EV Home Charger Installation
EV Home Charger Installation Guide
The EV home charger installation is an important step for any EV owner to maximize the convenience of driving electric. Our main clients are overseas wholesalers who want to provide the best EV charging solutions for their customers.
The charger unit simply plugs into this outlet. Part of the installation is setting the charging current and other settings on the charger. Once complete, just plug in the car when parked in the designated spot and charging will commence automatically. With a home charger, EV owners can conveniently wake up to a fully charged vehicle every morning.
Level 1
Level 2
- Voltage 120V
- 5 miles per hour
- Residential use
- Portable available
- Deliver up to 1.9kW power
- Suited for plug-in hybrids and EVs with lower battery capacities
- Voltage 240V
- 20-60 miles per hour
- Portable and wallbox available
- Deliver up to 19.2kW power
- Deliver faster charging speeds than Level 1 and are the most commonly used chargers for daily EV charging needs.
EV Home Charger Installation Process
Step 1: Consult with a certified electrician
The electrician will eview the existing electrical panel and circuits to ensure there is enough capacity to support adding an EV charger. This may involve evaluating the main service panel amperage, calculating your electrical load and available capacity for a new circuit, etc.
Step 2: Apply for necessary permits
Before EV home charger installation, you must apply for the necessary permits from your local building authorities. The permitting process ensures your charger deployment adheres to local regulations and is done safely. Work with a qualified electrician to ensure complete and accurate permit submissions.
Step 3: Buy a home EV charger
When purchasing an EV home charger, ensure the connector fits your vehicle inlet. Choose a charger power level that suits your electricity needs. Opt for safety-certified models from reputable brands. Consult electricians to help determine the right charger specifications for your home’s electrical supply.
Step 4: Finish the installation
The final step is to complete the EV charger installation. The electrician will mount the charger, connect wiring per code, verify functionality and safety. Local inspections are conducted before wrapping up paperwork and permits. The owner is trained on usage and maintenance to finish the installation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
While some homeowners do install their own EV chargers, it is highly recommended to hire a qualified electrician. There are safety risks and building code requirements involved with running new high voltage wiring and circuits. Not getting proper permits and inspections can also be an issue.
Key factors that impact the cost include the distance from the electrical panel, the amperage of the circuit, upgrading the electrical panel or service, getting permits, and labor costs. Longer wire runs and more complex installations cost more.
If no electrical upgrades are needed, a basic Level 2 EV home charger installation may only take 2-3 hours. More complex installations requiring new wiring or an upgraded panel may take several days. The permit process can also add time depending on your locality.
Wall-mounted chargers take up less space and are generally less expensive. However, pedestal chargers are easier to use and can be placed away from the wall. Make sure the cord can reach the charging port on your EV.
- Level 1 – Plugs into a standard 120V outlet and provides about 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging. This is the slowest option but requires no additional wiring.
- Level 2 – Requires installation of a 240V outlet and provides 20-60 miles of range per hour of charging. This is the most common type installed in homes.
- DC Fast Charger – Requires high-voltage three-phase power and provides 50-100 miles of range in 20-30 minutes. This is not practical for most home installations.
It depends on your existing electrical service capacity and what amperage circuit you plan to install. Many homes already have 200+ amp panels that can support a 40-60 amp circuit for Level 2 charging. But for 100 amp or smaller panels, an upgrade may be needed to add an EV home charger installation. An electrician can determine if an upgrade is required.