A 2023 survey we conducted revealed a growing affinity for electric vehicles amongst U.S. homeowners.
The reason for the shift toward electric vehicles (or EVs) may not come as a big shock for commuters and frequent drivers who are accustomed to cars that run on gas.
After all, gasoline-powered cars bring with them certain perils that can’t be ignored such as:
- Climbing gas prices
- Offensive exhaust fumes
- Extensive car maintenance
Electric vehicles offer a new alternative. Instead of being fueled by gasoline, EVs are charged via an EV charger that can be located in a place of business, or more conveniently, at home.
In fact, the idea of having a convenient home EV charger may explain our survey results.
What Our Survey Says about EVs in 2023
We conducted a recent survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults in order to measure sentiment around a variety of electric services.
What the survey captured, in particular, was the growing popularity of EVs among U.S. homeowners. According to the results, 20% are likely to upgrade or purchase electric vehicles in 2023. Unfortunately, only 15% of all who were surveyed reported that their workplace has EV charging stations.
Businesses are slowly ramping up the number of available EV chargers. But until these chargers are more widespread, many would prefer to take matters in their own hands by having one installed in their home.
Approximately 80% of those surveyed did not feel comfortable installing a home EV charger themselves — and for good reason. Electric cars haven’t been around for long, and many consumers are unfamiliar with the nuances that come with installing a charging station for one.
In addition, many people are wary of handling electrical projects on their own. And installing an EV charging station comes with the responsibility of assessing an entire electrical system to ensure correct installation.
Your local Mr. Electric professional can simplify this process by providing safe and efficient EV charger installation for your home.
How to Prepare Your Home for an EV
Before you hop on the money-saving train by buying an EV, follow these tips to get your home ready:
- Know your electrical panel: Some older electrical panels will need an upgrade to support your EV charger. A licensed electrician can assess the need for a new panel and provide an upgrade if needed.
- Hire an electrician to install a separate circuit for your charger: You will need to have a dedicated circuit installed for your EV charger in order to avoid the risk of a fire.
- Research types of EV chargers: There are levels to charging your electric vehicle … literally. EV chargers come in Level 1 and Level 2. The type you choose depends largely on how often and how far you drive.
- Clean out your garage: The last thing you need is for your new vehicle to be surrounded by clutter and chaos. The phrase, “Out with the old, and in with the new,” truly applies here!
Other Ways You Can Amp Up Your Home in 2023
In addition to carefully preparing for your home EV charger installation, our survey revealed four other ways to make sure that you’re practicing safe and energy-efficient habits to save you risk, time, and money.
1. Invest in Whole-Home Protection
Only 13% of respondents had whole-home protection when surveyed.
Did you know that without whole-home protection, one power surge has the potential to ruin everything plugged into the outlets of your home? Whole-home protection helps preserve your expensive, plugged-in devices and appliances. Simply buying a multi-outlet surge protector isn’t always sufficient. You might save yourself thousands of dollars and headaches by scheduling an appointment online with a licensed electrician for whole-home protection.
2. Upgrade Your Electrical Panels
In our survey, 44% said that increased energy efficiency/cost savings was the most appealing advantage to having updated electrical panels.
Upgrading does save you money in the long run by reducing energy costs. What’s more, the more efficient upgraded panels also provide greater safety for your home.
3. Get a Backup Generator
Just 23% of surveyed U.S. homeowners said they own a backup generator.
Backup generators help you maintain safety and comfort in the event of a power outage. Yet we found that 77% of respondents didn’t have one — leaving them with nonoperational appliances and devices in the event of a power outage.
4. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Thankfully, 80% of those who were surveyed agreed on the importance of carbon monoxide detectors for homes.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Installing a carbon monoxide detector is the safest way to make sure that you and your family are not exposed.
Call Mr. Electric for EV Charger Installation and More
Take charge of your and your family’s safety. Contact the professionals at Mr. Electric for your residential EV charger installation or other electrical upgrade today. Give our electrician pros a call to make sure you’re safely enjoying your home.
