How Much Does It Cost to Build and Install a Level 3 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station?

2022-12-02 16:36:02 By : Mr. Stone Guo

With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming more and more popular in the automotive market, many drivers are still learning the ins and outs of EV terminology and how EVs work. One area of interest is the ability to install a charging station at home for convenience and to relieve range anxiety. So, how much does it cost to install a Level 3 charging station at home?

When it comes to electric vehicle charging, there are three different charging speeds to choose from. For reference, Level 1 charging stations contain the least amount of voltage, while Level 3 charging stations have the most amount of voltage. Electric Vehicle Fast Charging

How Much Does It Cost to Build and Install a Level 3 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations utilize alternating current (AC), with Level 1 stations providing charging through a 120-volt AC plug and Level 2 stations providing charging through a 208 to 240-volt AC plug. Generally speaking, residential areas only support Level 1 or Level 2 stations. 

In comparison to the AC plugs on Level 1 or Level 2 charging stations, Level 3 charging stations utilize direct current (DC). That’s why Level 3 charging stations are also known as DC Fast Charge or Supercharging stations.

With Level 3 charging stations providing 400 to 900-volt plugs, most residential areas cannot support this much additional electricity service. If you are looking into installing one of these charging stations at your home, you will need to consult with a local electrician and the power district.

During this consultation, you will likely be told if your area can support this much voltage, receive a quote, be informed what equipment you will need to purchase, and schedule an installation if you are approved. 

Even if your residential area is approved to support a Level 3 charging station, being able to afford it will be the primary barrier to entry for most individuals. According to Carvana, a Level 1 charging station would cost a homeowner between $300 to $600 before labor and $1,000 to $1,700, including installation costs. In comparison, a Level 2 charging station in a residential area would cost about $500 to $700 for just the equipment, with installation costing about $1,200 to $2,000. 

While Level 1 and Level 2 stations are affordable for many EV drivers, Level 3 charging stations are a whole different story. According to Future Energy, Level 3 charging stations cost around $40,000 for a single port.

In addition, Watt Logic reports that the equipment combined with the complete installation of a residential Level 3 charging station could cost upwards of $80,000. Of course, the cost is a primary reason why these types of charging stations are currently only primarily found at public establishments and businesses.

As of 2022, Level 3 charging stations provide the fastest way for EV drivers to charge their vehicles. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Level 3 charging stations can charge an EV from 0 to 80% in around 30 minutes. The charging speed can vary from 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the weather, make, model, and connector type. 

In comparison to the fastest Level 3 charging stations, Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations take considerably longer to charge EVs. Neo Charge reports that the Level 1 EV charging stations are the same as a regular household outlet at 120 volts. Charging an EV through a Level 1 plug garners about 4 miles per hour. Therefore, to reach a full charge, the vehicle would need to be plugged in for 30+ hours in most cases. 

Naturally, Level 2 charging stations are more efficient compared to Level 1 charging stations. Whereas Level 1 stations are primarily only found in residential areas, Level 2 stations are found in both residential and commercial locations. The charging rate with a Level 2 charger is about 12 to 30 miles per hour which means it takes 8 to 12 hours to reach a full charge. 

How Much Does It Cost to Build and Install a Level 3 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station?

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