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When we decided to buy a Kia EV9, we knew it was a step toward a greener, more sustainable future—and a major upgrade from gas-powered commuting. What we didn’t fully anticipate was the challenge of setting up an efficient home charging solution in the rental house we currently live in. Here’s how we navigated it, learned a few lessons along the way, and finally got it right.

The Beginning: Level 1 Charging

The EV9 comes with a Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet. That’s convenient, but it’s also painfully slow. With the normal 120-volt plugs in our garage, it was clear that this wasn’t a long-term solution. A full charge would take days, not hours—fine for emergencies, but not for day-to-day driving.

Checking in With the Landlord

Our next thought: a Level 2 home charger. This would cut charging times significantly and make owning an EV much more practical. But as renters, we didn’t want to make major changes to the property without permission. I texted our landlord, explained the situation, and got the green light to have an electrician install the charger in the garage.

The DIY Detour: A 240-Volt Plug in the Kitchen

Before calling the electrician, I remembered something: there was a 240-volt plug behind the oven in our kitchen, left unused because our oven range is gas-powered. This seemed like a perfect workaround. After researching budget-friendly Level 2 chargers, I purchased the Lectron Portable Level 2 J1772 EV Charger (they are still running the same Black Friday deal I got, so it’s only $249 right now) and an RV extension cord. The idea was to plug the charger into the kitchen outlet, run the cord out to the garage, and skip hiring an electrician altogether.

It worked—for about five minutes. The charger kept cutting off, and after some troubleshooting, I realized the breaker for that kitchen outlet was only rated for 10 amps. A 40-amp charger was way too much for it to handle. Lesson learned: just because a plug fits doesn’t mean the setup is safe or sufficient.

Calling the Professionals

Back to Plan A. I returned the extension cord and called an electrician, who came highly recommended by friends. He assessed the garage setup, installed a new 240-volt outlet on a dedicated 50-amp breaker, and made sure everything was up to code. The installation itself took about two hours, though we spent another three hours chatting about EVs, solar panels, and energy efficiency—worth every minute. The total cost: $640.

Negotiating With the Landlord

Since the new outlet adds value to the property, I asked the landlord if he’d consider splitting the cost. To my surprise, he agreed to cover 50%, leaving us with a very manageable expense for a major upgrade that benefits both us and future tenants.

The Result: Charging Freedom

With the Level 2 charger installed, we can fully charge the EV9 at home whenever it’s convenient. We haven’t even touched the free kWh credits from Electrify America that came with the car. The process took a few weeks, and we hit a few bumps along the way, but now we’re set up for the long haul.

Takeaways

1. Start with Permission: If you’re renting, always clear your plans with your landlord first.
2. Don’t Skimp on Safety: Electrical work is one area where it’s best to leave things to the professionals.
3. Negotiate Costs: Improvements to the property can often justify splitting costs with your landlord.
4. Plan for the Future: Investing in a Level 2 charger is a game-changer for EV ownership, saving you time and making daily charging much easier.

Now, every time I plug in the EV9, I feel a little burst of pride. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about taking steps toward a cleaner, greener world, one charge at a time.

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through one of them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, the best eco choice is usually to keep using what you have, or to find what you need secondhand. I only link to things I’d actually recommend. Full disclosure policy here.

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