How to design my garage?

[Citizen-T]

So, I'm in the process of building a new home and therefore have the unique opportunity to setup the garage with the perfect configuration for my Model S. I thought I'd offer this up to the community: how should I design my garage?

Specifically, where should I put plugs? What kinds of plugs? At what height? How many volts/amps? Any other thoughts aside from the electrical setup?

Thanks.

P.S. Garage floor plan is attached.

[TEG]

How many spare amps do you have to put to the garage? Can you get 240V 90A to the left side of the garage (upper right part of your PDF?).

Tesla hasn't released details of which charge plugs they will support. I think it would be a safe bet to think at a minimum you could get a 240V@70A J1772 based EVSE to put there. Possibly buy one from Clipper Creek, or wait to see what Tesla offers for sale along with Model S.

[dpeilow]

Prepare for a 240V, 100A circuit.

[doug]

Might you have more than one EV in the future?

[AnOutsider]

Might you have more than one EV in the future?

Not to hijack, but I might. I'm in a similar position as the thread-starter, though my builder is one of those "green builders" so they're planning solar this and green that. We haven't yet discussed electrical requirements so I'm equally interested in the knowledge in this thread.

[doug]

I'd say try to design for expandability.

[NigelM]

I placed my NEMA 14-50 socket on the center of the back wall - that way the charge cable reaches the car easily regardless of whether I park forwards or reversed into my garage. I would have put the socket 2ft above the ground so that the charger would rest on the floor and the weight wouldn't be pulling down on the plug; however, local regs dictate that 220v/50A garage sockets must be 48" off the floor.

Tip, make sure you can place a hook or similar on the wall near the socket to hang the cable when not in use.

[Lloyd]

I would wire each parking stall (right and left sides) with 4 x #4 wires so you have 100 amps available to each stall. L1, L2, Neutral and Ground. You may not need to use the Neutral, but it is there for you in case you need it. You might not use them all at the same time, or you could program them to charge at lower levels for longer periods. You can choose the recepticle or EVSE at a later time when needed. 48 inches would be a great height as mentioned above. Have your contractor leave you a 2 to 3 foot + tail so you can connect an EVSE directly.

Additionally, I would put a protected Nema 14-50 or wired box on the exterior of each side of your garage. Then you will have power available for all of your Tesla Motors Club friends when they come to visit.

[edo]

Consider installing 3 phase. It is probably going to be the source of choice for your next electric car (after the Model S). It may be cost prohibitive, but worth looking into.
In the meantime, up two three bays can be on a different phase.

[Thumper]

I would consider running conduit to the area under where cars will park and making a rectangle under the car a separate pour from the main slab. That way you can semi-conveniently add inductive charging when it comes.