EV & Home Energy Cost Guides

Plain-English explainers behind the calculators, what things cost, why, and how to keep the number down. Written to answer the question, then get out of your way.

Charging at home How Much Does It Cost to Install a Level 2 EV Charger? Level 2 EV charger installation runs $500–$2,500 for most homeowners. Charging at home Level 2 Charging Stations: The Complete 2026 Guide What a Level 2 charging station is, how fast it charges, how many amps you need, plug-in vs hardwired, connectors, cost, and how to choose one in 2026. Your bill Time-of-Use Electricity Plans, Explained in Plain English A time-of-use plan charges more at peak, less off-peak. Home energy Heat Pump Sizing Basics: BTUs, Tonnage, and Your Home A rough rule is one ton of heat pump per 500–600 sq ft, but real sizing uses a Manual J load calc. Home energy Home Battery Buying Guide: kWh, Chemistry, and Backup How to choose a home backup battery: how many kWh you need, LFP vs NMC chemistry, whole-home vs essentials backup, and when a battery is actually worth it. Charging at home Do You Need a Panel Upgrade to Charge an EV? Most homes don’t need a panel upgrade to add an EV charger. Charging on the road DC Fast Charging Cost vs Home Charging: Why Public Costs More Public DC fast charging averages 40–45¢/kWh, two to three times a home rate. Your bill Cold-Weather EV Range and Charging Cost EVs lose roughly 10–30% of range in freezing weather, raising charging cost per mile. Charging basics NACS vs CCS: EV Charging Connectors Explained NACS is Tesla’s plug, now the US standard; CCS is the older standard on most 2020–2024 EVs.