How to Install an EV Charger at Home

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One of the most common reasons consumers switch to electric vehicles (EVs) is because they want to pay less in fuel costs. Charging an EV at home is convenient, simple, and tends to be much cheaper than fueling a gas-powered vehicle.

The process to install an EV charger at home depends on the type of charger you are using. Some chargers are simple to install, while others may require a technician. Here’s what you should know about installing an EV charger at home.

Setting up an EV charger at home

If you decide to install an EV charger at home, you can either install it yourself or hire a technician to complete the installation for you. There are three levels of EV chargers that you will hear about when researching home chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.

Installing a Level 1 EV charger

Image courtesy of Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

Level 1 chargers are the easiest EV chargers to install and are also the cheapest option. Every new EV purchase should include a Level 1 charger, which plugs directly into a regular 120-volt outlet. This means the installation process only takes a few seconds. If you are using a Level 1 charger, be sure that the outlet you use to charge your EV is dedicated solely to charging the vehicle so that it doesn’t get overloaded.

The downside to Level 1 chargers is that they charge EVs slowly over a long period of time. You can expect to get between three and five miles of range per hour of charge with these chargers. However, that might be fine for drivers who travel less than 30 miles a day and can charge their vehicle overnight. Many EV owners choose to upgrade to a Level 2 charger for their home instead in order to cut down on the charge time.

Installing a Level 2 EV charger

Image courtesy of Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

Installing a Level 2 home charger is more complicated than a Level 1 charger and often requires hiring a technician. Level 2 chargers are more powerful and will fill up an EV battery much faster. They also require a 240-volt power source, which is more powerful than what the normal 120-volt outlet can supply.

The cost to install a Level 2 charger is higher than a Level 1 charger for a variety of reasons. For starters, the price of the charger itself typically ranges from $250-$700. Consumers can expect to pay an additional $750-$1,500 in installation and labor costs when a technician installs the Level 2 charger. And that cost could be higher if you need the electrician to install a new electrical panel or upgrade your home’s entire electrical system.

To install a Level 2 charger at home, you’ll need 240 volts of electricity to run from your breaker panel to where you charge your EV using a 4-strand cable. This requires a specific type of circuit breaker and wiring. The average circuit breaker may not be compatible with the necessary components, which could mean upgrading or replacing your current breaker box. 

Because installing a Level 2 charger involves a very specific (and potentially dangerous) process, we recommend hiring a professional electrician to complete the installation. The installation cost can seem high, but damaging your home’s electrical system or installing the charging station incorrectly could lead to very costly issues.

You can shop for Level 2 chargers through SaveOnEnergy.com. We are an independent online marketplace that partners with top-tier energy, solar, and EV companies to bring electricity solutions to our consumers.

Installing a Level 3 EV charger

Image courtesy of Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

Level 3 EV chargers are used at commercial and industrial locations but aren’t available for residential use at this time. That’s because these chargers use direct current electricity instead of alternating current electricity and require 400-900 volts of power. Level 3 chargers are the fastest charging options available, but most residential locations don’t have the high-voltage supply that they need to function.

Average cost to charge at home

To estimate how much it will cost to charge your EV at home each month, you’ll need to know how many miles per kilowatt-hour the vehicle receives, how many miles you drive each month on average, and your electricity rate. The more frequently you charge your EV, the more it will contribute to your electricity bill each month. 

If you are interested in a detailed walkthrough of how to calculate the price to charge an EV at home, visit our EV charging cost guide.