EV Charger Installation in Rochester, NY

As you start exploring EV charging options, you’ll come across these different “levels” referring to charging speeds and power requirements. Here’s a quick rundown:

Level 1 Chargers

These are the most basic units that piggyback off a standard 120V household outlet, similar to what you’d use for a laptop or TV. Level 1 chargers are the slowest option, adding only about 3-5 miles of range per hour. They’re really just meant for basic top-offs and are best suited as a backup for emergencies.

Level 2 Chargers

This is the residential sweet spot that most EV drivers opt for. Level 2 chargers require a 240V outlet like what you’d use for an electric dryer. They can safely deliver up to 19.2kW of power, adding around 25 miles of range per hour of charging. Overnight is typically all you need for a full battery.

DC Fast Chargers

When you need to refuel in a hurry, DC fast chargers are the way to go. These heavy-duty commercial units bypass the onboard charger completely to deliver a scalding 200+ miles of range in under an hour. The downside is they require extremely robust electrical service most homes can’t accommodate.

For daily charging convenience at home, a Level 2 charger is going to be your best bet. But having access to public DC fast chargers during longer road trips is a nice luxury for getting back on the road quickly.

With all the EV models and charging options out there, it can feel overwhelming trying to pick the perfect home setup. But our team is skilled at weighing all the factors to recommend the ideal charger solution tailored to your specific situation.

Vehicle Compatibility

First off, you’ll want to ensure any charger you get is fully compatible with your EV’s charging inlet and onboard systems. Automakers usually provide guidance on models and recommended home charging solutions. We’re versed in all the latest specs to guarantee a seamless fit.

Daily Driving Habits

Think about your typical driving patterns. If you’re just doing short commutes and errand runs putting on 30-40 miles per day, a basic Level 1 charger may actually be sufficient. But if you’re racking up higher mileage, you’ll likely want to step up to the faster Level 2 charging speeds to stay topped up.

Installation Costs & Considerations

Level 2 chargers require professional hardwired installation onto a dedicated 240V circuit, plus potentially an electrical service upgrade for older homes. So you’re looking at hundreds to thousands of dollars in total costs once materials, labor, and any panel upgrades are factored in. But we’ll make sure you get a solution properly sized for your EV’s charging capabilities.

Charging Speeds

Of course, faster charging is the ideal if your budget allows. But keep in mind – most current EVs can only accept around 7-11kW even on a Level 2 charger due to their onboard charger limitations. So anything higher may be overkill unless you’ve got a seriously large battery pack. We’ll right-size it perfectly.

Smart Features & Functionality

On the higher end, you can opt for Wi-Fi enabled “smart” chargers that allow monitoring energy usage, setting charging schedules, integrating with solar or energy management systems, and more. Very handy for heavy users, but not necessarily a must-have for everyone’s needs. We’ll weigh whether it’s worth the added costs.

This is one of the biggest questions to address, especially if you’ve got an older property. Your electrical panel and service need enough available capacity to keep that new EV charger juiced up safely without overloads.

Our team does a thorough evaluation of your existing setup, including:

Overall Service Size

First, we check what your electrical service is rated for in total – 100 amps, 150 amps, 200 amps, etc. That gives us an idea of the maximum load it can supply.

Current Power Usage

From there, we take stock of all your home’s current electrical loads and equipment drawing power already. Heating/cooling, appliances, lighting, electronics, you name it. This let’s us determine how much of that service capacity is already being used up.

Charger Requirements

Then we look at the added demands your particular EV charger will place on the system, based on whether it’s a basic Level 1 trickle unit or a higher-draw Level 2 charger.

Remaining Capacity

Putting it all together, we can see if your existing service has enough available capacity left to handle that new EV charging load safely, or if an upgrade is needed.

Panel Age & Condition

Even if capacity isn’t an issue, we also consider the age and physical condition of the panel itself. Older units may need full replacement to bring everything up to current code and safety standards.

If we do find your service needs an upgrade, our licensed electricians can handle that panel change-out or service renovation from start to finish. We’ll make sure you’ve got a robust, code-compliant system ready to keep your EV powered up properly for years to come.

While those basic Level 1 chargers can get the job done in a pinch, there are some serious advantages to upgrading to a dedicated Level 2 charging setup at home:

Faster Charging Speeds

This is the biggest perk. Level 1 units max out at around 3-5 miles of range added per hour of charging. Level 2 chargers can safely deliver 4-6 times that speed, juicing up your EV with 15-30+ miles of range per hour. Perfect for quickly refueling after your daily driving around Rochester.

Always “Topped Up”

With those zippy Level 2 charging rates, you can easily keep your EV battery topped up overnight after commutes and errand runs. No more “range anxiety” – just wake up to a full charge every morning.

Reduced Idle Times

Speaking of overnight charging, you won’t be stuck killing time waiting around for your EV to recharge with a Level 2 unit. Just plug in before bed and it’ll be ready to roll by morning.

Ideal for Rochester Weather

Our lovely Rochester winters and summer heat put extra strain on EV batteries. Level 2 charging provides a booster for combating those efficiency dips when temps get extreme.

Future-Proofed

More and more new EV models are coming equipped with larger battery packs for extra range. Having a Level 2 charger installed now ensures you’re ready to take full advantage.

While Level 2 does involve higher upfront installation costs, the long-term convenience factor of never waiting around for slow charging makes it well worth it for most Rochester-area EV drivers.

The honest answer is – installation can vary quite a bit depending on the scope and complexity involved. But here’s a general idea of what to expect:

Residential Installs

For a basic charger install at a house, we’re typically looking at wrapping up everything within 1-2 days max. Gives us enough time for any minor electrical work, mounting that charging unit, final connections, testing, inspections – the whole nine yards.

Of course, factors like upgrading your electrical panel, having to trench for new wiring runs, or working around tight spaces can potentially stretch that out a bit further. But we’ll make sure to carefully plan and let you know what to expect.

Commercial/Public Sites

Larger commercial and public charging station projects tend to have a bit more involved. Generally a 3-5 day minimum turnaround once we’re on site and rocking. More robust electrical gear, trenching for conduit, constructing the pad or canopy, tying into payment systems if needed – there’s more pieces to coordinate.

Properties like apartments with chargers across multiple levels or buildings can get even trickier if there’s different electrical services involved. We’ve tackled plenty of challenging setups before, but they do require more meticulous prep work.

With our lovely Rochester weather, it’s not an uncommon situation – a nasty storm rolls through, knocking out power for a few hours or even days. But what does that mean for keeping your EV charged up and ready to roll? Here’s the scoop:

Standard EV Chargers

Unfortunately, regular Level 1 and Level 2 charging units are directly hardwired into your home’s electrical system. So when utility power goes out, those chargers are completely dead in the water. No way around that unless you’ve got…

Backup Power Sources

This is where thinking ahead and installing the right backup solutions can really pay off. Pairing your EV charger with options like:

Solar + Battery Storage

Having rooftop solar panels tied into a backup battery bank allows you to use that stored energy to keep charging during outages. As long as those batteries stay topped up, your EV charging can continue uninterrupted.

Generators

A gas-powered generator properly integrated with a transfer switch can dedicate power to keeping your charger operational when the grid goes down. Just be mindful of running costs, maintenance, and getting/storing fuel.

EV Charger with Battery

Some manufacturers offer Level 2 chargers with built-in battery backup power. When the lights go out, they can temporarily run off that internal battery to at least get you some charge before depleting.

While it does require some extra equipment and integration, we’re experts at designing resilient EV charging setups with backup power redundancy. Don’t let the next weather event leave you stranded without a way to fuel up!

While some chargers are designed for indoor garage installations, there are plenty of weather-resistant models made specifically for safe outdoor mounting.

Outdoor-Rated Units

These chargers feature ruggedized, fully-sealed enclosures to prevent any moisture or debris intrusion. With proper installation on a covered surface like under an eave or carport, they can withstand rain, snow, ice, and even general temperature extremes year-round.

Some units even take it a step further with full NEMA 4X enclosures – basically bombproof protection against any harsh outdoor elements Rochester can dish out.

Professional Installation Is Key

That said, just ordering one of these outdoor chargers and plugging it in yourself is a recipe for disaster. Proper weatherproofing of all wiring runs, conduit seals, and mounting locations is absolutely crucial.

Our certified electricians follow all the latest codes and techniques for ensuring a clean, long-lasting outdoor installation. From trenching and mounting considerations to GFCI protection and bringing everything up to waterproof standards, we’ll make sure your charger setup is built to keep performing reliably for years to come.

Mounting Locations

We’ll also work with you to identify the ideal mounting spot for convenience and safety. A covered area near your parking spot, but also avoiding potential hazards like falling ice, runoff flooding, physical impacts, etc. Plenty of factors to consider beyond just tossing it outside.

So if you’ve got an EV and prefer that outdoor charging convenience, no problem at all! Just be sure to hire professionals to ensure it’s installed the right way for reliable performance in any Rochester conditions.

The short answer is yes. Both state and local codes require pulling permits for pretty much any permanent EV charging installation around the Rochester area. It’s a crucial step to ensure everything meets current safety standards and gets properly inspected.

Home Charger Permits

For residential chargers, we’ll take care of securing an electrical permit from the City of Rochester before any work kicks off. This allows the city’s inspectors to review the planned install specifics and sign off once it’s completed up to code.

Commercial Permits

Larger commercial charging station projects often require even more thorough permitting, such as zoning approvals and utility company signoffs. But you can count on us to coordinate with all relevant Rochester authorities to cross every T.

Permit Costs

Associated permit fees can vary based on factors like the number of charging units, any required electrical service upgrades, and property type. But we’re always upfront about outlining these costs as part of your installation estimate.

Code Compliance

Beyond just permits, our licensed electrician crew ensures your charging setup meets all applicable Rochester and New York state building codes and electrical standards to the letter. Following the latest techniques like GFCI protection, proper bonding, and more.

Inspection Scheduling

Once your charger is installed, we’ll also schedule the necessary final inspections to get it approved and officially activated for use without unnecessary delays.

The joys of renting – you’ve gotta run pretty much any installation or renovation plans by the landlord first. EV chargers are no exception, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck as a renter. Here are some tips:

Get Landlord Approval

First thing’s first, you’ll need to get explicit approval from your landlord or property manager to install any permanent EV charging equipment on their property. Provide details on the planned installation scope, electrical needs, etc. Having a licensed pro like us involved can help grease those wheels.

Hard-Wired Installations

If your landlord does give the okay, we can proceed with a standard hard-wired Level 2 charger installation just like at an owned home. All proper permitting, electrical work, the whole nine yards to ensure it’s done safely and to code.

Portable Charger Option

For rentals where landlords balk at permanent installations, a portable Level 2 EV charger can be a solid alternative. These units aren’t hard-wired, but rather plug into a 240V outlet like for an electric dryer. Easier approval, but slower charging speeds.

Outlet Installation

In cases where no 240V outlet exists, your landlord may allow having one installed in your parking area or garage for using that portable EV charger. We can handle any new outlet installations to meet code.

Potential Challenges

Of course, renting situations often come with challenges like shared/assigned parking spaces, multi-family electrical metering, and other curveballs. But we’re pros at navigating tricky rental setups to find a workable solution.

The bottom line is don’t just assume EV charging is off the table at a rental property! Between getting landlord buy-in and exploring portable options, we can often make an installation work for responsible renters.

With electric vehicles steadily gaining mainstream popularity, that home EV charger could definitely pay some dividends when it comes time to sell.

Meeting Buyer Demands

A pre-installed Level 2 home charging setup is becoming an increasingly sought-after amenity for homebuyers. It’s convenience they simply can’t get with a regular outlet or public charging.

Competitive Edge

In competitive real estate markets like Rochester, having that charger already in place gives your listing a nice edge over other properties. It immediately checks a big box for EV-owning buyers.

Recouping Costs

While a Level 2 charger installation isn’t exactly cheap, studies show you can reasonably expect to recoup the majority of those costs in increased property resale value down the road.

Future-Proofing

Even if you aren’t driving an EV yourself currently, having the charger and appropriate electrical service in place future-proofs your home’s value. Those upgrades will still pay off for the next owner.

Marketing Appeal

Realtors can also leverage that installed charger as a major selling point when marketing your listing. It’s a great way to make your property stand out and appeal to a wider pool of potential buyers.

These days, EV chargers have gotten a whole lot smarter than those basic plug-it-in-and-forget-it models. We’re talking Wi-Fi enabled intelligent charging systems packed with cool features:

Charging On Your Schedule

Sick of having to manually plug in every single time? Intelligent chargers let you set scheduled charging windows to automate the whole process. It’ll automatically start juicing up during those designated time periods – no remembering required.

Remote Status Monitoring

Whether you’re at the office or out running errands, these smart chargers keep you looped in via smartphone app. Get real-time updates on charge status, battery levels, complete notifications, and even historical charging data.

Prioritized Charging

For households with multiple EVs, intelligent systems can actually share available electrical capacity between each vehicle. It prioritizes charging based on your settings to avoid overloading the electrical service.

Renewable Energy Integration

Have solar panels installed? Nice! Many smart chargers can sync up with that renewable energy production to maximize efficiency. They’ll prioritize charging when excess solar power is available.

Voice Control Convenience

Using voice commands to control your charger is totally a thing now too. Most integrate with smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Home, etc. So you can check status, start/stop charging, and more just by asking.

Automatic Software Updates

Another perk – no more fretting about having to manually update firmware or software. Intelligent chargers handle all that automatically through the cloud to keep features current.

While intelligent EV charging does come with some added costs upfront, the added capabilities offer serious convenience and potential long-term cost savings through energy optimization. For heavy users and early tech adopters, it’s often worth the splurge.

An EV charger is a hardworking appliance, constantly cycling power to replenish your ride’s battery pack. And just like any other equipment in your home, it requires some basic maintenance and TLC to keep it operating efficiently and extend its lifespan. Here are some tips:

Keep It Clean

Over time, your charger’s casing and charging cable can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime buildup. Use a damp cloth to periodically wipe down all exterior surfaces. For the cable itself, a dry microfiber cloth works wonders.

Check for Damage

Inspect that charging cable regularly for any nicks, cuts, or exposed wiring that could become safety hazards. If you spot damage, discontinue use immediately and have it replaced.

Clear Obstructions

Make sure to keep the area around your wall-mounted charger clear of any obstructions that could block airflow and cause overheating issues. Don’t let it get buried behind boxes, trash cans, etc.

Protect from Elements

For outdoor charger installations, you’ll want to take steps like clearing away any excessive snow buildup and ensuring water isn’t pooling around the base and electrical components.

Software Updates

If you’ve got an intelligent “smart” EV charger, be sure to enable automatic software updates so you’ve always got the latest firmware installed with any patched bugs or new features.

Professional Service

For any larger repair needs that arise like faulty charging components or electrical issues, don’t try to tackle those yourself. Call in a licensed pro like our team for proper diagnostics and charger servicing.

A little routine maintenance really goes a long way in keeping your charger in reliable working condition for the long haul. But when something bigger comes up, we’re here to get it repaired right!

You go to plug in and…nothing. An EV charger on the fritz can really throw a wrench into your routine. But before you panic, there are some basic troubleshooting steps worth trying first:

Check the Breakers

Sounds simple, but a tripped breaker on your electrical panel could be the whole issue. Give the breaker a firm flip to the off position and then back on to reset it.

Inspect the Cable

Carefully look over the charging cable for any cuts, frays, or exposed wiring that could be causing a short or ground fault. Damaged cables need to be replaced pronto.

Cycle the Power

If you’ve got an external wallbox charger, try hitting the reset button or cycling the power by unplugging the unit, waiting 2-3 minutes, and plugging back in.

Clear Error Codes

Speaking of wallboxes, check if any error codes or warning lights are illuminated on the unit itself. Refer to the manual for how to properly clear any fault codes.

Test Other Outlets

For portable Level 1 or Level 2 chargers, try unplugging it and plugging into a different 120V or 240V outlet to rule out a bad socket as the culprit.

Call Up the Experts

If you’ve cycled through those basic restart tips without luck, it’s probably time to call in the professionals at that point. We can properly diagnose any larger electrical or charger component issues through:

Visual Inspections

Our techs will perform thorough visual inspections of wiring, connections, charging components, control boards, you name it. Lots of common faults can be spotted this way.

Electrical Testing

We’re also equipped with all the latest tools to run comprehensive electrical testing on your charging circuit, outlets, breakers, and more to identify any code violations or wiring issues.

Component Swaps

If we do identify a faulty piece of the charger hardware like the cable, control board, or internal components, we can make those surgical part swaps and replacements.

Don’t keep wrestling with a misbehaving charger. One call to Reimer, and we can get you back up and running quickly and safely!