Electric Car Chargers and Rebates

Sep 07, 2020 | Electric/EV Car Charger

Whether you’ve already purchased an electrical vehicle or you’ve just been thinking about making the switch, it’s no secret that the demand for electrical vehicles is on the rise. Plus, the recent announcement that all new cars purchased in California will be electric by 2035, we know you’ve been reading up on it! The list of benefits is impressive. Limited trips to the gas station, reduction in emissions, saving money through rebate programs, and, because of the efficiency of an electric motor, electrical vehicles react faster and have exceptional torque. To make the electrical vehicle even more convenient, Mario Castillo Electric can install electric vehicle charging stations in your home (EVSE) so you can power up your new ride right at home! It’s just another step to bringing your home into the 21st century. We’ll walk you through your options in this blog, as well as share rebate information!

What Sort of Charging Set Up Do I Need?

Level 1 - All electrical vehicles come with a Level 1 electric car charger. This is simply a cord that can plug directly into a standard outlet (120-volt). Charging at Level 1 will give you about 5 miles per hour of charging. If you’d don’t have a standard outlet near where you park your vehicle, we can install one, but, keep in mind, that if your home is more than 20 years old, your wiring or panel may not be able to handle charging your new car. We recommend a Level 2 Charging Station which will give you a faster charge.

Level 2 - Upgrading to a Level 2 charger will require a professional, such as the team at Mario Castillo Electric, to install ev charging stations, known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (ESVE). Home charging stations require a dedicated 240-volt electric circuit - just like what your dryer or electric range would use. Level 2 Charging is considerably faster than Level 1, allowing you to fully recharge overnight and even top off in between errands during the day. While a Level 2 charger might be a bigger investment, there are rebates available to help offset the cost.

*Level 2 is highly recommended by Mario Castillo Electric.*

DC Fast Charging - DC Fast Charging, also known as Quick Charging or Supercharging, is available at many public charging stations. It requires a 480-volt connection and is the fastest level commonly used, providing up to 40 miles of range for every 10 minutes of charging. Due to the high voltage and expensive price tag, DC Fast Charging is unsuitable for home installation. You can find DC Fast Charge stations in shopping centers, but not every electric car is compatible - so double check your vehicle before pulling up to a DC Fast Charger.

How Much Does It Cost?

Level 2 Charging Stations will cost less than what you’ll spend on gas in a year! There are several charging station options that start at around $950 and go up from there. All electrical vehicles are comparable with Level 2 Charging Stations, EXCEPT TESLA, which would require a TESLA charging station or a special adapter. Rebates (see below) from your electric company and the state can help offset the initial costs. Plus, we offer a great financing option that will allow you to pay month-to-month.

The cost of charging your vehicle will depend on the size of your battery and the cost of electricity where you live. In general, charging at home is like paying less than $2 for a gallon of gasoline. Southern California Edison offers a Time-Of-Use plan (TOU) that can make charging even more cost effective. On a TOU plan you can charge when rates are the cheapest - generally in the morning, late afternoon and overnight.

Which Charging Station Do I Buy?

There are many Level 2 Charging options on the market. We will work with you to choose the best one for you. We tend to recommend the Siemens brand, as it usually gives customers the most bang for their buck. If you’re driving a TESLA, we recommend a TESLA Charging Station. Here is a list of charging stations we recommend.

• Siemens
• ChargePoint
• ClipperCreek
• JuiceBox
• AeroVironment

When we discuss installing a Level 2 Charging station in your home we will discuss the type of car you have, where you park your car, the type and speed of charger you want and the length of your charging cord. Once we decide which charging station is right for you, you can begin applying for those rebates! Here is a list of rebates you should check. And don’t forget to check for rebates from the brand of charging station you purchase!

• Southern California Edison Clean Fuel Reward Program
• Drive Clean Incentive of California
• Department of Energy Incentives
• Clean Vehicle Rebate Project
• Replace Your Ride Incentive
• Southern California Incentive Project
• Long Beach EV Charger Giveaway (This one has been suspended due to COVID-19, but keep an eye on it in case it comes back!)

In addition to the warranties on the EVSE (usually 3 years), we also offer a 6 month warranty on all services provided by Mario Castillo Electric. Give us a call and let’s get that home charging station installed!