Choosing the Right EV Charger for Your Needs

Charger Speed & Power

• Level 1 — Uses a standard outlet but charges very slowly. Ideal for occasional use.

• Level 2 — The gold standard for home charging, offering faster speeds and more flexibility.

• DC Fast Chargers — The fastest EV charging option, but generally limited to commercial use due to the high equipment cost and significant power demands.

Smart Features

• App-controlled charging

• Scheduled charging during off-peak hours

• Energy monitoring and usage tracking

• Dynamic Load Balancing for optimized charging

Managing Your Home’s Electrical Load
Adding a Level 2 charger is a significant addition to your home’s electrical system—especially in older homes with limited service capacity. But there are smart solutions:

• Load Management — Some chargers can be configured with hard limits to prevent overloading your system.

• Dynamic Load Balancing — Both Tesla and Emporia chargers offer dynamic load management, automatically adjusting their power draw based on your home’s real-time energy demand. This helps avoid costly panel upgrades while ensuring safe charging.

💡 Energy Tip:
In Colorado, the average household uses between 600 and 900 kWh per month without an EV. Adding an electric vehicle can increase your monthly energy usage by 200 to 400 kWh—sometimes even more depending on your driving habits and vehicle type. That’s nearly a 50% increase for many homes.

 Understanding Utility Programs & Incentives

Charging your EV at home can be even more affordable when you take advantage of utility programs and incentives designed to promote clean energy and efficient charging.

Rebates & Tax Credits — Many Colorado utility companies offer rebates on EV charger installations, sometimes covering a significant portion of the equipment or installation costs. In addition, state and federal tax credits may be available, further reducing your upfront investment.

Time-of-Use (TOU) Plans — TOU plans let you charge your EV during off-peak hours—when electricity rates are lower—helping you save on energy costs. Some utilities even offer EV-specific TOU rates to encourage smart charging habits.

EV Charging Incentives — Certain programs offer discounted rates for EV charging, participation in demand response programs, or even free charging credits as part of local sustainability initiatives.

Bi-Directional Charging: Power Beyond Your EV
Some modern EV chargers now support bi-directional charging, allowing you to use your EV as a backup energy source during outages. Known as:

• V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) — Power your home during outages directly from your EV’s battery.

• V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) — Send stored energy from your EV back to the grid during peak times, potentially earning incentives or credits.

As EV batteries are significantly larger than typical home storage batteries, bi-directional charging offers an exciting new way to maximize energy independence and resilience.

Solar, Batteries & Smarter Charging
Pairing your EV charger with solar panels and/or home battery storage can help you avoid high utility rates when charging your vehicle. With strategic setup and smart scheduling, you can charge your EV when solar production is high or during off-peak hours, maximizing savings.

💡 Consider This:
EV batteries are massive—some can hold up to 100 kWh of energy, equivalent to:

• 7+ Tesla Powerwall 3 units

• 10+ Enphase IQ Batteries

• 6+ SolaX Batteries (with options ranging from 3.3 kWh to 17.6 kWh)

A little planning goes a long way in controlling your charging costs.

Smart Charging Programs — Some utilities support dynamic load management or offer incentives for using chargers that can adjust power levels based on grid demand, helping you save while contributing to grid stability.

Solar & Battery Integration Incentives — If you’re pairing your EV charger with solar panels or a home battery system, additional rebates and tax credits may be available to further reduce costs and increase energy efficiency.

We Can Help You Navigate It All
Every utility is different, and understanding the options available can be overwhelming. We’ll guide you through the process, help identify the best programs for your area, and ensure you’re maximizing every opportunity for savings.

💡 Pro Tip: Some incentive programs are first-come, first-served or have annual limits, so it’s smart to explore your options early!

 EV Compatibility & The Future of Charging
While Tesla and Emporia chargers support a wide range of electric vehicles, many manufacturers offer their own branded chargers, such as Ford, GM, and others. However, the EV charging landscape is evolving, and many automakers are transitioning to Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS).

This shift means that even non-Tesla vehicles—including Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Volvo, and more—will soon be compatible with Tesla’s expanding charging network, increasing flexibility for homeowners and EV drivers alike.