“We are ready”. That is what Abbey and Dustin /@abbeyanddustin) said in a TikTok where they are showing a smart charger that they just installed in their garage. The most curious thing is that they don’t even have an EV yet! But they are getting their house ready for the future. And honestly, it makes total sense for us.
In the video, Dustin shows where the charger will go. The 240V plug is already ready, and the cable is 6 meters long, enough to charge the car no matter how they park it. The charger was gifted to them by Span.
What is Span?
Span is an energy startup from California that has developed a smart electrical panel that replaces the traditional electrical one (and the one that is behind this gift). From an app you can control which circuits are active, see how much energy you’re using and decide which appliances to prioritize if the power goes out… especially if you have solar panels or batteries installed!
And for electric cars?
It has that too! And it’s called Span Drive, designed to integrate directly with that smart panel. The best part? You can install a charger without having to change the entire electrical installation of the house. The system distributes the power in real time so nothing gets overloaded, even if your house has a more limited setup.
Is it worth installing a charger before having an electric car?
Yes, it is. That’s exactly what Abbey and Dustin are doing, and it’s a good example of how to prepare your home for what’s coming. Think about it: if you do it now, you avoid problems later, because the future is plug-in!
What options are there for charging at home?
There are two levels (and you have to know this before making a decision):
- Level 1: Regular household plug, 120V. Very slow charging. It works in emergencies or as a temporary solution, but obviously not for regular use, it is sooo slow.
- Level 2: 240V plug, like a dryer. Adds between 30 and 80 km of range per hour, depending on the charger and the car.
Level 2 chargers (Span Drive), are what most people want. They can be hardwired (like the Tesla Wall Connector) or plugged into a NEMA 14-50 or 6-50 outlet.
And what do I need to do?
The first thing to consider is how much electrical capacity your house has. Many older homes have 100-amp panels that fall short when you add a charger.
It’s also important to choose the location of the charger well, the cable length and the distance to the panel. You might need permits or inspections, so it’s best to check first with your city hall or a certified electrician!
And don’t forget that there are incentives available. The IRS gives up to 30% (maximum $1,000) in tax credit, and there are state programs and utility company discounts that add more savings.
And which charger suits me?
Span Drive makes a lot of sense if you already use (or plan to use) Span’s smart panel. If you’re building a house with a battery, solar and that whole ecosystem, it fits perfectly.
But there are other very good options too:
- Tesla Wall Connector ($475): Made for Tesla, simple, powerful. But it only integrates with their own app.
- ChargePoint Home Flex ($699): A favorite. Compatible with almost everything, adjustable amperage, good app.
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus ($599–699): Small, powerful and compatible with solar panels. Good balance.
- Emporia Smart EV Charger ($399–499): Affordable but with many features. Ideal if you don’t want to overspend.
Installing a charger before having an electric car is not being overly cautious. It’s doing things right from the start. Thinking about the future doesn’t mean you’re going to buy a Tesla tomorrow. But when the time comes, everything will already be ready. No construction. No surprises.
And if they gift you the charger, like they did, even better.
@abbeyanddustin Dustin is ready to have his truck back so one day I’ll have my electric car ☺️ @SPAN ♬ original sound – Abbey + Dustin