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Choosing the Right EV Charger for Your Home or Business
Selecting the right EV charger is essential for homeowners, multi-unit building managers, and business owners. With three main types (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3) each offering distinct differences in charging speed, installation complexity, and cost, it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your needs. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for convenient overnight charging, managing a multi-unit property requiring scalable, efficient solutions, or a business owner needing fast, high-volume charging for customers or employees, we’ll help you navigate the options and select the ideal charger for your situation.
Level 1 Chargers
Voltage:
120 volts (standard outlet)
Charging Speed:
2 to 5 miles of range per hour
Cost:
Hardware ($300–$600), minimal installation costs*
Summary:
Ideal for homeowners with light daily driving or PHEVs. Best for overnight charging with no electrical upgrades needed, but slower charging speed.
Level 2 Chargers
Voltage:
240 volts (dedicated circuit required)
Charging Speed:
80% charge in 4 to 5 hours
Cost:
Hardware ($500–$5,000), installation costs vary based on existing site conditions*
Summary:
Perfect for homes, multi-unit properties, and businesses needing faster charging. Requires more installation work but offers significantly faster charging compared to Level 1.
Level 3 Chargers
Voltage:
400 to 900 volts
Charging Speed:
80% charge in 80% charge in 30 to 45 minutes
Cost:
Hardware ($20,000–$100,000), high installation costs due to infrastructure*
Summary:
Best for high-traffic areas or businesses needing fast, frequent charging. Fast but impractical for residential use due to cost and infrastructure requirements.
Installation Costs
Installation costs depend on several factors:
1.EV Charger Location: The charger’s location—driveway, garage, or elsewhere—affects costs. We’ll help determine the best spot based on power availability.
2. Load Assessment: We’ll ensure your electrical system can handle the charger’s load and make sure your circuit breaker panel supports the new demand.
3. Electrical Panel Upgrades: If necessary, we’ll upgrade your panel to accommodate the charger, which involves adding a dedicated circuit and increasing amperage.
Step 1: Get a Free Quote
Schedule an in-home consultation at your convenience. You can either schedule online or call us to arrange a time that works for you. During the consultation, we’ll assess your home layout, electrical system, and current load, discuss your charger options, and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your needs.
Step 2: Accept the Estimate
Once you accept the estimate, you’ll choose a convenient installation date that works with your schedule.
Step 3: Penco Will Handle Permitting & Installation
Penco is your turnkey EV charger installer! From permits to infrastructure upgrades, Penco manages all aspects of the installation process. We’ll take care of securing the necessary permits, any trenching or electrical work, and install the charger in the location you’ve chosen. We handle all the work so you don’t have to.
Step 4: Enjoy Convenient Charging at Home or Work
Once the installation is complete, you’ll be ready to charge your electric vehicle at home or work. Enjoy the convenience of fast, reliable charging right at your doorstep or office!
We Work With All Popular Electric Vehicle Makes and Models in Greater Chicago
Are You a Dealer? Contact Us to Discuss How Penco Can Be Your Go-to Installer
Charger Installation Questions & Other Considerations
Frequently Asked Questions About EV Charger Installations in Greater Chicago
Q: What’s the best EV charger for my home, multi-unit building, and business?
A: Bottom line, Level 2 is probably your best option, but much depends on how much you want to spend, as well as your current electrical infrastructure, and the location you want the charger in. Level 1 chargers and the installation are generally the least expensive option. And Level 3 chargers are the most expensive, but have very fast charging times.
Q: Do I have to take care of permitting?
A: No, when you work with Penco, we’ll take care of submitting the paperwork you need to your local municipality.
Q: What if my home isn’t set up for having an EV charger?
A: At Penco, we’ll make sure that your home has both the electrical capacity as well as the infrastructure you need to have an electrical charger in the location that works best for you. We’ll help you understand those costs, as well as the different options available.
Q: What’s included in the EV Charger Installation?
A: The following is included with your home EV charger installation:
- Code-compliant electrical wiring
- Permit and inspection facilitation, as required
- Main electrical panel load calculation
- Properly sized breaker, in-panel installation
- Ensure charging unit is fully operational
- Any trenching, as needed
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Q: Will I Need a Panel Upgrade for My EV Charger Installation?
A: Your Penco technician will conduct a load calculation to determine the capacity available for EV charging. If your panel lacks sufficient capacity, we’ll provide a price estimate for an electrical upgrade.
Benefits of Getting an EV Charger
- Convenience: No more need to charge at random EV stations around the city. Charge your car at home, anytime.
- Cost Savings: Electricity is often cheaper at night during off-peak hours, especially if you charge overnight.
- Better Battery Health: Charging your car slowly overnight helps maintain battery health and extends its lifespan.
- Time Savings: Skip the wait at public charging stations. Charge your vehicle while you sleep or while you’re at home.
- Increased Property Value: Adding an EV charger to your home can increase its value, making it more attractive to future buyers with electric vehicles.
- Environmentally Friendly: Charging at home allows you to take advantage of green energy options like solar power, reducing your carbon footprint.
- Reliability: Avoid the uncertainty of finding an available public charger. With a home EV charger, you’ll always have a reliable power source.
- Enhanced Charging Speed (Level 2 Chargers): With a Level 2 charger, you can significantly reduce charging time compared to using a standard outlet, getting more range in less time.
Take Advantage of IL Rebates and Tax Credits
You can now get a rebate of up to $3,750 towards the purchase and installation of a Level 2 smart charger at home if you’re a ComEd customer in Illinois.
Why Choose Penco as Your EV Installer in Greater Chicago?
4.9 Rating on Google Reviews
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Full-service residential & commercial electrical services since 2005
We handle everything end-to-end for you, including permitting, building out your electrical infrastructure, trenching and installation.
Hear What Chicagoland Residents Say About Our EV Charger Installation
PENCO installed our electric car charger and they made it look so easy! They were great to work with, from Kathy in the office to the guys who came out to do the installation. George was very knowledgeable and friendly. I will be calling them back to do more work around the house.
– Tanya Verdin
Penco Electric has been servicing my generator for the past few years, and they have been great! So much so, I inquired about the installation of a 240 outlet for EV charging at home. Paul was very patient and kind with me. We discussed the location of where I wanted the outlet. Shared photos. He explained the details of what would be involved with the installation. Installation day: Jorge arrived! Within minutes I was at ease. He has a manner about him that is very calming. We discussed the plan, and began dismantling the wall. Jorge was able to make the new outlet appear as if it had always been there...It looks fantastic! Thank you!
– Kathleen Dunat
Where We Install EV Chargers in Greater Chicago
Power Up with Penco
We Service…
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Park Ridge, Illinois
Glencoe, Illinois
Glenview, Illinois
Elmhurst, Illinois
Western Springs, Illinois
River Forest, Illinois
Evanston, Illinois
Northbrook, Illinois
Waukegan, Illinois
Bolingbrook, Illinois
South Holland, Illinois
Winnetka, Illinois
Oak Lawn, Illinois
Naperville, Illinois
Elgin, Illinois
And Many More!
We’re a Tesla Energy Certified Installer
Our Greater Chicago Location
Penco Electric & Generators
7171 N. Austin Avenue Niles, IL 60714
Phone: (847) 925-7618
Email: info@pencoelectricinc.com