Electric Vehicle Readiness for Residential
Published October 2022
With more auto makers announcing plans to go “all electric” in the near future, along with some states setting goals prohibiting the sale of new gasoline powered vehicles, buyers are looking at investing in electric vehicles and associated EVSE (Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment). Consumers are finding out that electric vehicles can cost more but are realizing they are more affordable in the long run – fuel costs are lower and there are fewer moving parts, resulting in less maintenance costs, such as oil changes. |
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In addition, the growth of this market has gained national government attention with incentives, rebate programs and tax credits to consumers and manufacturers. The new Climate Leadership and Environmental Action for our Nation’s Future Act, known as the “CLEAN Future Act”, is aiming to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In addition, federal, state and local initiatives are determining where electric vehicle supply equipment will be needed to meet demand as the EV market expands.
Much of the focus has been on commercial EV chargers, mainly in public areas such as commercial parking lots or in rest stops across the country’s highways. But the increase in EVs in the private sector provides significant opportunities for suppliers, such as our distribution partners and their contractors, especially in sales, installation and educating customers. |
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Leviton’s Residential Charger Options
Trust Leviton, the leader in residential electrical innovations, to offer charger options for both single family homes or multi-dwelling unit (MDUs) and for all types of EVs, such as battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs), which are totally electric, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which contain both electric and an internal combustion requiring gas. “Education for consumers is key to understanding the power and infrastructure requirements for each type of EVSE,” states William Lammy, associate product manager for Leviton’s EVSE division. |
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| Leviton’s line of Evr-Green® residential chargers are either free-standing or mounted units, available in 32A or 48A, and meet the latest stringent codes and standards. These Level 2 stations provide a faster charge than the Level 1 stations that come with the EV, as these can take up to 12-20 hours to charge, depending on the size of the EV battery. Leviton is focusing on the Level 2 EVSE as it is the predominant choice for residential charging. These chargers can charge in approximately 2-6 hours, depending on the size of the EV battery. The 32A should have a dedicated 40A breaker and the 48A should have a dedicated 60A breaker. The installation should be hardwired by a licensed electrician and may require an upgrade to the electrical service and breaker panel. |
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The Leviton Level 2 chargers offer an optional RFID function which allows access control by the user. This is a perfect solution for residential MDUs where the charger may be located in a more public space and owners would want to manage usage.
In addition to providing EV chargers for residential applications, Leviton provides the total electrical infrastructure. This includes anything from smart load centers to the surge protection.
Looking ahead
Soon to be released is the capability to access the charger with the MyLeviton App. Leviton’s free MyLeviton app, downloaded to any iOS device, can manage My Leviton enabled smart products and communicate with the Leviton Load Center. Once this feature is installed in the Level 2 EVSE, users will be able to monitor the charger remotely to see the activity and even remotely control access (coming soon).
Keeping Informed on Incentives
Government mandates, tax incentives and rebates play a major role in the EV growth in the US. But, there is a lot of confusion because of the many different programs and can vary from state to state and even town to town. And, as mentioned above, some states have set future dates as goals to prohibit the sale of gasoline powered vehicles. |
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“Education for consumers is key to knowing the power and infrastructure requirements, as well as the benefits, such as sales rebate and tax incentives. Let Leviton be your ‘go-to’ educator on the most up-to-date information as we have a dedicated website for rebate and incentives for each state as well as Canada,” notes Lammey. Check this link out periodically to stay up to date: https://www.leviton.com/en/products/brands/ev-charging/rebates-incentives
In addition to residential EV charging, Leviton offers commercial and public charging solutions. If you need more information on EVSE applications, products, engineering or customer support, Leviton has a direct line of communication and dedicated teams of support for EVSE applications. Talk to your local Leviton sales repsentative or visit Leviton.com/evrgreen for more information. |
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| Leviton Mfg. Company Inc. |
201 North Service Rd.
Melville, NY 11747
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