As the electric vehicle market expands, more people are considering replacing their gas-powered cars with battery-powered models. But to get the most out of your new EV, you'll also need to invest in an EV charger. An EV charger is the thing that plugs into your home's electrical outlet and charges your car's battery. It's a vital piece of equipment, but it can be confusing to understand all of the different options.

The term EV charger is used to describe the two main types of charging systems for EVs: Level 1 and Level 2. Most EVs can be charged at home using the simple cord set that comes with them, which you simply plug into a standard outlet, like the ones you'd use for a lamp or phone charger. This is referred to as Level 1 charging, and it can take anywhere from 40 to 50 hours to charge an empty EV.

Getting your home ready for an EV charger usually involves running a dedicated electrical line from your breaker box to a garage or exterior area where you plan on parking your EV, and some installation work may be required. If your house doesn't have the right amount of capacity, installing one can run a few thousand dollars or more.

If you can afford it, a smart EV charger is a great investment. These units can communicate with your EV via an app and can even schedule charging times to minimize impact on your power bill. They're available at a range of price points, with some WiFi-connected models offering utility rebates to bring the cost down.

An EV charger's amperage rating determines how fast it can charge your vehicle, and that's a major factor in how much the unit costs. Generally, the higher the amperage of a unit, the more it will cost. You'll also want to make sure your home's electrical panel can support the charger you're interested in, and that may require an inspection from a licensed electrician. Look for a number in the "slots" of your breaker panel that is at least 200 amps, as this will indicate a good fit.

Some EV chargers can be compatible with demand response programs offered by utilities, which allow them to slow or speed up charging to reduce the strain on the local power grid during times of peak electricity usage, such as on hot summer evenings when everyone cranks up their air conditioning and during cold winter mornings in regions where heating uses a lot of electricity.