If you’re building a new home in Orlando, now is an ideal time to think about electric vehicle charging.
Adding an EV charger after a home is finished can sometimes require opening walls, running new wiring, or making other electrical modifications. Planning for EV charging during construction can make it easier to create a convenient charging location and ensure the home’s electrical system is prepared for the additional demand.
Whether you already own an electric vehicle or simply want your new home to be ready for one in the future, here are some things to consider.
Plan the Charger Location Early
One of the first decisions is where you’ll park your vehicle.
For many Orlando homes, the garage is the most convenient location. However, some properties have carports or driveways where an outdoor charger may make more sense.
Choosing the location during the design stage allows the electrical contractor to plan the wiring route before walls are finished.
Think about where you expect to park your EV most often and how the charging cable will reach the vehicle.
Include EV Charging in the Electrical Plan
An EV charger can be a substantial electrical load, particularly when installing a Level 2 system.
When building a new home, the electrical system can be designed with EV charging in mind rather than trying to accommodate the additional load later.
This may involve planning an appropriate circuit, wiring route, panel capacity, and charger location as part of the overall electrical design.
Planning ahead can also make future installation easier if you don’t purchase an EV immediately.
Do You Need a Charger Installed Before You Move In?
Not necessarily.
If you’re still deciding which EV you’ll purchase, you may prefer to have the electrical infrastructure prepared without selecting the final charger.
For example, your home’s electrical system and wiring can potentially be planned around a future EV charger location.
Once you choose your vehicle and charging equipment, the final equipment can be installed according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
Discussing this approach with your electrician during construction can help determine what makes the most sense for the home.
Why New Construction Makes Installation Easier
New construction can provide opportunities that aren’t always available in an existing home.
With walls and ceilings still accessible, electricians may have an easier time routing wiring to the desired charging location.
You can also plan the charger location around the home’s layout instead of trying to work around existing electrical infrastructure.
This can be particularly useful if the electrical panel is located far from the garage or parking area.
Consider Future EV Ownership
You may not own an EV today, but that doesn’t mean your electrical system won’t need to accommodate one later.
Preparing for EV charging during construction can provide flexibility for future vehicle purchases.
If you expect your household could eventually have more than one EV, mention that to your electrician as well. Future charging needs may influence decisions about electrical capacity and charger locations.
Think About Outdoor Charging
Not every new Orlando home has an enclosed garage.
If your vehicle will be parked in a driveway or carport, the charging setup needs to be planned accordingly.
Outdoor equipment should be appropriately rated for the location, and the wiring should be installed to withstand the environmental conditions it will encounter.
Florida’s heat, humidity, rain, and storms make proper outdoor installation particularly important.
Don’t Forget About Smart Chargers
New construction is also a good opportunity to consider how you want to manage your home’s EV charging.
Many modern chargers offer smart features such as scheduling, energy monitoring, and mobile apps.
If you’re building a connected or energy-efficient home, you may want to consider how EV charging fits into the broader electrical system.
Work With an Electrician Before Construction Is Complete
The earlier EV charging is considered, the more options you may have for the installation.
An electrician can help determine the appropriate electrical requirements, plan the charging location, and coordinate the installation with the home’s overall electrical design.
Thomas Edison Electric provides EV charger installation for homeowners throughout Orlando and Central Florida. Whether you’re building a new home or preparing an existing property for an electric vehicle, our electricians can help you plan a charging solution that fits your home’s electrical system.
If you’re building a new Orlando home and want to prepare for EV charging, contact Thomas Edison Electric to discuss your project.