More Allentown and Lehigh Valley homeowners are driving electric vehicles than ever, and one of the first things most EV owners figure out is that relying on a standard wall outlet to charge is not a long-term solution. A Level 2 home charging station is faster, more reliable, and a lot more convenient. Kelley Electric installs home EV charging stations for residential customers throughout Allentown and the Lehigh Valley area.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 Charging: What’s the Difference?
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet. It works, but it is slow. Most EVs gain only three to five miles of range per hour on a Level 1 charger, which means a fully depleted battery can take well over 24 hours to charge completely.
Level 2 charging runs on a 240-volt dedicated circuit, the same type used for electric dryers and ranges. It charges significantly faster, typically adding 20 to 30 miles of range per hour depending on your vehicle. For most EV owners who drive daily, a Level 2 charger is the practical choice for home charging.
What EV Charger Installation Involves
Installing a Level 2 charger at your home is not a plug-and-play project. It requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit, proper wiring, and in most cases a permit. Here is what the process typically looks like when you work with Kelley Electric:
- Assessment of your electrical panel to confirm capacity for a new dedicated circuit
- Panel upgrade recommendation if your current service cannot support the added load
- Installation of the dedicated 240-volt circuit and wiring
- Charger mounting and connection at your preferred location
- Permitting as required by local code
- Testing and verification before we consider the job done
We can also help you think through charger placement, whether that is inside the garage, on an exterior wall, or somewhere else that fits how you use your vehicle day to day.
Charger Selection
There are a lot of Level 2 charger options on the market, and the right one depends on your vehicle, your electrical setup, and how much flexibility you want. Some homeowners already have a charger picked out when they call us. Others want a recommendation. Either way, we will make sure what gets installed is compatible with your vehicle and sized appropriately for your panel.
EV Charger Repair
If your existing home charging station has stopped working or is not charging at the speed it should, we can diagnose and repair the issue. Common problems include tripped breakers, wiring faults, and charger unit failures. We will figure out what is going on and get you back up and running.
Kelley Electric has been serving Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh Valley communities since 2008. We are locally operated, licensed, and insured, and we work exclusively on residential properties. Schedule service today or call us at (610) 395-2144.
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EV Charging Station FAQS
Thinking about installing a home EV charger in Allentown or the Lehigh Valley area? Here are answers to the questions we hear most from local homeowners.
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In most cases, yes. Installing a dedicated 240-volt circuit for an EV charger typically requires a permit in Pennsylvania. Kelley Electric handles the permitting process as part of the installation so you don't have to figure that out on your own.
For most homes, the installation can be completed in a few hours. If your electrical panel needs to be upgraded first to support the new circuit, that adds time to the project. We'll give you a clear picture of the scope and timeline before any work begins.
This is more common than you might think, especially in older Lehigh Valley homes. If your panel is already close to capacity, we'll talk through your options, which may include a panel upgrade or a load management device that allows the charger to share capacity with other circuits intelligently.
Most Level 2 chargers use a standard J1772 connector that works with the majority of electric vehicles on the market. Tesla vehicles use a different connector but come with an adapter. If you're unsure whether a specific charger is compatible with your vehicle, we can help you sort that out before purchasing anything.
Most homeowners install their charger in the garage or on an exterior wall near where they park. The best location depends on where your panel is, how your garage is laid out, and how long a cord you want to deal with day to day. We'll assess your setup and recommend the most practical spot.
A standard 120-volt outlet adds roughly three to five miles of range per hour. A Level 2 240-volt charger typically adds 20 to 30 miles of range per hour depending on your vehicle and the charger's amperage. For most daily drivers that's a significant difference in convenience.