Getting Started with EV Charging

If you are new to EV charging, we offer this overview to help you get started.

Jumping into the EV world can be daunting, but understanding the nature of different charging systems helps take the guesswork out of charging.

All Spark chargers provide load management, and constantly monitor electrical usage to maximize power for the fastest—and least expensive—charge while automatically decreasing power usage during peak hours to stay within your home or commercial building capacity.  

There are three different types of EV chargers:

Level 1 Charger: This AC charger utilizes a typical 120-volt plug, the same one that powers your other household devices. Level 1 charging speeds vary with vehicle type, but this type of slow charge (can be as little as 1.8 kilowatt) can take more than 24 hours to fully charge your EV.

Level 2 Charger: These are the most common AC home chargers, and they can also be found in commercial applications. They require a 240-volt NEMA 14/50 outlet, or an adaptor to work with the outlet used for your washer and dryer.

These chargers can also be hardwired into your home electrical system to provide up to 80 amps of charging power. A Level 2 charger operates in the 6 to 19.2 kilowatt range, and can easily recharge a vehicle overnight, or even in a few hours depending on how much electricity is coming into your home.

Level 3 Charger: These fast commercial chargers can charge any car, and are the fastest charging stations available. Not intended for home use, these are the chargers you see in public parking lots such as retail outlets and office complexes. The fastest Level 3 chargers can charge a depleted battery in under an hour.  

Learn more about Spark commercial chargers here.

Why charge at home?
There are many reasons to install a home charger, starting with the convenience of knowing your car will be ready when you are. Charging at home also allows you to charge during off-peak hours, saving you money and providing a quicker charge. And being able to plug in between runs to the grocery store or picking the kids up from school allows you to top off your EV during the day to reduce range anxiety.

Can I Install an EV Charger at home?
Most homes are equipped with a 240-volt connection and if your home has a NEMA-type 14/50 outlet you can simply plug in a Spark AC NEMA-equipped charger and you’re ready to go. If your outlet is within convenient reach of your EV, it’s easy to install a Spark AC charger as no additional electrical work is required.   

What if I don’t have a 240-volt outlet?
If your home is not equipped with 240-volt outlet, you have a couple options:

1. Have a 240-volt outlet professionally installed by a certified electrician.
2. Opt for an AC charger that’s hardwired into your home system. One benefit of going the hardwired route is that hardwired AC chargers such as the Spark 80A AC Home Charger can offer quicker charging than AC chargers equipped with the convenience of a NEMA plug. You will need to hire an electrician to confirm your home system can support a hardwired unit, and to install the unit to meet your local code requirements.

Can I Install an EV home charger outdoors?
Spark chargers are rated for exterior installation and feature durable water and weather-proof construction. The cord is also weatherproof, and the plug features a waterproof seal when connected to the charging port of the vehicle. Because weather can impact the effectiveness of EV charging, it is recommended that outdoor home installations utilize a hardwired AC charger, or at minimum plug into a 240-volt outlet.

Can I get financial assistance to install a home charger?  
There are many grants and tax credits for adding an EV charging station to your home that cover everything from electrical upgrades to installation to the charger purchase itself. More information is available here.

Understanding Charge Rates
Confused by amps and watts? Here’s a primer:

Charge rates are often expressed in kilowatts of power: Volts multiplied by amps equals watts, and 1000 watts equals a kilowatt.

To estimate charge time, let’s say your home can charge your EV at 6 kilowatts and your EV has a 60.0-kWh battery. The charge time from empty to full will be roughly 10 hours.

Why get a charger with WiFi capability?
Spark chargers are smart chargers, meaning they monitor charging all the time. By utilizing the Spark App with your Spark home charger, you can remotely keep track of charging times, costs, receive alerts, control the charging unit, find chargers on the road, and more.