'It Comes With a 20-Foot Cord': Husband and Wife Decide To 'Future Proof' Their Home. Then They Install a Span Charger
Planning for an EV charger before you own the car might seem premature, but it can save time, money, and headaches down the road.
“We don’t have an electric car yet, but we’re ready.”
That’s the message from creator couple Abbey and Dustin (@abbeyanddustin) on a recent TikTok showing off their newly installed Span smart charger as they build what they call a “future-ready” home. The twist? They’re planning for electric-vehicle charging long before they’ve even bought the EV.
In the clip, Dustin points out where the charger will be installed, gesturing to a blank garage wall where a 240V connection is ready to go. “It comes with a 20-foot cord so that Abby can pull in or back in,” he says, “and the cord still reaches all the way around.” The video ends with a thank-you to Span, the smart electrical company that gifted them the charger as a promotional move for the couple’s video series documenting the construction of their dream home.
Best Home Chargers
Span is a California-based energy startup known for its smart home electrical panel, which acts as a digital brain for your home’s energy use. The company’s flagship product, the Span Panel, replaces a traditional breaker box with an app-connected system that allows homeowners to control circuits, monitor energy usage, and prioritize power during outages if solar or battery storage is available.
Their charger, the Span Drive, is built to integrate directly with the Span Panel. The idea is simple. Instead of needing a load calculation or expensive panel upgrade to add EV charging capacity, the system dynamically manages electricity flow in real time. That means you can install a high-powered Level 2 charger, even in homes with limited electrical capacity, without tripping breakers or overloading circuits.
Charging at Home Options
For anyone curious about installing an EV charger at home, it helps to understand the basics of home charging. There are two main levels:
- Level 1: A standard 120V household outlet. Extremely slow and adds just three to five miles of range per hour. It is often used as a backup or temporary solution.
- Level 2: A 240V circuit (like a dryer or oven outlet) that provides faster charging, typically 20 to 50 miles of range per hour, depending on amperage and vehicle capability.
Level 2 chargers like the Span Drive are the preferred choice for most EV owners. They’re available as:
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- Hardwired units, like the Tesla Wall Connector
- Plug-in chargers, using NEMA 14-50 or 6-50 outlets
Smart chargers offer additional benefits, including app controls, scheduling, energy usage tracking, and integration with solar or battery systems.
For an overview of top chargers, Inside EVs’ 2024 guide offers a detailed comparison: Best Electric Vehicle Chargers 2024
That guide highlights Span Drive as a premium choice for homeowners with an existing Span Panel, while also recommending user favorites like:
- Tesla Wall Connector – sleek, cost-effective for Tesla drivers.
- ChargePoint Home Flex – adjustable amperage, highly rated app.
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus – compact, solar-compatible, 11.5 kW output.
- Emporia Smart EV Charger – affordable, feature-rich for the price.
What to Know Before Installation
Planning for an EV charger before you own an electric vehicle might seem premature, but it can save time, money, and headaches down the road. The TikTok video from Abbey and Dustin is a smart case study in how to future-proof your home.
One of the most important factors to consider is your home’s electrical panel capacity. Many older homes have 100-amp panels that may not support an EV charger alongside other high-demand appliances. Upgrading to a smart panel like the Span Panel can help optimize load management and avoid costly service upgrades.
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Homeowners should also consider logistics like charger placement, cord length, and distance from the electrical panel. Local building codes may require permits or inspections for EV charger installations, so it’s essential to check with your municipality before hiring an electrician. Financially, it’s worth exploring incentives.
The IRS currently offers a federal tax credit of up to 30% (up to $1,000) through the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, and many state and utility programs offer additional rebates. Before installation, experts recommend asking your electrician key questions about panel capacity, whether to install a NEMA 14-50 outlet or go hardwired, and how scalable the setup is for potential future EVs.
Span vs. Other Smart Charger Systems
The Span Drive stands out in the EV charger market for one main reason: It’s designed to work with the Span smart panel as part of a whole-home energy system. If you’re already installing Span gear or planning a solar or battery setup, this charger is a strong contender.
Other popular options include:
Tesla Wall Connector (48 amps | ~$475): A sleek, high-powered charger explicitly made for Tesla vehicles. App integration is limited to the Tesla ecosystem, but it’s an affordable, plug-and-play option for Tesla-only households.
ChargePoint Home Flex (up to 50 amps | ~$699): One of the most popular Level 2 chargers on the market. Known for broad compatibility, adjustable amperage, and a highly rated app. Great for most EV owners looking for flexibility.
Wallbox Pulsar Plus (48 amps | ~$599–$699): Compact, powerful, and supports solar integration and dynamic load balancing. This is a strong fit for homeowners who want a space-saving unit with smart energy features.
Emporia Smart EV Charger (48 amps | ~$399–$499): Budget-friendly and feature-rich, this charger includes app control, energy monitoring, and optional solar support. Ideal for first-time EV buyers or cost-conscious users.
InsideEVs reached out to Abbey and Dustin for comment.
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