation, testing, and cleanup. No stressing, no extension cords stretching across the garage – just peace of mind that when you go to turn your car on in the morning, it will have a full charge. What sets us apart from other electricians in Martinez is our commitment to the Ferrell standard: integrity, safety, trust, service, and community.
Give us a call or book online today, and we’ll get you set up with a proper EV charger installation in Martinez, GA!
