This month, I wanted to check in about electric vehicles aka EVs. As more people are buying EVs, it's important to make sure our homes are built ready for them. Like a home that is solar ready, an EV ready home helps reduce the overall cost by installing the infrastructure during construction, building in value.
Here are some EV ready best practices.
1. Install one dedicated 240V 50A circuit to the garage that can accomodate a Level 2 charger.
2. Locate the breaker for the circuit at the opposite end of the busbar from the main service feeder to accommodate future vehicle-to-grid charging.
3. Label breaker "Reserved for EV"
4. Post a label on or near the electrical panel saying "This home is EV ready."
5. Install a 4x4 recessed deep metal box 36" above the finished floor in a central location to accommodate a maximum 24' charging cord.
6. Terminate the circuit in the box with a NEMA 14-50 EV charger outlet.
7. Label box "Reserved for EV"
8. Leave 3' above, 2' to each side and 2' in front of the outlet unobstructed to allow for future wall mounted ESVE.
9. Document all structural and electrical accommodations on the building plans.