Planning a Garage for Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly common, and with more homeowners making the switch, garages are evolving to meet new needs. Whether you already own an electric vehicle or are considering one in the future, designing your new garage with EV charging in mind is a smart investment.
The best part? You don’t have to own an electric vehicle today to benefit from planning ahead. Including the necessary infrastructure during construction can save time, money, and hassle down the road. Planning ahead also adds convenience, flexibility, and can make your home more attractive to future buyers.
Start with the Electrical System
One of the most important considerations for an EV-ready garage is the electrical system.
Depending on your vehicle and charger, you may eventually want a Level 2 charger, which charges significantly faster than plugging into a standard household outlet. These chargers often require a dedicated 240-volt circuit.
During construction, your builder can help ensure your garage is prepared for future upgrades, even if you don’t install a charger right away.
Choose the Best Charger Location
Think about where you’ll park your vehicle most often.
Planning the charging location before construction allows electrical wiring to be installed where it makes the most sense, helping to avoid long charging cables stretched across the garage.
Take into consideration your parking patterns (where in the garage the car will most often be parked) and the accessibility to the location of vehicles charging port. This will help determine the best location in the structure to install the charger.
Also consider the storage requirements for the charger. Wall-mounted storage solutions help to keep the charging cables, extension cords, and any emergency equipment organized near the charger for easier access and functionality.
Think Beyond Your Current Vehicle
Even if you only own one electric vehicle today, you may learn throughout the permitting process that the municipality guidelines may now require all new construction to be EV-ready, regardless of the vehicles owned.
Consider Garage Comfort
Many homeowners spend more time in their garages than ever before.
Features like insulated garage doors, insulated service doors, dual-pane windows, and wall insulation help maintain more consistent temperatures throughout the year. These upgrades can make the space more comfortable whether you’re charging your vehicle, working on projects, or simply using the garage for storage.
Build for the Future
A new garage is a long-term investment, and planning for future technology is one of the smartest decisions you can make during the design process.
At Heartland Garage Builders, we believe every garage should be built with both today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities in mind. That’s why we work with homeowners throughout the Chicagoland area to design custom garages that are functional, durable, and ready for the future.
From thoughtful layouts and quality construction to planning for modern electrical needs, we’ll help you create a garage that fits your lifestyle for years to come.
Ready to build a garage that’s prepared for the next generation of vehicles? Contact Heartland Garage Builders today for a free consultation and estimate at HeartlandGarageBuilders.com or 224-326-2698 and let us help bring your vision to life.
