Looking for advice on home charger setup… which location makes sense?

Seeking Help
1

Planning to install a 240V outlet for charging at home. Here’s my situation:

I’d ideally like to charge my EV in the driveway, outside the garage. Here are the two options I’m considering:

A) Install the outlet at the back of the garage, which might mean needing a longer charging cable to reach the car.

B) Install it closer to the garage door so that a standard-length charging cable will be enough.

Questions:

  1. Will it be significantly more expensive to run wiring closer to the garage door?

  2. If I go with option A, how do I know which chargers offer extended cables? Is there a specific term for that?

Thanks in advance for any insights!

2

Think about where your car’s charging port is located. Would you need to back in to make the connection easier?

Also, wiring usually has a per-foot cost, so running it further might add to the expense.

If I were setting this up, I’d likely put it on the side wall closest to where the port will be. Most chargers have a decent cable length already.

3

Some portable chargers come with a fairly long cord, so you might be able to find a middle ground. But I’d still go with option B and place the outlet closer to where the car will be parked. Gives you more flexibility.

Just make sure to get a quality 240V receptacle rated for heavy-duty use. The cheap ones from home stores wear out quickly and can become a fire hazard over time. Brands like Hubbell and Leviton have EV-rated 240V receptacles, often with a green EV symbol. Here’s an example on Amazon

Edit: The listing says 120V, but it’s actually a 120/240V receptacle.

4

I’d recommend installing it near the garage door and hardwiring a charger instead of using an outlet. Safer and more reliable long-term.

5

Consider sticking with a Level 1 (L1) charger if your driving needs aren’t too high. Many EV owners find that charging overnight with a standard 110V outlet works just fine, especially if you’re only commuting around 50 miles per day. Might save you the hassle and cost of upgrading to 240V.

6

One thing to keep in mind: some people have had random EV owners park in their driveway and plug into an outdoor EVSE without permission. Just a heads up in case you decide on an outdoor setup.