Despite being around for a while, electric cars are gaining in popularity. They can not only be cost-effective for the owner, but they’re also kinder to the environment than traditional petrol or diesel cars.
Many car manufacturers are consistently working on ways to further decrease damage to the environment. Owning an electric car is more than just purchasing one; you have to make adjustments to your garage to accommodate it too. If you’re considering purchasing one, here’s how to prepare your garage.
1. Install a Home Charging Station
As you’ll know your electric car will run on electricity, so there’ll be no need to visit a gas station anymore. If you have a home charging station installed, then you can charge your vehicle in the comfort of your own property, at any time of your choosing, without the need to queue, unless another member of your household has got to the charging point before you!
You may want to consider saving even more money, especially if electric cars are going to be the way forward for you and your family from this point onwards, by getting a solar-paneled roof to charge your car.
It’s not as crazy as it sounds and, yes, it can be done, you just need to ensure you have a Tesla Solar Roof certified installer doing the work so that you can relax knowing a professional is completing the work for you. Consider it a long-term investment, just like your electric car.
How much energy is used from your solar panel roof will depend on your electric car and how long it’ll take to charge it. With a 120-volt circuit taking just over a day, a 240-volt circuit will take just over half a day, which may make all the difference if you’re a regular car user or several members of your family use it.
2. Check the Cord Length
Believe it or not, this is an extremely important aspect of planning your garage layout. The cord from the charging point to your vehicle has to reach, otherwise, your car won’t get charged, simple as that. This would not only be a complete waste of money but also a source of frustration.
Furthermore, if the cord does reach your electric car, you want to ensure there’s enough cord to avoid it from being taut. If a cord is taut it usually means it’s stretched beyond what it should be, which is no good as this could also be a potential hazard as well. This is because it could lead to damage to the cord’s insulation over time as it’s constantly stressed. Loose is generally always better.
There are two options to consider, which any reputable electrician will provide. The first would be for the electrician to ensure there is enough cord between the car and the charging point. The second option would be to ensure there is enough room between the charging point and where the vehicle would typically be situated to ensure the cord can comfortably reach it.
3. Safety
There is going to be an extremely high amount of electricity being transferred from the charging point to your car on a regular basis. You want this to happen seamlessly and safely.
The only way you can ensure this is to have qualified professionals installing your equipment at every stage. Requesting to see copies of courses they’ve attended and accreditations should be standard. But do more than this and seek independent reviews.
Ensure your garage is safe, so a strong and durable building, roof, and door is a must. You want a door that withstands all the elements and also is secure enough to protect your car or charging point from damage.
You should also seriously consider investing in power surge equipment, a fire alarm, and an extinguisher. Make sure cables are properly insulated and correctly connected to your home fuse box.
You want to protect your loved ones and your property from potential harm, so don’t scrimp on fire prevention. It may also be a good idea to remind your family of fire safety and what to do in case of an emergency, now and then.
Electric cars are undoubtedly the way forward. Their advantages clearly outweigh their disadvantages. They’re also much better than the gas-guzzling cars we’ve grown up using.
Preparing your garage is a good investment because it will protect your electric car and also provide your very own charging point. If you invest in solar panel energy, it’ll not only reduce your carbon footprint, even more, it’ll also save you money in the long term.
