Ever daydream about the days when filling up your tank and making it to work doesn’t cost half a paycheck? With the skyrocketing price of gas, you may be chasing electric options to save yourself the weekly bill. But even if you’re ready to cut a check for a brand-new electric car, have you added up every cost to going electric? For instance, your new energy bill?
So, do EVs affect your electric bill?
Maybe you haven’t considered the in-home cost or maybe that’s your top concern. It’s certainly a question many ask before finalizing an EV purchase. And as a first-time buyer, you’re likely unaware of the steps it takes to prepare your household for an electric upgrade. From a rising energy bill to hiring professionals, here’s everything to consider before parking an electric car in the garage.
Your Electric Bill
Does an EV mean my electric bill’s going up? Yes. And it’s pretty much unavoidable. Anything using your home’s electricity to charge will boost your bill. The question is – by how much? Of course, the answer differs for everyone. How much your bill goes up depends on how frequently you drive, how high the electricity rates are in your area, and the vehicle itself. Some electric cars are more efficient than others. How often your car needs to “refuel” and how much electricity the EV takes to completely recharge indicate how efficient the mileage is, and in turn, how expensive your electric bill will be.
If you’re looking for a ballpark estimate to get your budget in check, expect your bill to increase by roughly $30 to $60 monthly.
Charging Your EV
Now that you understand the cost, let’s talk logistics. One of the best things about owning an electric vehicle is the convenience factor of filling up at home. No more late night runs to the gas station or anxiety that your dangerously low tank won’t get you to work the next day. But how exactly does an at-home charger work? Every electric car comes with a connector kit including what’s essentially an extension cord for your car. When it comes to installing your charger and taking a holistic look at your home setup, that’s a job for the electrical experts.
Calling The Pros
For safety reasons, and as a rule of thumb, anything to do with your electrical system is a job for electricians. In terms of the electricity source itself, your existing setup may not be up to snuff. That’s because handling a lamp and charging a car are two vastly different tasks. So if you’re plugging in something strong (like your EV) and notice the lights dimming, that’s a telltale sign you need a professional upgrade.
While most electric cars can handle a standard 120-volt outlet, for safety reasons and a quicker charge, contact a qualified electrician to ensure whatever you’ve got is suitable.
Installing the charger itself is also far from a DIY home project. Hire a professional electrician to ensure your charger is correctly (and safely) installed. Not to mention, certain EV charging points lose their warranty if they’re not installed by a certified professional.
To EV, Or Not To EV?
The decision is ultimately up to you, but from our vantage point, there isn’t much of a downside to going electric besides a steeper upfront cost. However, the average EV cost is only $10,000 higher than the industry average according to Kelley Blue Book. And with gas prices reaching record highs, the long-term savings and resource reliability is tough to beat.
In Short
If you’re sick of the pump prices and looking to do your part to protect our planet, driving electric is a fantastic option. Between the money you save on gas and the good you’re doing for the environment, that sticker price is well worth it. And as you get serious about purchasing an EV, contact an electrician and see what electrical gaps are left to fill before filling your garage with a sustainable new ride.
Bratcher Electric in Wayne can answer your questions and address your electrical needs. We have providing electrical services to homes and businesses throughout Michigan for 60 years. As a locally owned and operated electrical contractor we understand the importance of keeping your electrical service operating and safe.
Our highly skilled electricians make every effort to ensure our customers obtain the service and reliability they deserve. That is why we are available to provide emergency services at any time of the day or night. Do you have a back up power plan to navigate the seasonal Michigan storms? Call us for a Free Estimate!