Are you interested in upgrading your driving experience behind the wheel of a MINI Electric Hardtop 2 Door? An all-electric MINI Cooper for sale at Motorwerks MINI can deliver the same go-kart handling that Minnetonka-area drivers love, but with zero emissions. Some of the benefits of driving an EV include reduced maintenance, near instantaneous acceleration, and a quieter ride. You may also be able to take advantage of potential EV incentives offered here in Minnesota.
But if you intend to go with an exciting new electric MINI, you’ll want to make sure that you know what is involved in installing an electric vehicle home charger. While there is an ever-expanding network of EV charging stations in the Golden Valley area, you will most likely rely on your electric vehicle home charger as your primary method of EV charging. Find out how to prepare your house for a new MINI Electric Hardtop 2 Door, then visit Motorwerks MINI to learn more about the all-electric MINI Countryman SE ALL4 which is due to arrive at our Golden Valley dealership in the Fall of 2024.
1. Decide on a Charging Type (AKA Charging Level)
When you own an electric vehicle, charging batteries will be a major concern. There are two types of electric vehicle home charger options, and your EV charging time will depend on which type you choose. Here’s more information:
- Level 1 EV charging: Will typically take a day or more to fully charge an electric car. A compact and portable Level 1 Occasional Use Charger comes standard with your MINI and is ideal for at home charging with any standard 120V power outlet.
- Level 2 EV charging: Can often take several hours to fully charge an electric car. A Level 2 Optimized Home Wallbox Charger can fully charge your EV in about 4 hours. However, with Level 2 DC charging you can usually get between 60-200 miles of range in just 20-30 minutes. It is not uncommon for many St Louis Park-area EV owners to intermix daytime “top-off” charging with overnight charging.
2. Ready Your Garage
Clean out and organize your garage in order to make sure that it is ready for an EV before you take delivery. You’ll want to clear away any clutter, especially if your garage has been used as a storage space. Ensure that you have enough room to access your electric vehicle home charger outlet and the charging port on your EV.
3. Find Your Power Panel & Assess Consumption
An important step in preparing your home for an electric vehicle is knowing where your power panel is and what kind of load it is rated for. Most new homes come with a 100 Amp power panel. You will usually find the amperage rating printed on your main circuit breaker.
You will also want to get a handle on how much electrical energy you consistently use in your house by performing a self-assessment of your electricity use before you install your electric vehicle charging system. This will help ensure that you don’t overload your electric distribution panel.
4. Hire an Electrician
You will need to get an electrician to review your power consumption and install a dedicated 240-volt plug or add a hardwired circuit back to the power panel. This typically costs a couple hundred dollars in the Minneapolis area, but could be up to $1,000 or $3,000 if it’s found that your power panel requires upgrading.
5. Buy Your Charger & Have it Installed
Fully research your electric vehicle home charging options and purchase an EV charger, then have it professionally installed by the electrician of your choice.
Learn More About Electric Vehicles at Motorwerks MINI
If you have additional questions or concerns about how to prepare your home for an electric vehicle, charging batteries, or local Golden Valley-area electric vehicle charging stations, please feel free to contact us online or at (952) 213-5589. Meanwhile, browse our current new vehicle specials to take advantage of our current offers. We’re ready to put you behind the wheel of an all-electric MINI Cooper, so come see us today!
