I got my EV back in August. There’s a Target near me with a 6-charger station. When I first got the car, you could drive up and find an open spot within 5 minutes. Now, there’s always a wait—sometimes 30-60 minutes. An employee told me they came in at 6 AM, and there was already a line.
Well, I finally got my own home charger, and it’s been a total game-changer. Chicago has a $1000 rebate for installing a Level 2 (L2) charger, which made it even better. Best decision I’ve made so far.
Having a home charger makes such a big difference. Just plug in overnight and wake up to a full charge. It’s so convenient. Congrats!
You used to charge at the Target station every day? That must’ve been stressful. I bet you feel so much better now!
ComEd reimbursed the full $1500 for us! We’re in the Algonquin area.
Same here! I finally got mine too, but I only had to wait a couple of weeks.
Just got my charger installed a few days ago. Going to fill out the ComEd paperwork soon.
I don’t have an EV yet, but I’m planning to get one in 2025. Can someone explain why you can’t just use a Level 1 charger and plug it into a regular wall socket for about 30 miles of range overnight? (Assuming your commute isn’t more than 30 miles.)
@Leslie
You can use Level 1, but my HOA made me get a separate meter for my setup. With the rebate, going for a Level 2 was actually cheaper in the long run.
Adley said:
@Leslie
You can use Level 1, but my HOA made me get a separate meter for my setup. With the rebate, going for a Level 2 was actually cheaper in the long run.
Quick question: How did your HOA even know what was going on in your garage? Also, do you need to modify the electrical panel for a Level 2 charger?
@Leslie
Sounds like it’s a shared garage situation.
If you’re talking about the AFV tax credit, it only applies if the charger is installed in certain areas. If you qualified, that’s awesome. Either way, congrats on the car and getting the charger set up!
@Brady
Nope, it’s actually a ComEd rebate. Check this out: https://www.comed.com/about-us/clean-energy/electric-vehicle-charger-and-installation-rebate
Adley said:
@Brady
Nope, it’s actually a ComEd rebate. Check this out: https://www.comed.com/about-us/clean-energy/electric-vehicle-charger-and-installation-rebate
That’s great info! I’m going to apply now. Thanks for sharing!
@Brady
By the way, are you talking about the Target at Division and Larabee? That one is always packed, no matter what time it is.
Brady said:
@Brady
By the way, are you talking about the Target at Division and Larabee? That one is always packed, no matter what time it is.
Yep, that’s the one!
Adley said:
@Brady
Nope, it’s actually a ComEd rebate. Check this out: https://www.comed.com/about-us/clean-energy/electric-vehicle-charger-and-installation-rebate
I went through this rebate last year. It was super easy, and I got my money back in about six weeks. Glad they’re still offering it!
Just to add some more info:
The total cost for the charger and installation, after the rebate, came out to $1750. The installer even handled the rebate paperwork for me and deducted it from the price upfront. He did a fantastic job, set me up with a premium Wallbox Pulsar charger, and we had some great conversations about EVs. It took him about two days to finish.
Charging at home is about five times cheaper for me ($0.50/kWh at public chargers versus $0.05–$0.10/kWh at home). Based on my calculations, I’ll make up the cost in less than three years. Bonus: it also adds value to my condo if I ever decide to sell!
